Free Australia Day Festival at Coogee Beach
Celebrate Australia Day 2026 with free family entertainment at Coogee Beach. Enjoy live music, cultural performances, wildlife encounters, and classic Aussie competitions.
Celebrate Australia Day 2026 with free family entertainment at Coogee Beach. Enjoy live music, cultural performances, wildlife encounters, and classic Aussie competitions.
Wollongong City Council will review the cancelled New Year's Eve fireworks after a wave washed over the breakwall. The probe will ask why there was no Plan B. Read the full story.
An antisocial trend of using cling wrap to reserve public spaces has returned to Wollongong's Stuart Park for New Year's celebrations, sparking local outrage and calls for better enforcement.
Perth is set to host six world-class sporting events in 2026, including the FINA World Swimming Championships and the IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Discover the full schedule.
Wollongong City Council cancels the 9pm New Year's Eve fireworks display due to dangerous ocean conditions at the harbour. Public safety cited as the top priority.
Plan your New Year's Eve in Wollongong with details on foreshore road closures, public transport options, and fireworks displays. Essential travel advice for 31 December 2025.
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.
Wollongong residents have shared ambitious ideas, including a tunnel and a Las Vegas-style sign, for the Flinders St 'arrival boulevard' revamp. What do you think should happen?
Your complete guide to celebrating New Year's Eve in Townsville. Find times for family and midnight fireworks, event locations, transport tips, and essential road closures for a safe and spectacular night.
From the Kardashians' matching PJs to Taylor Swift's $1 million donation, see how Hollywood's biggest names celebrated Christmas 2025 on social media.
Perth endured its hottest Christmas Day since 2021, with temperatures soaring to 41.3C. West Australians celebrated by heading to the coast, donning festive gear to beat the extreme heat. Discover how locals and visitors adapted their traditions.
Zolile Ganya-Jones arrived at 4am on December 25, becoming the first baby born on Christmas Day at Canberra Women's and Children's Hospital. New parents Juanita Ganya and Hugo Jones share their festive joy.
Geelong residents embraced a sunny Christmas Day with beach barbecues, a special aquatic Santa delivery, and community feasts. Discover how the city celebrated.
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.
As the Illawarra Hawks prepare for their third straight NBL Christmas game, we explore whether sport has a place in Aussie holiday traditions. Insights from players and fans.
Adelaide's ambitious $20 million Grand Opera project is back on, with fresh dates locked in for 2025. Discover the new timeline and what it means for the city's arts scene.
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.
Over 150 volunteers served a festive feast to up to 1200 people at the 25th Samaritans Christmas Lunch in Newcastle, providing vital community support during tough economic times.
Chefs Courtney Roulston and Michael Weldon reveal their favourite Christmas side dish recipes. Get easy steps for a Heirloom Tomato Caesar and Tzatziki Potato Salad to wow your guests.
The Pod Well Travelled dives into festive customs worldwide, from Germany's markets to Japan's KFC Christmas. Discover the holiday magic. Listen to the episode now!
Harley and John's Seafood in Fairy Meadow faced massive Christmas Eve demand, selling five tonnes of prawns and thousands of oysters as queues formed before dawn. Locals share their festive feast plans.
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.
Wollongong-born Jenna Owen co-writes and stars in the off-beat festive comedy 'Nugget is Dead: A Christmas Story', a modern Aussie family tale premiering on Stan. Discover the local inspiration.
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.
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.
Perth's festive season is in full swing as thousands of families enjoyed free fun at the Optus Stadium Christmas Festival. The weekend event featured carnival rides, Santa visits, and outdoor movies.
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.