Illawarra's 2025 Food Highlights: Pizza, Chicken & More
A delicious recap of the Illawarra's biggest food stories from 2025, featuring award-winning restaurants, iconic closures, and exciting new openings. Discover the region's culinary heartbeat.
A delicious recap of the Illawarra's biggest food stories from 2025, featuring award-winning restaurants, iconic closures, and exciting new openings. Discover the region's culinary heartbeat.
From the Hawks' championship glory to community triumphs and wild weather, Illawarra Mercury photographers Adam McLean, Anna Warr, and Robert Peet share their standout images and stories from a remarkable year.
Ring in 2026 across the Illawarra! Our complete guide covers Wollongong Harbour fireworks, the Summer Carnival, and live music from Royale With Cheese to Touch Sensitive. Find your perfect party.
Discover the best Illawarra pubs and breweries where you can bring your dog this summer. From ocean views to craft beer, find your perfect spot.
Discover the five Western Australian restaurants that earned perfect scores in STM's 2025 reviews, from Bunker Bay to Perth CBD. Find your next culinary destination.
Discover six easy, family-friendly bushwalks in and around the Illawarra, perfect for getting kids outdoors. Includes details on trails, wildlife, and safety tips for a memorable adventure.
Relive the year's most thrilling Illawarra sports stories. From the Hawks' NBL championship to local clubs ending decades-long droughts, discover the moments that defined 2025. Read the full countdown now.
Australians will soon say goodbye to iconic plastic items like soy sauce fish and bread tags as states roll out new bans. Discover what's changing and why in our full report.
Take a trip down memory lane with the Illawarra Mercury's photo gallery showcasing decades of local Christmas Day traditions, from beach barbecues to backyard cricket. See the festive spirit in action.
Discover Western Australia's premier holiday destinations for 2025-26. From Fremantle's historic charm to Karijini's ancient gorges, plan your ultimate escape.
Santa Claus has a special festive message for Illawarra children in 2025, outlining his three simple rules for Christmas Eve and revealing details about his ancient sleigh. Get the full story.
Get into the festive spirit with The West's ultimate guide to the best Christmas movies. From 'Elf' to 'Love Actually', our picks will delight the whole family this Christmas Eve.
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.
Wollongong athletics star Maiya Hewitt, 16, has smashed the world championship qualifying time with a stunning 400m personal best. Discover her race strategy and path to Oregon.
Discover where to find the crispiest, most authentic Portuguese tarts in the Illawarra region. From Wollongong to Shellharbour, we reveal the bakeries locals swear by.
Newcastle Knights centre Bradman Best is prioritising fitness for 2026, aiming for a home World Cup after a life-changing year welcoming his first child. Read his plans.
Three iconic Western Australian drives have been ranked among Australia's top road trips for families and couples, scoring highly for safety, scenery, and amenities. Discover the best routes for your next adventure.
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.
Discover Switzerland from a coach window on a 9-day tour traversing epic alpine passes like Simplon and Maloja. Experience a unique perspective beyond the famous train journeys.
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.
Explore the best walking trails and hidden gem hikes around Townsville. From coastal paths to mountain climbs, discover your next outdoor adventure in North Queensland.
A new national competition is on the hunt for Australia's top camel. Entries are open now, with the winner to be crowned at the Boulia Camel Races in July.
ECOVACS has launched massive Boxing Day discounts on its best-selling robot vacuums, with savings of up to $1,300. Discover the top models for spotless floors with zero effort.
Townsville photographer Evan Morgan shares his standout images from 2025, showcasing the city's vibrant life, landscapes, and community spirit. See his incredible work!
Hospitality duo behind Terra and Bar Outro open Pizzeria Officina in a converted Braddon garage, serving sourdough pizzas in a nostalgic, casual setting. Open for dinner and weekend lunch.
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.
MasterChef's Simon Toohey reveals his favourite Geelong eateries for the festive season. Discover where to find the best food and drinks in town. Plan your summer feast now!
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.
Perth's Il Locale pizza chain is giving diners a chance to have their January rent or mortgage paid. Enter by ordering pizza directly before 2026.
Norlane's Natasha Singh has been named Geelong's Best Kindergarten Teacher for 2025. Discover her inspiring journey and teaching philosophy that won over the community.