Offers & Pricing
We have 5 offers available. To choose the most suitable option for you, please consider if you want a personalised plan, a guided walk before breakfast and follow-up services.
1. Bespoke Coastal Morning — Bronte Walk • Personalised Plan • Breakfast by the ocean at Coogee (Premium offer)
The most complete way to begin your time in Sydney. Start with a gentle walk along the Bronte–Coogee cliffs, then enjoy a relaxed breakfast in a quiet café by the ocean. Your personalised plan is created before you arrive from your discovery questionnaire. Calm, beautiful and thoughtful — ideal for guests who want clarity and depth from the start. Monday to Thursday at 7am. From approximately €550 (for 1 or 2 guests; GST incl.).
2. Bespoke Breakfast Experience — Personalised Plan • Breakfast by the ocean at Coogee (Premium offer)
A warm, unhurried breakfast in Coogee with a personalised plan prepared in advance. Conversation is gentle and clear, and guidance is matched to what matters to you — art, history, food, design, nature or simply understanding local life. Perfect if you prefer to arrive directly at the café rather than begin with the coastal walk. Monday to Thursday at 7.30am and 10.30am. From approximately €425 (for 1 or 2 guests; GST incl.).
3. Escorted Bespoke Experience (up to 3 hours)
For guests who have already enjoyed breakfast. Choose a private, escorted visit designed around your interests — galleries, architecture, makers, ocean pools or cultural sites in Coogee and La Perouse. Flexible, personal and gentle in pace, offering a deeper understanding through curated local pathways. Monday to Thursday at 9.30am and 12pm. From approximately €315 plus entries/transport additional for 1 or 2 people for up to 3 hours.
4. Coastal Walk + Breakfast (Entry option)
A relaxed start to your time in Sydney. Begin with a gentle coastal walk from Bronte to Coogee, then enjoy a calm, friendly breakfast conversation with Paul. This option does not include preparation of a bespoke plan. Ideal for guests who prefer orientation before exploring independently. Monday to Thursday at 7am. From approximately €325 (for 1 or 2 guests; GST incl.).
5. Breakfast Orientation (Entry option)
A simple, elegant introduction to Coogee, La Perouse and Sydney. Over breakfast, Paul shares practical suggestions, local insights and recommendations without preparing a bespoke plan. Suited to confident, independent travellers with limited time. Monday to Thursday at 7.30am and 10.30am. From approximately €215 (for 1 or 2 guests; GST incl.).
Interpreter
An independent, qualified interpreter for breakfast and more. Prices vary - from €90/hr (1‑hour minimum).
Next Steps
It will not take long to arrange your breakfast with Paul McCarthy.Paul is available from Monday–Thursday as this is when Coogee’s cafes are quieter and offer a more relaxed experience.To get started, please email us with your preferred option and the dates you will be in Sydney.After enquiry, you will receive a short discovery questionnaire (about your interests, mobility, dietary needs, dates) to help us prepare.We will send you the meeting details, weather notes and some suggestions after you reserve your spot.Guests who choose the premium option will receive a printed plan at breakfast.Accessibility is important: walking distances and stairs are explained clearly in advance.
About your host
Paul McCarthy has lived in Coogee since 2008. He is widely travelled and has guided small tour groups abroad. Paul is a writer with interests in arts and culture, local history, travel, spirituality and personal transformation. He retired from a lifetime of employment in the Australian public service in 2026. He supports ethical, independent and local businesses and accepts no commissions, ensuring transparent recommendations.Paul has a blog with writing and photography about Coogee, his travels, pilgrimages, spirituality, healing, arts and culture and musings on life. Read what Paul is writing at: www.iluminar.blog (Blogger link below).Paul opened an Instagram account in 2019 to share food suggestions with friends. He soon became the go-to person for advice about breakfast in Sydney and, after one of his friends christened him “The Breakfast Oracle”, he adopted this name for the Instagram account. See what Paul is eating at the Instagram link below.Paul has a Spotify playlist and blog post of the Australian music he recommends for the coastal walk. Use the links for Spotify and Blogger to check this out.
