Gerringong hotel expansion to address tourist shortage
Kiama Council greenlights 23 new rooms for Mercure Gerringong, tackling the Illawarra's critical tourist accommodation shortage. Plans include a rebrand and new facilities.
Kiama Council greenlights 23 new rooms for Mercure Gerringong, tackling the Illawarra's critical tourist accommodation shortage. Plans include a rebrand and new facilities.
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 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.
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.
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.
A Norwegian visitor's Australian Christmas holiday ended abruptly after a vicious attack by a group at St Kilda pier. Police seek four young people captured on CCTV.
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.
At least 16 people have died after a bus overturned on a Java toll road. The vehicle was travelling from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. Get the latest details on this tragic accident.
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.
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.
Townsville's historic Banks Hotel is being transformed into student accommodation, a key project in the city's CBD revitalisation. Discover the $1.5bn pipeline driving the urban renewal.
Volunteers have discovered a phone and a makeshift shelter believed to belong to Celine Cremer, missing in Tasmania since 2023. Police are now joining the search effort.
University of Wollongong executives questioned over financial decisions including a massive student accommodation loss and costly renovations for Prince Andrew. Read the full inquiry details.
Cairns Regional Council partners with major hotels to educate visitors on water conservation. The new initiative aims to secure the city's water future amidst tourism growth and climate challenges.
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.
A young woman has died after an alleged deliberate hit-and-run by an overseas tourist on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Police call it an 'intentional act'. Read the latest.
Perth's iconic 1901 Bon Marche Arcade secures a $1 million heritage grant to become short-stay accommodation, revitalising Barrack Street. A new chapter for CBD heritage.
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.
A devastating fire at a nightclub in Goa's Arpora has claimed at least 23 lives, including tourists. The blaze, suspected to be caused by a cylinder blast, highlights ongoing safety concerns in India. Read the full report.
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 devastating fire at a popular nightclub in North Goa's Arpora has killed at least 23 people. The blaze, believed sparked by a cylinder explosion, struck during peak tourist season. Read the latest updates.
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.
A 48-year-old woman was discovered deceased in a parked vehicle outside the Lake Illawarra police station. Police believe she may have been there for three days. A critical incident has been declared.
Extreme weather at Bali's Sangeh Monkey Forest has killed a staff member and caused severe damage to the ancient Pucak Sari Temple. Australian travellers urged to take safety precautions.
The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has approved plans to demolish the heritage-listed Inne Town Backpackers and replace it with a larger facility for seasonal workers. Read the full story.
Discover key ways Illawarra residents can support locals in need this Christmas, from donating hampers and gifts to volunteering at community events. Get involved and make a difference.
The Wollongong Welsh Choir will hold its last concert this December, ending a 30-year tradition due to dwindling membership and fewer Welsh migrants to the Illawarra region.
Pemberton's iconic Gloucester Tree climb remains closed, with the DBCA unable to confirm a 2025 reopening date. Key summer tourism faces uncertainty as safety upgrades continue.