Sydney’s Southwest Metro will open on 30 October, extending the line from Sydenham to Bankstown. The 66-kilometre route will include stops such as Marrickville, Canterbury, and Lakemba, replacing the old T3 heavy-rail line. Transport for NSW says the new Metro will carry 50 per cent more passengers and provide faster trips, with trains running every four minutes during peak times. Premier Chris Minns and Transport Minister John Graham have thanked commuters for their patience during the delays. Further extensions to the line are in early planning stages.
John Singleton's new 20-suite luxury retreat, The Grand Saddles Lodge, will be officially opened on November 2. The venue sits in an 11-hectare bushland setting at Mount White on the Central Coast.
Aldi will open at Hooper Centre Shopping Village in Toowoomba on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, at 8.30 am. The centre's owners, Hadley Green Investment Group, say the supermarket adds another grocery option for local shoppers. Hooper Centre has served the community for nearly five decades and houses around 20 specialty retailers. Customers will also get two hours of free parking. A refreshed brand identity will launch alongside the supermarket, with further details to follow.
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A new contemporary Mexican restaurant has opened on the Hillarys waterfront, bringing bold flavours and vibrant cocktails to Perth's northern coast. VIP guests gathered to celebrate the launch, enjoying Mexican-inspired dishes, signature cocktails and live DJ entertainment overlooking the waterfront. The restaurant, Picoso Mexican Bar Y Cocina, is designed around sharing. Its menu uses Australian produce in tacos, fresh seafood, snacks and larger plates, prepared with traditional Mexican techniques and a modern twist.
Upgraded netball courts at Bowes Avenue in Airport West are now open for use. Premier Ben Carroll and local club representatives attended the official opening on Friday, 16 October. The project delivered two courts meeting current Netball Victoria standards, along with a dedicated training space.
Madamelle, a new Asian fusion restaurant overlooking the Murrumbidgee River, has opened in Wagga. Owner and chef Jamie Shepley says the venue is his most ambitious yet. The menu includes oysters, pork belly pancakes, lamb rump and dessert options, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices. Head sommelier Adam Hudson oversees the drinks list, which uses technology to serve wine by the glass. The venue is also designed to host private and corporate events.
Maranoa Regional Council has adopted a three-tiered pricing structure for the new Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre. Options include casual entry, 10-visit passes and annual memberships. Mayor Wendy Taylor said the council wanted the facility to be accessible to the whole community. She said the centre will not recover its full operating costs through entry fees alone. The centre officially opens on Saturday, 12 December 2026, with a community celebration and family activities.
Picoso Mexican Bar Y Cocina has opened at Hillarys Boat Harbour, offering a shared-style menu of Mexican dishes. Head chef Ayush Nepal, who moved to Perth after working in Queensland, leads the kitchen. The menu includes WA oysters with a spicy granita, ceviche, corn ribs, smoked chicken wings, tacos and burritos. Diners can also choose from cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Interior designer Simone Eichler created a playful space with pink chequered walls and fun wallpaper. The restaurant is one of several recent venues to open at Sorrento Quay.
Paperchain Bookstore is opening a second location in Braddon, Canberra, on 24 October. Owner Tayanah O’Donnell says the store will offer over 16,000 titles and host bookish events. The 100m² space will feature a dedicated children’s area and a carefully curated selection of books, including Australian stories, international fiction, and classics. O’Donnell hopes the store will become a community hub for book lovers.
Penrith Beach will not open until late November, despite temperatures reaching 35 degrees on Monday. Local resident Suzanne Allen expressed frustration over the delayed opening, contacting State Penrith MP Karen McKeown for answers. The NSW Government confirmed the beach will return for its fourth season, with planning and procurement finalised ahead of the summer season. A shuttle bus from Penrith CBD to the beach is also being considered for the upcoming season.
