When TV producer and podcaster Brenda Dennehy turned 40, she didn’t throw a party or host a big night out, she booked a one-way ticket to the other side of the world. Marking six years of sobriety and a new chapter in life, the Ballydesmond-born Brenda now living in London, celebrated the milestone with a powerful solo trip through Australia. Alongside launching The Comeback with Brenda Dennehy, her inspiring new podcast, Brenda embraced adventure, reflection, and personal growth proving that life after 40 can be just the beginning.
For a lot of people — especially women — turning 40 can bring a sense of dread or fear. But not for me. I couldn’t wait to hit the milestone.
Why, you might ask? Because getting older is a privilege denied to many. Having been through treatment for addiction, I know over 30 women who never made it to 40. So I’ve always looked forward to it.
I’m not one for big birthday parties in bars or surprise gatherings, so I said I’d do something special for myself. As someone who’s single and child-free, the list of options was endless. I decided to go to the other side of the world — to Australia — for three weeks to mark the milestone.
About three years ago, I remember hiding behind a tree in Marbella before going into a restaurant because my fear of solo dining was so intense. But I’ve made great progress since, and this trip Down Under was the best thing I’ve ever done.
My trip began in Sydney. I absolutely loved the city. It felt clean, vibrant, and full of life, with a laid-back energy that instantly made me feel at home. I always pick up on a city’s energy, and I could genuinely see myself living there.
On my first morning — less than 24 hours after landing — I hopped on a bike and cycled 10km to Coogee Beach for an ice bath. The woman running it turned out to be Irish, from Galway. The girl who invited me was from Kerry and even had a Kerry jersey waiting for me. Being half-Kerry myself, I wore it proudly. After dipping into the freezing ice bath, we ran straight into the South Pacific Ocean — the water was warm, and the whole thing was surreal.
That same day, I went for a run from Coogee to Bondi with a friend. It was majestic — just like the photos you’d see on Instagram, or scenes from Home and Away. I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, took the ferry to Manly, and of course did the classic tourist photos by the Opera House. I loved every bit of it.
Next, I flew to Brisbane and rented a little white Mazda — which I christened Toto, after Dorothy’s dog in The Wizard of Oz. I drove down the Pacific Coast to Byron Bay, taking in every second and reminding myself that I was living a life beyond my wildest dreams, especially after recently celebrating six years sober.
Byron Bay was exactly what you’d expect — full of surfers, sunshine, and a laid-back lifestyle. I didn’t see Chris Hemsworth, but I did drive by his house! Speaking of Toto — I accidentally left the lights on while walking to the famous lighthouse (the most easterly point of Australia), and when I came back, the car was dead. Thankfully, two Byron Bay council workers jump-started it for me.
From there, I drove up to the Gold Coast. The beaches were unreal — you could see exactly why it’s called the Gold Coast. Feeling spontaneous, I even booked my first-ever helicopter ride over the area. It honestly felt like a dream.
Then it was back up to Brisbane for another three nights. I finally got to hold a koala — you can’t go to Australia without doing that — and they were even cuter than I imagined. I visited Mount Coot-tha to take in the incredible view of the city, and then it was time to say goodbye to Toto as I caught a flight to the place I wanted to spend my actual 40th birthday: Hamilton Island.
Also known as paradise.
It was everything I imagined — white sands, crystal-clear blue water, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. I went all out. You’re only 40 once, after all. I rented a little bungalow on the island — my own private sanctuary. Each morning I woke up to kangaroos outside my door. There are no cars on the island, only golf buggies. I toasted my big day at One Tree Hill, overlooking the reef. It was magic.
I also took a boat to Whitehaven Beach — honestly, it looked like something from a movie. The sand was like nothing I’d ever seen or felt in my life.
After that, I headed down to Melbourne. From the moment I arrived at my hotel, I loved the place. It had this artistic energy that made me feel truly alive. I spent hours walking around, taking in the street art and culture. Of course, I had to visit St Kilda — where all the Irish live! The weather was stunning. It was Easter weekend, and I ended up going to Mass for the first time in years. What struck me most was how many young people were there. It felt so special.
I ended the trip with one last night in Sydney, treating myself to a stay at the Intercontinental Hotel overlooking the Opera House. When I arrived back at Circular Quay, it felt like coming home. The weather was perfect, and I caught up with a friend for a drink by the Opera House.
On my final morning, I biked down to Coogee again to watch one last Australian sunrise — and it was the most beautiful one yet. What I love about sunrises is that no two are ever the same. I sat on the rainbow steps with a heart full of gratitude. I was healthy, happy, and 40.
I finished the morning with one last Coogee-to-Bondi run, followed by the best açaí bowl I’ve ever had. A few hours later, I packed up and headed for the airport to tackle the 23-hour flight home.
But no holiday blues — I never really get them. I always say: you have to come home to go again. And I’m already booking my next solo trip — as a proud 40-year-old.
Check out more on Brenda’s page @brendabits
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