Sharyn Ghidella

55, 7News presenter, Milton

What time do you wake up on a Saturday?

No matter what time it is, it’s always too early... ha! As a mother of two boys, my wake-up call is dictated by where they are playing cricket and how long it will take to get there. We generally reserve any sleep-in until Sunday morning ... if you can call 6.30am a sleep-in.

Best place to go with kids?

Cricket, on a Saturday morning, followed by a session in the cricket nets at the local park. My boys also enjoy riding their bikes or scooters along Brisbane’s many bike paths or heading to South Bank to check out the Queensland Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art or the Art Gallery.

Favourite park?

It’s hard to go past Roma Street Parklands. It’s such an oasis in the middle of the city and it’s just so relaxing to take a stroll through the exquisite gardens. And no visit is the same. Each season the landscape changes. It’s such a great place to hang out with the family.

Local coffee haunt?

I don’t really drink coffee, so I honestly don’t have one, but they do a great peppermint tea at Francy’s Patisserie in Rosalie, or Peach Café in Auchenflower.

Best spot for date night?

Anywhere we don’t have to cook and clean-up the dishes afterwards. Dinner at a nice restaurant, like Gambaro’s or Otto, or sunset drinks at The Emporium is always a great night out.

Favourite takeaway?

If you love French food, Haig Rd. Bistro is hard to go by. Eat in or takeaway, every item on the menu is a taste sensation.

Where and when do you exercise?

I wish I could say I get up early and do a 5k run every morning, but sadly, I don’t. Exercise, for me, revolves around everything else.

Best exercise spot ?

Definitely at home and on my own. However, when I do want to venture out, I always enjoy a stroll along the Teneriffe River Walk or a bush walk up Mt Coot-tha. The beautiful scenery does make you forget you are working up a sweat.

Best hidden treasure in Queensland?

The Babinda Boulders. The rainforest and massive rock formations combine to create a picturesque setting. Add in the massive pool of ice cold water and it makes for the perfect place to escape the northern summer heat. A great place to check out.

Favourite place to holiday in Queensland?

I’m a bit biased, I know, but Far North Queensland is one of my favourite places to visit. The reef, the rainforest, the spectacular scenery, the people and the relaxed lifestyle combine for one impressive destination. I try to visit once a year to connect with family in Babinda and to enjoy a vacation, often at Palm Cove or Port Douglas.

What’s your idea of the perfect Saturday?

Having very little in the diary. A perfect Saturday for me would be spending the day with family, then catching up with good friends that night. My days of partying on a Saturday night are long gone.

Best thing about your neighbourhood?

The people. We have such lovely neighbours all along our street. There is also a strong feeling of community in our suburb.

Sharyn Ghidella is a 7News presenter