Sydney Weekender
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television broadcasting |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | New South Wales, Australia; nationwide via 7two |
Key people | Sam Mac (presenter) |
| Products | Travel television program |
| Website | 7plus |
Sydney Weekender is a travel television program from Australia that features various destinations throughout New South Wales. It premiered in 1994 on the Seven Network, initially broadcasting on Saturdays at 5:30 pm before shifting to the same time slot on Sundays, airing ahead of the local news. The show is presented by Sam Mac and is also broadcast nationwide via 7two.
The series showcases a wide range of locations across New South Wales, emphasizing local attractions, recreational activities, and culinary experiences. By August 2012, it had surpassed 750 episodes and inspired related programs such as Melbourne Weekender. Many of the places highlighted participate in commercial partnerships, often purchasing advertising or sponsored segments within the episodes.
In November 2019, the Seven Network revealed plans to cancel the series, with its final episodes scheduled for early 2020. Nevertheless, due to audience demand and backing from sponsors, Sydney Weekender was brought back in 2021 to continue exploring New South Wales’ tourist offerings. Viewers can stream episodes through 7plus.
In January 2022, Matt Shirvington took over hosting duties from long-serving presenter Mike Whitney, whose last episode aired on 30 January 2022. Shirvington’s first episode followed a week later on 6 February. Then, in January 2023, Sam Mac assumed the hosting role as Shirvington shifted his focus toward expanding responsibilities within Seven News and Seven Sport.
Presenters
- Candice Dixon
- Daniel Gibson
- Darren Coggan
- Felicity Urquhart
- Erica Davis
- James Tobin
- Jack Yabsley
- Karen Ledbury
- Lizzy Lovette
- Luke Carroll
- Matt Baseley
- Mel Symons
- Peter Wells
- Sam Mac (host)
- Sally Stanton
- Sophie Falkiner
- Teigan Nash
Former presenters
- Cameron Williams (original host in 1994)
- Ada Nicodemou
- Nuala Hafner
- Tim Campbell
- Sally Obermeder
- Greg Page
- PJ Lane
- Melissa Doyle
- Sonia Kruger
- Johanna Griggs
- Mark Beretta
- Georgie Gardner
- Amber Sherlock
- Andrew Ettingshausen
- Monique Wright
- Rahni Sadler
- Ann Sanders
- Leigh Hatcher
- Kylie Gillies
- Rose Jacobs
- Jason Stevens
- Rebecca Stevens
- Lea Wilson
- Matt Shirvington