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The Paragon Cafe, in Katoomba.

A simple ticket could help save much of what makes NSW special

A crumbling Katoomba cafe contains a clue about how to preserve many of the state’s treasures.

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The Paragon cafe.

The Paragon has sat empty for eight years. Locals fear it might soon be gone for good

The owner of the heritage-listed cafe has been ordered to maintain the premises to a minimum standard.

  • Julie Power
The section of the Great Western Highway that was at risk of collapse due to the fill between its two sandstone walls built by convicts.

Blue Mountains highway avoids worst-case scenario for fix

However, the roads minister says it is clear it will take longer than three months to fix the damaged section of the road, which was built by convicts.

  • Matt O'Sullivan
A fundraising bonanza has sparked infighting in Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organisation.

The $100 million windfall that quickly turned from a blessing into a curse

With Barack Obama and Ellen DeGeneres plugging the cause, donations poured into a bushfire emergency fund. Infighting followed.

  • Caitlin Fitzsimmons
The section of the Great Western Highway which is threatening to collapse.

‘Major failure’: Key Blue Mountains highway to be closed for at least three months

With 12,000 vehicles using the road every day, the prolonged blockage will affect the delivery times and cost of produce from the region to Sydney.

  • Bevan Shields
Abdul Abdullah’s Cronulla triptych at the Art Gallery of NSW as part of the Biennale of Sydney.

What to see (and how to see it) at the 2026 Biennale of Sydney

A critic’s guide to the highlights of the event, which spreads from the Nepean River to Sydney Harbour.

  • Joanna Mendelssohn
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The Great Western Highway where it’s closed.

‘Mind-blowing’: How a convict-built crossing closed a Blue Mountains highway

The Great Western Highway is now shut indefinitely, as a stone causeway that’s almost 200 years old threatens to collapse under the weight of neglect and political indecision.

  • Bevan Shields
Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill stands in front of the historic Lapstone Hill Tunnel.

This tunnel was once used to store chemical weapons. It could become a bike path

For 10 years, this greater Sydney tunnel has remained closed. Now, it could reopen under a bold plan – if the council secures more funding.

  • Ellie Busby
Squaky Beach, with its sparkling torquoise water and glistening white sand, is one of Australia’s top beaches.

This beach was crowned Australia’s best. Is it being ‘loved to death’?

An increasing number of Australian natural wonders have become so popular, so rapidly, authorities are being forced to consider limiting public access to them. 

  • Bianca Hall
16-year-old Andre Marquez was found dead in the Blue Mountains National Park after becoming separated from his mate during a bushwalking trip.

Family mourns teen bushwalker, an ‘adventurous boy’ with a kind heart

Andre Marquez, 16, was found dead in a creek in the Blue Mountains after becoming separated from his friend during a three-day bushwalk.

  • Jack Gramenz