The December 13 edition
Welcome to our final edition for 2025. It feels slightly disorienting to write that since I am sure just last week it was March, but such is the warp speed of modern life. Our final cover story for the year is a profile of Robert Irwin. The Crocodile Hunter’s son was born into the spotlight – almost literally, given there was a camera crew in the delivery room. The typical Hollywood trope would be that intense fame and the tragic loss of a father would be enough to set someone like him on a nepo-baby path of self-destruction. Not so: Irwin appears to be carving out an international career on his own terms. It’s a fascinating portrait of a young man who has already had an extraordinary life. Also today, to help you prep for the holidays, you will find our summer reading recommendations. We hope this will keep you entertained before we return on January 24. Keep an eye out also for our annual Tennis magazine on January 17. However you are spending the festive season, we wish you and yours a happy and safe summer break. – Melissa Stevens, editor
- Exclusive
She was one of Australia’s hottest TV stars – then she vanished. What happened to Tania Lacy?
A dramatic firing, cruel rumours and a battle with addiction saw this 1990s TV sensation retreat from the limelight. Now, Lacy reveals the story behind her disappearance.
- Michael Lallo
‘I feel like I am at my limit’: Robert Irwin on fame, DWTS and the one role that still eludes him
His dad, Steve Irwin, wrangled crocodiles in his path to American hearts. Now, Robert Irwin’s channelling the same charm – and the cha-cha – in his drive to promote conservation and kindness.
- Ashley Spencer
Forty books for 10 types of reader – here’s what to read this summer
Our pick of standout summer reads matched to every mood, habit and beach-bag alter ego.
- Melanie Kembrey
My daughter had high hopes when we moved to the US. She ended up fearing Trump might ‘get’ me
An Australian journalist moved with her family to New York City just before Trump retook power. She reflects on a year with a front-row seat to tumultuous events in the US.
- Liz Gooch
How a quiet corner of Tasmania could be the setting for Australia’s first ‘anti-restaurant’
The poster princess for wild Tasmanian cuisine is bringing it all home with an intimate new farm-restaurant venture.
- Luke Slattery
Eight of the best biographies and memoirs of 2025
From politicians to music legends, here are eight biographies about fascinating identities and their impact on our world.
- Nicole Abadee
‘I didn’t care which one I kissed!’ The friends who married identical twins
Friends Nina Stocker and Kate Day became sisters-in-law when they fell in love with twin brothers, despite always thinking they had different tastes in men.
- Susan Horsburgh
Detained in China, Cheng Lei missed ‘being a human’. One defiant act helped her survive
The Australian journalist and author, who was incarcerated in Beijing in 2020 for three years, on enduring prison, embracing life – and keeping perspective.
- Benjamin Law
One couple lost their $25,000 engagement ring right after the big moment. Their first call was to Mike
A growing army of detectorists is helping reunite beachgoers with their lost rings – and unearthing other precious objects.
- Amy Molloy
An eight-hour shift without a toilet break: The gruelling day of a freelance Santa
“I reckon we got through 300 families that day. Santa Ron, who’d been due to relieve me after four hours, had collapsed backstage!”
- Andrew Hornery
- Recipe collection
- Good Weekend
Food, glorious food! The Good Weekend recipe crew’s new Christmas menu
Make your 2025 festive feast one to remember – and not a ham in sight!
- Review
- Doutta Galla Hotel
The ‘Dirty Gutter’ is spruced up into a charmer with a ‘bloody good’ parma
Hitting classic pub tropes, the new-look Doutta Galla Hotel, aka The Doot, is a hoot.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Don Beppino’s
The lasagne bolognese is a banger at one of the oldest Italian restaurants in NSW
The menu is long with decades-old recipes at Don Beppino’s, aka The House of Lasagna. Add this Italian icon (with free BYO) to your next holiday itinerary.
- Callan Boys
Test your general knowledge with the Good Weekend quiz
Trivia buffs: can you get a perfect score in the interactive superquiz?
Other editions
The March 21 edition
Stephanie Alexander and The Cook’s Companion at 30 | Free-diver Ant Williams | Debra Adelaide and Gabrielle Carey | How to deliver a baby on a plane
- 11 stories
The March 14 edition
The high-strung, low-key world champ who could become our most-capped swimmer | Ukraine’s world-leading robotics work | Filmmaking at -50C | Consoling a friend
- 13 stories