About Coogee… and surrounds
Welcome to Coogee Beach - my favourite place in Sydney, Australia.Located in Sydney’s east and abutting the Pacific Ocean, Coogee is a short commute to the central business district, Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach, a significant national park, several world class golf courses and the airport.Coogee has the best cafe offering in Sydney's east. It also has the best swimming options - from a patrolled ocean beach to 5 ocean pools (one is only for women). It is the starting point for the famous coastal walk to Bondi Beach which snakes past 5 unique beaches.The traditional owners of Coogee are the Gadigal and Bidjigal peoples of the Eora Nation. The colonial invasion of the area began early. The village of Coogee was gazetted in 1838.In the latter half of the 19th century, as Australians became enthusiastic beachgoers, Coogee was a popular place on weekends and this increased with improvements in public transport.In the 1920’s Coogee was promoted as “Australia’s most beautiful seaside resort” with British follies such as an ocean pier being built.A boom in construction of houses and apartments followed the wars and Coogee still retains many heritage properties in federation and art-deco styles interspersed with mid-century and more recent homes.Many of Australia’s most famous artists painted Coogee Beach and it is, indeed, unique in Australian art history. Coogee still attracts many extraordinary working artists living locally.There is something special about the energy in Coogee, with various faith communities, the home of the woman who is likely to be Australia’s next saint and a lovingly tended little shrine marking the spot where many believe the Virgin Mary appeared in 2002.When I want something different - to swim, walk the cliffs or enjoy nature somewhere else - my favourites nearby are La Perouse, Clovelly and Bronte.Read my blog (www.iluminar.blog) for information about life in Coogee, visiting Coogee and our local history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why only Monday to Thursday?
For quieter venues and higher quality conversation. Weekends are much busier in Coogee and noisy.Can I meet Paul for breakfast at other times?
You are welcome to ask Paul for an earlier or later meeting time and he will do his best to accomodate you from Monday to Thursday.How many people can join breakfast and bespoke escorted experiences with Paul?
No more than 4 people.What is the reason for price differences between options?
The prices reflect Paul’s time (including preparation time if you choose a premium option) and the number of clients.Where will we have breakfast?
In the best cafe in Coogee.
Why are the prices in euro and approximate?
Many of our clients are European and appreciate knowing the price in their currency. The costs are approximate because of currency fluctuations. Price and payment on the booking site are in Australian dollars.
How many times should I meet with Paul?
If you chose Offers 1 or 2 (Premium Bespoke Plan), only one meeting is needed. However, it may be possible to arrange extra time with Paul.
Will Paul provide guidance on sites other than Coogee?
Yes, but Coogee, La Perouse, Clovelly and Bronte are our specialty.What does the 'escorted bespoke experience’ involve?
Paul will accompany you on an experience you request as part of your bespoke plan. The details, including duration, will be customised for you.
What happens if it rains?
The cafes we use all have indoor seating. The Coogee orientation briefing can also be conducted indoors.
Are exclusive experiences listed?
No. They are offered privately, subject to availability, after we understand your interests.
Are vegetarians and people with food allergies catered for in the cafes?
Yes, absolutely.
Is it suitable for people with limited mobility?
Yes, provided we understand needs in advance; walking distances and stairs are explained clearly.
Is Paul’s guidance available without breakfast?
No, at least one breakfast with Paul is required.
Optimal length of stay in Coogee?
This depends on the type of holiday experience you want. One week is good, two is better - providing time to explore other parts of the city and beyond. A three-day visit suits travellers seeking a fast pace focus on Coogee and surrounds with little down time.
Is it necessary to stay in Coogee to access this service?
No. While Coogee is strongly recommended, guests staying in other parts of Sydney can easily commute to Coogee for breakfast with Paul.
Photo: Bathers Coogee
"Breakfast with Paul" - Coogee Beach, Sydney, AustraliaA personalised plan, guidance and curated local experiences for discerning international visitors. Our hyper-local approach, which is grounded in history, arts and culture, helps you to really get to know us. We offer clarity, ease and a sense of belonging."Breakfast with Paul” acknowledges and respects the Gadigal and Bidjigal peoples of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the lands and waters of Coogee, NSWPrivacy Policy | Terms and Conditionswww.breakfastwithpaul.com
https://breakfast-with-paul.square.site/
www.iluminar.blog
[email protected]ABN 93 107 542 317Copyright 2026 Paul McCarthy & iluminar - Coogee Beach.
