Why should you pay to have breakfast with Paul?
That’s a fair question — and here’s my honest answer. I’ve lived in Coogee since 2008 and I know this place in ways that take years to understand. Here’s why breakfast with me might be one of the best investments of your visit to Sydney. (3 min read)
That’s a fair question.
The idea came from my own experience of travelling abroad — always curious about what a place is really like to live in, what goes on behind the facades, how people understand their world through the context they inhabit. “Breakfast with Paul” is the experience I always wished existed when I was the visitor.
Officially launched on the Lion’s Gate in 2026, Breakfast with Paul is for experienced independent travellers who want to go deeper in understanding a place — not just see it.
I have lived in Coogee since 2008 and know the best places to eat, things to do and the history of the place. I have good knowledge of local history and some great local connections.
Coogee has more stories than most visitors expect — a famous unsolved murder, Indigenous history stretching back tens of thousands of years, heritage houses most locals walk past without noticing, and the best ocean pools in Australia. These are the kinds of things that come up over breakfast, depending on what you’re curious about.
People say I am good company. I am also a writer, healer and traveller who is interested in the arts, history, faith, spirituality and personal transformation. My professional background includes senior roles in museums, arts and cultural policy, censorship policy, legal, social and economic policy, as well as psychotherapy.
Personal values are really important to me. I believe humanity is enhanced by travel, sharing and genuine curiosity. And that a great meal together builds connection and provides insight into culture and history.
I know that international travel involves a big investment of time and money. I want travel experiences that help me to understand a place, rather than generic, superficial experiences. I am deeply curious about foreign places and I want to end my holiday with a real sense of the people and their history. I expect excellent service and good value for money. I prefer tours designed for educated, curious (and quiet) people. I support ethical independent businesses that reinvest in their communities.
Coogee is a great place for a holiday but it takes time to understand why it is so special. I believe one can understand Australian history and culture by visiting Coogee with a little bit of help.
Coogee has the best food offering on Sydney’s eastern beaches and some excellent coffee. Breakfast is a Sydney institution. While Coogee has several excellent places for breakfast, there are also quite a few that discerning locals avoid. Knowing the difference is exactly the kind of local knowledge I bring to the table.
I want to add value to your holiday by sharing good quality information and facilitating authentic local experiences. I want you to leave feeling you know and, hopefully, like us. And I want you to have such a good time that you encourage your friends and family to visit Coogee.
I only recommend businesses and resources (books, films, music etc) I have used and enjoyed. I am explicit about the businesses I do not recommend and why. To ensure there is no conflict of interest in my recommendations, I do not accept any fees, benefits or gifts from the businesses I recommend.
In summary, what I offer is:
- a love of Coogee (heritage, natural environment, arts, cuisine)
- passion for high quality, independent, local businesses
- a premium service (which is bespoke; pre-emptive; friendly, reliable and timely in communications; with good quality information and experiences)
- a stylish and simple approach (like the art-deco heritage of Coogee I love so much) with an openness to serendipity (you will not be over-programmed)
- ethical, reliable, honest and transparent business practices.
What comes up in discussions over breakfast depends entirely on you — I prepare for each breakfast around my guest’s interests.
If you fancy meeting me for breakfast, connect with me through my website (breakfastwithpaul.com) and book online.
If you want to know about my life in Coogee, have a read of this post here.
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© Paul McCarthy & Iluminar.au
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