Lisa Millar, co-host of ABC News Breakfast, reveals how her daily walk along Sandridge beach in Port Melbourne became a lifeline during lockdown. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey from foreign correspondent to finding joy in simple moments.
Why Lisa Millar Walks Every Day
Millar moved to Melbourne in 2019 to start her six-year stint on News Breakfast. Living alone during lockdowns, she discovered the therapeutic power of walking. “It became a lifeline,” she says, as we stroll toward the Sandridge lookout.
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Her natural curiosity shines through as she points out construction cranes, a children’s playground, and the historic Station Pier where migrants arrived from Europe. “I just kind of think, wow, what must have they been thinking?” she muses.
The Toll of a Foreign Correspondent
Before News Breakfast, Millar spent years covering major global events. She started in Washington DC during the Obama era, then moved to London. Within weeks, the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks occurred, followed by a string of heavy stories.
“It was a really big time in the world,” she recalls. Amid recounting the stress, she’s distracted by a native water rat — a rikari — and excitedly explains how she researched them. “The water has to be nice and still for them to come out,” she learned.
Key Takeaways from Lisa Millar's Story
- Daily walks can provide mental clarity and joy, even in unfamiliar cities.
- Curiosity about the world — from infrastructure to wildlife — keeps life interesting.
- Embracing new experiences (like testing a playground bilge pump without children) builds confidence.
- Reflecting on history — like the migrants at Station Pier — adds depth to everyday surroundings.
- Finding humor in small moments helps overcome anxiety and self-doubt.
Comparison: Lisa Millar's Walk vs. Typical Tourist Walk
| Aspect | Lisa Millar's Walk | Typical Tourist Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Curiosity, history, wildlife | Sightseeing, photo ops |
| Speed | Leisurely, stops often | Brisk, schedule-driven |
| Interaction | Engages with locals, fishers | Limited to landmarks |
| Outcome | Mindfulness, joy, discovery | Checklist completion |
How to Walk Like Lisa Millar
If you want to replicate her experience, start at Sandridge beach in Port Melbourne. Walk slowly, notice details, and let your mind wander. Stop by playgrounds, watch for rikari in calm water, and chat with people you meet. Millar admits she “constantly has butterflies” but pushes through anyway.
“It’s not like I’ve got reams of confidence,” she says, yet her enthusiasm is contagious. She even tried the playground bilge pump “with no children — I don’t care, I’m going to go over there.”
FAQ
How did Lisa Millar cope with lockdown loneliness?
She started daily walks along Sandridge beach, which became her lifeline. The routine helped her stay active and connected to her new city.
What did Lisa Millar learn from her foreign correspondent years?
She covered heavy stories like the Paris attacks, which taught her the importance of finding joy in small moments and taking breaks from constant news.
Where is her favorite walk in Melbourne?
Her favorite walk starts at Sandridge beach in Port Melbourne and passes the Sandridge lookout, Station Pier, and a children’s playground she highly recommends.
Lisa Millar proves that confidence isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up, staying curious, and allowing yourself to be amazed by the world around you. Whether you’re a Melburnian or just visiting, her walking philosophy offers a blueprint for a richer, more joyful life.