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Privacy Policy
On this website and in my businesses, I treat your privacy with the same care and reverence I bring to each journey and reflection shared on this site. This Privacy Policy explains, in clear and grounded language, how your personal data is collected, used, and protected when you visit my spiritual travel and reflection blog.1. Who I Am
This is one of 3 businesses and a blog under the umbrella of iluminar-Coogee Beach (ABN 93 107 542 317). These are:1. www.iluminar.blog is a personal spiritual travel and reflection blog addressing issues such as pilgrimage, spirituality, healing, meditation, local history, arts and culture, food, music and photography, created and written by me, Paul McCarthy.2. iluminar.au is a business offering crystal light treatments, meditation training, intuitive guidance and spiritual coaching in Coogee Beach, NSW, Australia. Some services may be provided online.3. www.8pilgrims.com is a business helping advanced souls prepared for sacred journeys to the world’s most energised holy sites. The principal focus is offering consultations to individuals interested in sacred travel. Services are provided in person in Coogee Beach, NSW, Australia or online. 8 Pilgrims may also offer opportunities for guided pilgrimages (principally to Assisi, Italy) on an invitation only basis.4. www.breakfastwithpaul.com is a business offering bespoke travelling planning and guidance for foreign visitors over breakfast in a cafe in Coogee Beach, NSW, Australia. Clients are invited to complete a "discovery questionnaire” to assist us to prepare a bespoke plan for them (if they chose that service).Appointments and payment for services are managed through a separate platform (Square).When this policy refers to “I”, “me”, or “my”, it means Paul McCarthy as the data controller responsible for processing your personal data in connection with all my website(s) including this one.2. Summary of How Your Data Is Used
I collect and use limited personal data to make your interaction with the site(s) more meaningful and easy to navigate. In essence, I use your information to:
Notify you of new posts and reflections when you choose to subscribe.
Understand how the site is being used so I can improve the content, navigation, and overall experience.
Maintain the security and reliability of the website.I do not sell your personal data to third parties, and I only share it when it is necessary for operating the site or when required by law.3. What Data I Collect
The information collected on the websites is intentionally limited and proportionate. Depending on how you interact with the site, I may collect the following types of data:
3.1 Subscription and Contact Information
Name (if you choose to provide it).
Email address when you subscribe to receive new posts or contact me directly.
This information is collected when you actively provide it, for example by filling in a subscription form or sending me an email.
3.1a Other information to support the provision of services to you
You may opt to complete a “discovery questionnaire” for Breakfast with Paul to prepare a bespoke plan for you.
You may opt to provide information about your personal experiences and preferences to enable me to provide you with consultancy, coaching or guidance services.
3.2 Usage Data and Analytics
When you visit the website(s) certain information is automatically collected through analytics tools and server logs. This may include:
IP address (in some cases, this may be stored only in truncated or anonymised form).
Browser type and version, device type, and operating system.
Pages visited, time and date of visit, time spent on pages, and referring websites.
This data is generally aggregated and used to understand how visitors find and use the site, and to diagnose technical issues.
3.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. On my websites, cookies may be used to:
Remember your preferences (for example, language or cookie choices).
Maintain basic site functionality and security.
Gather anonymised analytics about how visitors use the site.
You can control or disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect how the site functions for you.4. How Your Data Is Used
I use your personal data only for clearly defined, respectful purposes connected with the relevant website and the services offered to you:
Subscriptions and email updates: If you subscribe, your name (if provided) and email address are used to send you notifications of new posts, reflections, or occasional updates related to the blog or my business service(s).
Responding to messages: If you contact me, I use your email address and any other information you provide to reply to your query.
Preparing for and providing services to you: If you complete a “discovery questionnaire”, I use the information for the sole purpose of preparing a bespoke plan for you. If you provide information about your personal experiences and preferences in wrtting to enable me to provide you with consultancy, coaching or guidance services, the information is retained only to provide those services and then destroyed. If the informaiton is provided verbally it is not recorded.
Improving the site: Aggregated analytics data is used to understand which content resonates, how visitors move through the site, and where improvements are needed.
Security and maintenance: Technical data and logs are used to monitor for suspicious activity, troubleshoot issues, and keep the site stable and secure.5. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)
For visitors in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, and other regions where the GDPR or similar laws apply, I rely on the following legal bases to process your personal data:
Consent: When you subscribe to receive emails, you give your clear consent to receive updates. You can withdraw this consent at any time by using the unsubscribe link in emails or by contacting me.
