Nat Barr reveals 'iconic' reason for Sunrise absence: 'Such an Aussie thing to do'

Sunrise viewers may have got a surprise this morning when they tuned in to see their favourite hosts because one familiar face wasn’t there.

Monique Wright is filling in for Natalie Barr this week, sitting at the famous Sunrise desk with new host Matt Shirvington.

It turns out Nat is taking a well-deserved break from the show, following months of upheaval with the departure of long-time host Kochie and the studio moving from its Martin Place location to South Eveleigh.

Taking to her Instagram account, Nat posted a series of stories from the stunning Cable Beach in WA, where she rode on camels at sunset.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” a beaming Nat, who hails from WA, said in a selfie video to the camera.

“Like everyone, I’ve seen the pictures, the camel rides on Cable Beach but have a look at this,” she continued, panning the camera to show the picturesque setting.

“At sunset, we’re on a camel, it’s just so peaceful and beautiful. An iconic and such an Aussie thing to do. You’ve got to do it.”

Nat Barr admits fierce rivalry with Today's Karl Stefanovic

Nat's holiday comes just days after she admitted in an interview with Woman's Day that she and Today host Karl Stefanovic do have a very competitive rivalry between them.

"We look at the ratings every day and yeah, we want to win," she said.

"I was on radio with Karl a few weeks ago, I've known him for a long time and we like each other, but it doesn't mean we don't want to beat each other! We don't want them to win."

Back in May, Nat and Karl clashed live on air on Nova’s Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel, during a heated game of Quick Draw.

The pair went head-to-head, with their competitive nature coming out live on the airwaves.

When asked what it was like being in the same room as her “opposition”, Nat jokingly pretended she didn’t know who Karl was.

“What’s your name again?” she quipped.

“It’s not easy looking at each other and being such fierce competitors,” he remarked. “Look at the daggers.”

The Channel Seven star then shut down speculation there was a ‘TV war’ between them and said “we actually don’t mind each other”.

“That’s not true,” Karl responded.

“You hate me?” Nat asked, to which he joked, “Yeah, I do.”

“Okay, I hate you more,” she replied.

“Well, you’re successful, and I’m not,” Karl conceded. “So there.”

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.