Turia Pitt

Speaker and author, Port Douglas, 35

What time do you wake on a Saturday?

I wake up at 530am-ish – my children (Hakavai, 5, and Rahiti, 23 months, with partner Michael Hoskin) are usually awake and making noise, wrestling and arguing over whose turn it is to play with the dinosaur. I’m actually ready to wake up at this time anyway – we all go to bed really early in our household (7pm-ish!).

Best place to go with kids? We love taking the boys out to the reef, fishing, to the river, or to the beach.

Favourite park? Muddy’s Playground in Cairns. My kids froth on this place! It’s a water park, so there’s lots of water features, and the cafe is awesome with great coffee and food and smoothies and sandwiches. This is a highlight for me!

Local coffee haunt? I don’t go for coffee heaps, although I do love the coffees at Sparrow Coffee and Origin Espresso in Port Douglas. I love getting a smoothie from Nectar (Caramelize Me is my pick) and a Nourish Bowl with bacon from The Little Larder.

Best spot for a date night? We haven’t managed to do a date night that much, but my pick would be Barbados, and I’d get an Ocean Board which has oysters, salt and pepper squid, ceviche, tiger prawns and taramasalata dip. Add a margarita (or a beer) and you’ve got yourself a good night!

Favourite takeaway? Jade Inn in Port Douglas is honestly the best Chinese food I’ve ever eaten. I’d recommend the Sesame Honey King Prawns.

Where and when do you exercise?

Look, I love running, so I try and get out as often as I can. I also go to Move Embrace a lot – it’s a local gym where I always feel welcome, encouraged and supported. Plus it’s a super fun vibe.

Best hidden treasure in Queensland?

Mossman Gorge isn’t hidden, but it’s such a special place. I love going there with the family, swimming in the crystal clear pools, listening to the waterfalls and just being. I think the coolest thing we’ve done is a Kuku Yalanji Cultural Tour, and I’d highly recommend it.

Favourite place to holiday in Queensland?

Babinda I reckon! It’s a beautiful little town, has an epic bakery, and has the famous Babinda pools which my boys froth on. It’s also not too far from other waterfalls like Josephine Falls.

What’s your perfect Saturday?

Taking the boat out to Snapper Island and then going down the Daintree River. Or maybe a hike up to Spring Creek Falls. Or going out to a creek and cooling off.

Koko and the Coconut by Turia Pitt and Celestine Vaite, Penguin Random House Australia, $20, out now