Illawarra restaurants, pubs, and hotels are experiencing high demand for Christmas Day dining as families opt to avoid the stress of cooking at home. Discover the festive menus and prices on offer.
From classic rom-coms to Santa action flicks, discover the 12 definitive categories of Christmas films to plan your perfect holiday viewing. Find your new festive favourite.
Albion Park Village Meats sees a 25% surge in roast orders as Illawarra residents prioritise festive feasts. Owner Glenn Stewart says 'people find the money for Christmas'.
Wollongong revellers face a choice this New Year's Eve: harbour or CBD fireworks? The Illawarra Hotel adds a 9pm CBD show, complementing council's harbour display. Locals share their picks.
New data reveals Australia's laid-back approach to Christmas shopping, with 9% buying on Christmas Day. Discover the trends and total spending forecast for 2024. Plan your gifts now!
A $312,000 review of WA's universities remains unpublished as the Cook Government defends spending $46 million on external consultants over two years. Read the full story.
Perth chef Sean Cridland shares a budget-friendly three-course Christmas menu for eight, costing under $16 per person. Get his recipes for a festive roast turkey, melon wreath, and Oreo truffles.
Over 300 young members of Shellharbour Surf Life Saving Club celebrated the festive season with games, water activities and a foil-surfing Santa. See the gallery.
Your essential guide to Geelong's Christmas and New Year trading hours for 2023. Find out when supermarkets, shops, and services are open over the festive season.
The annual cost for Canberra's Civic and Braddon flower boxes has surged by more than $100,000. Discover the details of the new contract and who foots the bill.
The Illawarra Mercury unveils its exclusive list of 56 standout young athletes set to dominate courts, fields, pools, and slopes in 2025. Discover the region's future champions.
WA's Labor government spent $46.4m on external consultants in just 10 months, with the opposition slamming the 'alarming' outsourcing rate. Read the full breakdown.
Need a caffeine fix on Christmas morning in Perth? Our guide lists cafes open on December 25, 2025, from Fremantle to the Swan Valley. Find your nearest spot for a coffee and a treat.
Lion's Den Collectibles opens in Warrawong Plaza, offering Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering & Warhammer. Owners aim to create a community hub where gamers of all ages can play and connect.
International tourism to Western Australia has officially rebounded, surpassing 2019 levels with record spending. Discover the key markets driving this boom and what it means for the state's economy.
Townsville's visitor economy is surging as tourists extend their stays, injecting millions into local businesses. Discover how this trend is reshaping the region's future.
Perth homes transform into festive wonderlands as two finalists share their heartwarming stories in the 7NEWS and Alinta Energy Light Up Christmas competition. Discover the magic and vote now.
Struggling for festive ideas? Our curated guide features perfect last-minute Christmas gifts for mum, dad, kids & more, with deals from Myer & Amazon. Shop now!
Children are now sending video wish lists for Christmas presents. Is this a useful modern tool or a sign of growing materialism? We explore the debate and its Australian context.
Bankwest data shows a drop in Black Friday shoppers across WA as households tighten budgets. Discover the spending trends and what it means for the local economy.
Illawarra Hawks star JaVale McGee is swapping snow for sun this festive season. The NBA champion shares his Aussie bucket list, from family time in Wollongong to a crucial Christmas Day NBL clash.
A severe heatwave warning is in effect for the Illawarra, with temperatures predicted to reach 35 degrees Celsius. Learn the details, why it's classified as a heatwave, and how to stay safe.
A deadly canine parvovirus outbreak is spreading across the Illawarra, claiming one puppy's life. Vets warn the soil-borne virus can linger for years. Protect your pet now.
Dish Magazine's Sarah Tuck helps recreate classic Aussie Christmas favourites. Discover how to elevate leftover ham into a Croque Monsieur and chocolate almonds into a stunning torte.
Thousands of children with disability or illness celebrated at the annual KidsWish Christmas party at Symbio Wildlife Park. The Illawarra Mercury mascot joined the fun.
Ditch boring presents this Christmas. A ticket to Jamberoo Action Park offers a full day of family thrills and splash-filled fun. Discover NSW's largest family-owned water park.
A Geelong mother reveals the beautiful chaos of contemporary Christmas celebrations, from festive traditions to financial pressures. Discover her heartfelt confession and tips for finding joy.
Illawarra Hawks great Glen Saville opens up on the immense pressure facing the team as their NBL championship defence teeters. Can they turn it around?
A former Dragons star faces crypto theft charges, a man admits years of stepdaughter abuse, and reckless stunts headline a busy week in Wollongong and Port Kembla courts. Read the full wrap-up.
West Australian reporter Caitlin Vinci shares her heartwarming experience of joining the Perth Christmas Pageant as a fairy, capturing the timeless joy and new traditions that define this beloved Perth event. Read her nostalgic account.