Katrina Blowers

45, Channel 7 journalist/newsreader, The Gap, Brisbane and the Gold Coast

What time do you wake up on a Saturday?

I split my time between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, so it really depends whether I’m with my kids – Zahra, 14, and Jed, 11 – or with my partner Adam. Jed is still an early bird so I try and get up just before him at 5.30am to have some quiet time with a coffee and read a few pages of a book before the rush of family life begins. When I’m with Adam on the Coast, I must confess we often have a little sleep in so it’s more like 8am.

What’s your go-to weekend breakfast?

My kids and I have a Saturday ritual of getting amazing crispy pork belly banh mi for breakfast from a Vietnamese stall at the Kelvin Grove Markets. I feel like I’m giving away one of my biggest secrets, but they are the best banh mi in Brisbane! It’s seriously decadent stuff and I know this isn’t for everyone, but I love chilli for breakfast.

Where and when do you exercise?

I work out with weights at a Goodlife gym three to four times a week and see a personal trainer once a week. I’m also training for this year’s Gold Coast half marathon.

Favourite park?

Simpson Falls at the base of Mount Coot-tha. It’s so close to my home and work and it’s a regular spot for family BBQS and kids’ birthday parties.

Favourite beach?

I love everything about North Burleigh beach. And, of course, it’s also where a favourite restaurant is, Rick Shores.

Best place to go with dogs?

We love to take Adam’s groodle, Stanley, to Mermaid

Beach if we’re on the Coast or to New Farm dog park if we’re in Brisbane.

Local coffee haunt?

Cheese Me Baby at Mermaid Beach is hands down the best coffee on the Coast. And their toasties are insane. It’s always a double- shot flat white.

Favourite takeaway?

I can’t go past a box of beautiful salads from Botanica, Red Hill.

Best spot for date night?

Adam and I had our first date at Stanley Restaurant, Howard Smith Wharves (Brisbane). I picked it because I knew it was the same name as his dog. I’m pretty sure it earned me some brownie points.

Best spot for cocktails with the girls?

You can’t go past sitting on a sun lounge by the pool at The Calile in Fortitude Valley.

Favourite hidden treasure in Queensland?

Adam and I recently rented a house on Bedarra Island. The reef was on our doorstep and the island is small enough to kayak around with so many private beaches to picnic on.

What’s your perfect Saturday?

Great coffee, then maybe watching my kids play sport, a beautiful long lunch in the sun with friends, before work. I read the news on Saturday night and there’s a different energy in the studio on the weekend. I feel lucky to have the best of both worlds.