Former cricketer Mark Waugh reveals his favourite spots on the Central Coast

Former Aussie cricketer Mark Waugh reveals what he loves about living in the rural suburb of Jilliby in the Dooralong Valley on the Central Coast.

It has been a busy summer for Mark Waugh, as at home behind the Fox Cricket commentary mic as he once was in the baggy green cap of the Australian Test team.

But cricket is not the only game in town for “Junior” who also has a celebrated love for action at the racetrack.

Down time sees him at home in the lovely rural suburb of Jilliby in the Dooralong Valley on the Central Coast, where everything from beautiful walks to golf and tennis are right on the doorstep.

Early riser or Saturday sleep-in?

Fox Cricket commentator Mark Waugh. Picture: Supplied

I’m certainly not an early riser but normally get up about 7.30am on Saturday as that’s been about the normal time all my life including when I played cricket.

Best place to go on a Saturday?

To the horse races with my wife Kim who is a racehorse trainer. I would normally then hang out with the many owners for some drinks at the races then go home for a nice barbecue dinner on the balcony.

Favourite park?

Would be The Haven at Terrigal. It has great views of the beach and ocean while walking and a lovely lookout called The Skillion.

Local coffee haunt?

We like to support local cafes in Wyong called Glee and Duck Duck Moose. We also frequent Zenith cafe at Shoal Bay.

Best spot for a date?

Reef Restaurant and Bar at Terrigal. It has sensational ocean views and excellent seafood. I also love the Royal Hotel at Wyong for a Saturday date night. It’s got pub food at its best and superb cabaret-style entertainment headed by the one and only Marney McQueen.

Mark Waugh likes to go to Reef Restaurant and Bar in Terrigal on date night.

Favourite takeaway?

Sirone’s Pizza at Wyong. Great value and great tasting pizzas. Good size too.

Where and when do you exercise?

Either a walk at The Haven, Terrigal, or I go walking or bike riding around the country roads at home in Jilliby in the afternoon. I also love a hit of tennis and golf at Kooindah Waters resort at Wyong.

Best hidden treasure in NSW?

This would have to been Port Stephens. It has everything in the area. Beaches, restaurants, shopping and water sports including whale and dolphin watching.

Your favourite place to holiday?

Shoal Bay. We have a lovely unit on the water. Beautiful views and it’s a peaceful place with a great pub called the Shoal Bay Country Club within walking distance.

Your perfect Saturday?

It would start with a round of golf in the morning followed by an afternoon at the races watching one of our horses win, then finishing up with a lovely dinner with my beautiful wife Kim.

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Originally published as Former cricketer Mark Waugh reveals his favourite spots on the Central Coast