Why I Quit Sugar author Sarah Wilson loves national parks as much as Bondi
She loves living at Bondi Beach and I Quit Sugar author Sarah Wilson’s ideal date location is in the heart of the eastern suburbs — when her dates turn up that is.
Sydney Weekend
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She wears many hats – writer, presenter, podcaster and best-selling author of I Quit Sugar. But on weekends Sarah Wilson’s usually got her bushwalking hat on, exploring the many national parks and bush tracks accessible by train from Sydney.
Early riser or Saturday sleep-in?
I get up when the sun gets up. Even as an insomniac, I simply can’t sleep in. I generally get straight to the beach and into the water.
Best place to go on a Saturday to catch up with friends?
Most weekends I head out hiking. I’ll often take a group of friends with me. We meet at Central Station and catch a train out to one of the national parks within 90 minutes of the city and do a station-to-station route.
The train route is part of the excursion. I love Sydney trains. I often share this: Hiking – or walking in nature – goes at the same pace as discerning thought … so walking with friends in the bush is the best way to connect meaningfully. We generally end up at a pub for a beer afterwards.
Favourite park?
The Royal National Park – it’s so varied and has some awesome camp spots and such a variety of walks, terrains and swimming holes. There are also train or ferry stops at about seven points in the park. I also love mountain biking there – some glorious technical tracks.
Local coffee haunt?
Gertrude and Alice in Bondi. This bookshop-slash-coffee joint has become a second home and I do a lot of my writing there.
Best spot for date night?
Sean’s Panorama. I but dream. TBH, anywhere a bloke actually organises (and shows up to!) would be a great start.
Favourite takeaway?
Charcoal Charlie’s, they let me bring my own containers.
Where and when do you exercise?
I ocean swim or sand run on Bondi Beach, or do yoga and pilates at BodyMindLife (the best studio I’ve encountered) around 7am, and ride or walk throughout the day for transport (I choose not to own a car). Oh, and hike!
Best hidden treasure in NSW?
The Light To Light three-day walk down near Eden, mostly for the overnight stay in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage at the end.
Favourite place to holiday in NSW?
Anywhere with a great bush camp and a rural pub or place to grab a fun meal. The south coast has countless spots for this … Congo, Pretty Beach, around Bermagui.
What’s your idea of the perfect Saturday?
When I’m not out camping or hiking, an ocean swim across Bondi, coffee and peanut toast with a friend at Iceberg’s cafe, talk to friends overseas in the sun on my balcony, a movie night with friends on the couch with red wine and food we’ve planned all day.
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