Legitimate interests: I process certain technical and analytics data to understand how the website(s) is used, to improve content and user experience, and to maintain security. I carefully balance these interests with your privacy rights.
Legal obligations: In rare cases, I may need to process or retain certain information to comply with legal or regulatory requirements.6. Cookies and Consent
Where required by law, certain non-essential cookies (for example, some analytics cookies) will only be used with your consent. You can change or withdraw your cookie preferences at any time using your browser settings or any cookie controls made available on the site.
For more detailed information on specific cookies used, I may provide a separate cookie notice or table, which will be kept up to date as tools and technologies evolve.7. Analytics Tools
The website(s) may use privacy-conscious analytics tools to understand how readers discover and move through the site. Where possible, these tools are configured to minimise the collection of personal data, for example by anonymising IP addresses and aggregating usage data.
Analytics data is used in a broad, reflective way: to see which journeys and reflections resonate, which pages may need clarification, and how the overall experience can be made smoother and more inspiring.8. Data Sharing and Third Parties
I do NOT sell or rent your personal data to third parties. Your information is shared only in limited circumstances:
Service providers: I may use trusted third-party services (for example, email delivery or website hosting providers) to help run the site. These providers only receive the information necessary to perform their services and are bound by data protection obligations.
Legal requirements: I may disclose information if required to do so by law, or in response to valid legal requests by public authorities.
Whenever third-party tools are used, I aim to choose partners that respect privacy and comply with relevant data protection laws.9. International Data Transfers
Because the internet flows across borders, your data may be processed or stored in countries outside of your own, and possibly outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom. Where this happens, I seek to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place, such as standard contractual clauses or equivalent protections, so that your rights remain protected.10. Data Retention
I keep your personal data only for as long as it is needed for the purposes described in this policy, or as required by law:
Subscription data: Kept for as long as you choose to remain subscribed. If you unsubscribe, your email address will be removed from the mailing list, though a limited record may be kept to honour your request not to be re-added unintentionally.
Contact messages: Kept for as long as reasonably necessary to respond to and document the conversation.
Discovery Questionnaire responses: Retained until the bespoke travel plan is provided to you and then deleted.
Analytics and technical logs: Retained for a limited period to analyse trends, maintain security, and improve the site, then aggregated or deleted.11. Your Rights Under the GDPR
If you are in the EEA, the United Kingdom, or another region with similar data protection laws, you have important rights regarding your personal data. These include:
Right of access: You can request confirmation of whether I hold personal data about you and ask for a copy of that data.
Right to rectification: You can ask for inaccurate or incomplete information about you to be corrected.
Right to erasure: In certain circumstances, you can ask for your personal data to be deleted.
Right to restriction of processing: You can request that I temporarily limit how your data is used in certain situations.
Right to data portability: You can ask to receive the personal data you provided in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format, and to have it transmitted to another controller where technically feasible.
Right to object: You can object to certain types of processing, including when I rely on legitimate interests. You always have the right to object to direct marketing.
Right to withdraw consent: Where processing is based on your consent (for example, email subscriptions), you can withdraw that consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe your rights have not been respected, though I invite you to contact me first so I can try to address your concerns with care.12. How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of your data protection rights, please contact me using the details in the “Contact” section below. I may need to ask for some information to verify your identity before fulfilling your request, in order to protect your privacy and the security of your data.13. Children’s Privacy
My blog and websites are intended for adults and is not directed at children under the age of 16. I do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe that a child has provided me with personal data without appropriate consent, please contact me so that I can take appropriate steps to remove that information.14. Changes to This Policy
As the journey of my blog and business(es) evolves, this Privacy Policy may be updated to reflect new tools, legal requirements, or ways of connecting with readers. When I make significant changes, I will update the “Last updated” date at the end of this page and, where appropriate, provide a more prominent notice on the site.15. Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, how your data is handled, or if you would like to exercise your data protection rights, you are warmly invited to contact me:
Email: [email protected]
I aim to respond to privacy-related requests with care and within a reasonable time frame, and in all cases within the time limits required by applicable law.Last updated: August 2026