Marny Kennedy

28, actor, Gold Coast

What time do you wake up on a Saturday?

I usually wake up about 7am. I’ll always leave enough time first thing in the morning to make a tea and get back into bed with it, as I can’t start the day without a slow cuppa.

Local coffee haunt? It feels like sacrilege to admit this as a born and bred Melburnian, but I don’t drink coffee! If I’m going to sit and have a tea or breakfast somewhere, I love Tarte, Paddock or Palm Springs (Burleigh).

Favourite restaurant? Here on the Goldy one of my favourites is Anekawa (Mudgeeraba) – an incredible hidden gem that serves the most beautiful Japanese food. I love Tommy’s Italian in Currumbin, too, as well as Taverna (just over the border in Kingscliff).

Favourite takeaway? My housemate Kate and I have been complete ships in the night since I’ve moved up here, as we’ve both been constantly travelling interstate at different times. So we’ve now got a little tradition of ordering takeaway Thai from Zabisan (Burleigh), grabbing a bottle of red, and having a life debrief after an airport pick-up.

Favourite pub/bar to catch up with friends? Paloma Wine Bar on James St, Burleigh, is my all-time fave. I love Rosella’s too.

Best place to meet people? You can always count on Rick Shores to kick off a fun night. I’ve met some absolute legends while sitting out on that patio, but the only rookie error is thinking you can head to Rick’s for a “quick catch-up drink”. You will almost always end up still sitting there well after sunset, four hours’ deep into Champagne and bug rolls.

Where and when do you exercise? I’ve been travelling between Melbourne, Sydney and the Goldy so often over the past four months, it’s been quite difficult to get into a routine. When I have the time, I love exploring the area by jumping in my Mazda and finding a hiking trail. Otherwise, I love to swim, do yoga or drive to the beach for a stroll.

Best hidden treasure in Queensland? While it’s hardly a hidden treasure, I always love spending the day on the headland side of Tallebudgera Creek beach.

Favourite place to holiday in Queensland?

Growing up, some of my best holiday memories were made camping over on K’gari (Fraser Island). Our family used to take the 4WD over on the ferry, so some of my earliest memories are of the white sand and crystal water of Lake Mckenzie.

What’s your idea of the perfect Saturday?

I’ve always loved road tripping, so after my cuppa and a dip in the ocean, I’d pack up my Mazda and head out along the coast or to explore inland. I’d be back in time for a sunset wine and some oysters, or to cook up a big dinner at home with mates. Ending up having a dance somewhere would be perfect.