Media Columns

Since 2021, I've written a weekly column for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald about life, love, royals and modern realties . You can find my entire back catalogue by clicking the button below or browse a handpicked selection here:

Go to The Age

So far, so good: A mother’s guide to parenting on the

It feels like it was only five hours ago that I left the Freemasons Hospital with my firstborn, terrified and exhilarated. It seemed...

Kate Halfpenny

Feb 9, 20233 min read

This summer I’ve found the secret to happiness – and science agrees

My neighbour Lisa texts just after 7.30am. Swim? Yep. We chuck boogie boards in the Golf, its boot studded with sand middens, and head to...

Kate Halfpenny

Jan 26, 20233 min read

The enduring optimism of petrol station guy

The man in front of me at the petrol station on Christmas Eve took his sweet time. He’d pulled up on a motorised scooter, grabbed a large...

Kate Halfpenny

Dec 29, 20223 min read

A new man has spiced up our marriage: Our golf coach

The minute my husband knocked off work on Wednesday, we took off for couple’s time. Not long ago, that would have meant vodka and a...

Kate Halfpenny

Nov 24, 20223 min read

Life’s golden rule: Whatever you do, don’t look back

Watching Ariarne Titmus gingerly carry the Melbourne Cup out before Tuesday’s race made me want to yell at the telly. Arnie was doing it...

Kate Halfpenny

Nov 3, 20223 min read

Heavy backpacks, no showers, sleeting rain. My new definition of luxury.

The first terrifying bit of our terrifying holiday came at Tullamarine airport when I nearly did a hip flexor getting my backpack from...

Kate Halfpenny

Oct 20, 20223 min read