10 Illawarra School Holiday Ideas to Beat Boredom
Stuck for ideas with three weeks of Illawarra school holidays left? From skating in the mall to torchlight walks, here are 10 boredom-busting activities for families.
Stuck for ideas with three weeks of Illawarra school holidays left? From skating in the mall to torchlight walks, here are 10 boredom-busting activities for families.
Hundreds of young athletes competed at the annual Lake Illawarra Athletics summer carnival, now renamed to honour life member Howard McGarry. See results and highlights.
Kickstart your 2026 fitness journey with our guide to the best gym, yoga, and pilates deals across the Illawarra. From $6/week offers to free trials, find your perfect fit.
Discover five exciting new cafes and restaurants in Perth to visit this summer, from buzzy Cottesloe eateries to a coastal club in Yanchep. Your guide to the best new food and drink spots.
Discover how Graham Brown turned a passion into a profession, capturing iconic Illawarra sporting moments and earning global recognition. His story is one of timing, persistence, and pure love for the game.
Police hold serious concerns for the welfare of 20-year-old Eghan Khun, last seen on King Street, Warrawong in the early hours of Tuesday. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Explore a fascinating year from the Illawarra Mercury's history column, featuring tales of drunken tree-chopping, fiery ships, political threats, and vintage crime. Dive into 170 years of local stories.
The Illawarra-Shoalhaven region's 2025 progress, led by Port Kembla's major rezoning, unlocks thousands of jobs in clean energy and manufacturing. Industry leaders warn the region must act now or risk losing its strongest position in a generation.
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 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.
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.
Chef Jimmy Tings revamps the menu at Crouching Monkey in Northbridge with deeply personal dishes inspired by the streets of Malaysia. Discover flavour-packed share plates and bold Asian fusion.
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.
Canberra Times food critics Chris Hansen, Jasper Lindell and Amy Martin share the dishes they can't forget from 2025, their favourite eateries, and hopes for 2026's dining scene.
Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas has closed his acclaimed Canberra venue Carlotta after just over a year, citing a failed expansion plan. Read the full story behind the sudden closure.
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.
Getta Betta Coffee and Burger has launched at Cairns DFO, taking over the old Taco Bell location. Discover the new menu and opening details for this local dining addition.
Discover STM's curated list of must-see events and launches in WA. From Pearla & Co's seafood menu to Subi Spritz's return and Grumpi's innovative furniture.
Discover Bridge House in North Fremantle, where a stunning courtyard meets a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Our review finds the food is worth the wait at this popular local eatery.
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.
Wollongong businesses lament a 'step backwards' as fire safety concerns force a ban on outdoor dining in Crown Lane. Discover the impact on local nightlife and council plans.
The Meat & Wine Co has launched its second WA venue in South Perth, taking over the iconic Coco's site after 35 years. Enjoy river views and signature South African-inspired steaks.
From nostalgic arcade pizza to buzzy beach clubs, explore the new Perth venues that defined WA's 2025 dining scene. Discover where to eat and drink in 2026.
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.