Dr Kylie Dankiw’s best life
Dr Kylie Dankiw’s research into the benefits of nature for children will form the basis of a new book for educators and families, inspired by her own childhood outdoor adventures and supported by the Firefly Children’s Foundation.
What does your idea of the perfect day look like?
An autumn day spent in the Adelaide Hills. I’d start with a walk through the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, followed by lunch at an Adelaide Hills pub. I’d finish the day at home with my husband, watching a movie.
What is a wonderful moment of kindness you have experienced?
Recently, I returned to my car at the local shops to find I had a flat tyre. It was pouring with rain, and I must have looked completely stressed. A stranger pulled up beside me, asked if I needed a hand and, by chance, had a portable air compressor in his car. He pumped up my tyre enough for me to get home safely. It was such a simple act of kindness, but it made a big difference that day and reminded me how much a small gesture can mean when someone is having a tough day.
What is your favourite photograph?
This photo was taken on my wedding day in February, 2024 – my husband Aaron and I walking back down the aisle after our ceremony at Templewood House in the Adelaide Hills. Every time I see it, it takes me straight back to one of the best days of my life.
If you could own any piece of art, what would it be?
I’d love to own an original piece by a South Australian artist featuring Australian wildlife or our natural landscapes. I love supporting local artists, and I’ve always admired the beautiful Indigenous artworks displayed at the Prairie Hotel in the Flinders Ranges. I’d love to have one of those pieces displayed in our home.
Here’s $500. You have to spend it in the next hour – what are you buying?
I’d organise a day out with a group of our closest friends at a winery in McLaren Vale and shout everyone lunch and a few drinks. Our friends have done so much for us over the past year, especially helping with our home renovations, so it would be a nice way to say thank you and show them how much we appreciate everything they do.
A restaurant or cafe in South Australia you’d recommend?
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Pastel Wine Bar. Their Wednesday night Feed Me menu is incredible value, and the food, service and atmosphere are always amazing.
What was the last film or TV show you watched?
The final season of Outlander. I love a good romance, and it’s been one of my favourite shows for years. The early seasons, filmed in the stunning Scottish Highlands, made me fall in love with Scotland’s rugged landscapes and natural beauty so much that I convinced my husband to spend our honeymoon there. We hired a motorhome and travelled the North Coast 500 for a week. Everyone warned us to expect plenty of rain, but somehow we had sunshine for the whole trip – we couldn’t believe our luck!
Favourite way to unwind?
Going camping, sleeping under the stars and getting cosy by a campfire. Being outdoors is where I properly switch off and recharge. Some of my favourite spots to date are Memory Cove in Port Lincoln National Park, Perlubie Beach near Streaky Bay, and of course a getaway to the Flinders Ranges. Those trips always leave me feeling clear‑headed and refreshed.
Last book you read?
The Housemaid. I love a good psychological thriller, and this one definitely lived up to the hype.
Last song you listened to?
Skin by San Cisco.
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