Tara Rushton reveals how she spends weekends with husband Cooper Cronk and kids

Football host Tara Rushton reveals where she likes to go with her husband Cooper Cronk and their two young sons, from their favourite local park to where to get the best coffee.

North Shore mum of two Tara Rushton knows the value of a Saturday morning sleep-in – but with energetic young sons, that’s a rarity.

When it does happen, the football host for Network 10 and Paramount+ says reading the papers in bed and husband Cooper Cronk’s homemade pancakes are the perfect thing to wake up to.

What time do you wake up on a Saturday and what’s the first thing you do?

I’m up at 6am. Harley (11 months) our youngest is our alarm clock. The first thing I do is head into his room for morning cuddles.

Best place to go with the kids?

Taronga Zoo. Lenny, my three-year-old, absolutely loves it. He is in through the gates and makes a beeline for the tigers. He loves the live shows, riding the Sky Safari cable car and the playgrounds too. It’s stroller friendly so I can push my littlest one around and the views are stunning.

Tara Rushton reveals what she enjoys doing on the weekend.

Cooper Cronk and Tara Rushton in 2019. Picture; Jason McCawley/Getty

Favourite park?

Clifton Gardens. It has great play equipment, and a fenced-off toddler park too and it’s by the beach so if the boys want to dip in the water they can. Lots of grass to set up on the reserve makes it a great place to picnic and play.

Local coffee haunt?

Heirloom Espresso at Mosman for great coffee and great service. Justin and Marcel serve up the best caffeine and are always accommodating when it comes to Lenny’s request for extra marshmallows with his babycino.

Best spot for date night?

A table on the terrace overlooking the beach at Betel Leaf @ Bathers. It’s delicious Thai food – the must-have dish is crispy barramundi with three flavoured sauce and the Pad Thai.

Rushton loves the croissants from Nosh at Mosman.

Favourite takeaway?

Japanese. Kojiro at Mosman is our go-to for sushi rolls.

Where and when do you exercise?

When Harley has his morning nap, I get out the yoga mat, pop on Fluidform at home and squeeze in a quick 30-minute workout.

Best hidden treasure in NSW?

The croissants from NOSH +, a hole-in-the-wall cafe in Mosman with the best pastries I’ve ever eaten!

Favourite place to holiday in NSW?

We fell in love with Cabarita Beach when looking for a holiday meeting spot between Brisbane and Sydney for our Brissy-based family to meet us. The beach is great for swimming and sandcastle building, Norries Headland is a great spot to take in the view and Lions Park is perfect for a picnic. Caba Social and Nectar were our regular coffee and brekkie spots and Paper Daisy Restaurant at Halcyon House is gorgeous for date night.

What’s your idea of the perfect Saturday?

A sleep-in, coffee in bed with the papers, my husband’s homemade pancakes for breakfast. A big morning walk with the family and an afternoon swim at the beach wrapped up with a barbecue at home in the evening.