A South Island couple unable to escape Cairns before Cyclone Yasi hit overnight felt so safe in their hotel they slept, then watched the huge storm from their balcony.

Police say a Canterbury Bulldogs NRL player has been arrested for allegedly providing false evidence to a law enforcement agency during the course of an investigation.

Sydney jockey Jim Cassidy continued his hot form in the saddle since resuming from a suspension this month when he guided Whitefriars to victory in the group two Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday.

Enough to make you spew Not even Kiwi talent can save the Oz "event" movie that is Panic at Rock Island, says Deborah Hill Cone.

A balloon flight gives Graham Reid a new perspective on the urban sprawl.

New Zealand amateur golfer Lydia Ko has finished second in the New South Wales Women's Open in Sydney.

Sydney has been branded Australia's worst city - by its own residents.

Matt Greenop has met the future of gaming - it's got a shady past.

There's plenty to do on and off a cruise ship, finds Shandelle Battersby, and the attentive staff make cruising even better.

A mining magnate has increased his offer to buy the Newcastle Knights to a guaranteed $A100 million sponsorship over the next decade.

Central Coast Mariners secured a 2-0 win in Sunday's low-key A-League NSW derby clash with a depleted Newcastle Jets.

Apprentices Brenton Avdulla and Josh Adams fought out the Villiers Stakes last week and are well poised to do likewise in Sunday's Summer Cup.

Sydney to Hobart organisers don't believe conditions will be as dangerous as those encountered during the tragic 1998 race.