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Ultimate Melbourne

Tim Colman on Friday Aug 20th, at 10:40 AM

Pure Pop Records

If you need to unwind after the election this weekend pick up the Sunday Herald Sun for your free copy of TrueLocal.com.au Ultimate Melbourne. We’ve covered Brisbane and Sydney previously so you should know what to expect in the guide. Put simply – quality places to eat, drink, shop, relax and should the need arise, escape.

Knowing your electorate

Tim Colman on Wednesday Aug 18th, at 02:04 PM

Lalor vs Warringah

The Federal election happens this Saturday which means you’re probably sick to death of hearing each party’s promises and swipes at each other. What about the seats each member represents though? Where do the locals there eat and drink?

Hello Adelaide

Myles Wearring on Wednesday Aug 11th, at 10:45 AM

Beautiful Adelaide.

If you’re an Adelaide local you’ve probably noticed our new TrueLocal.com.au ads on TV, in the paper and on the radio. We just launched them this week - what do you think?

While we’ve always been an Australia-wide site, we’re very excited to be expanding our presence in Adelaide and throwing our support behind South Australian small businesses and consumers. 

Ultimate Brisbane

Tim Colman on Thursday Aug 5th, at 11:31 AM

Cloudland

We looked at Sydney two weeks ago and now it’s Brisbane’s turn. For visitors and locals alike TrueLocal.com.au Ultimate Brisbane is your easy to carry guide covering the best places to eat, drink, shop and relax in the sunshine state’s capital city. You’ll find it free when you pick up a copy of The Sunday Mail this weekend.

City, surf and bars

Tim Colman on Wednesday Aug 4th, at 10:43 AM

Running - great for the knees

The City2Surf is on this Sunday starting with a bang from Hyde Park in the Sydney CBD and ending out of breath at Bondi Beach. It’s a 14km run to test your stamina and fitness. The problem is running is dull and not great for your knees. Pub crawls on the other hand are a lot more fun and hopefully don’t result in any knee reconstruction surgery. Here’s a few stops you might consider making if you need to break from pack.

Ultimate Sydney

Tim Colman on Wednesday Jul 21st, at 03:48 PM

The Winery by Gazebo

Just landed in Sydney and not sure where to eat, drink or shop? Perhaps you’re a Sydneysider but are looking are looking to widen your horizons beyond the local pub. Or maybe you need to know the latest and tastiest restaurant impress the fussiest of eaters. TrueLocal.com.au Ultimate Sydney is here to help.

Riding the Victorian snowfields

David Stone on Thursday Jul 15th, at 10:00 AM

Snowboarding on Mount Buller

So we’ve seen what New South Wales has to offer, now it’s Victoria’s turn. Head east to the Alpine National Park where you’ll find an extensive range of snowfields, resorts, bars, restaurants, more bars and even a museum.

Snowfields, in Australia?

David Stone on Tuesday Jul 13th, at 09:45 AM

The Thredbo slopes

Let’s face it, when you think of skiing locations Australia doesn’t immediately come to mind. But why not? The ski fields are conveniently located from most of the major capital cities; with great terrain, modern snow making facilities, and let’s not forget great parties!

The best things in life are free

Damian O’Keeffe on Wednesday Jul 7th, at 03:01 PM

Well, unfortunately the best things in life aren’t always free but the bus to get there certainly is!

If you’re a visitor to Sydney or you’re a local looking for something to do, a good way to explore the city is on the 555 bus. The 555 is a free shuttle bus that circles the CBD, from Circular Quay to Central Station. It costs the NSW government $1.3 million a year, so you may as well get your money’s worth!

Winter festivities

Tim Colman on Wednesday Jun 23rd, at 10:04 AM

Winter surfing

When you picture outdoor activities in Australia they’re generally hot and beach related. You might think everything shuts down over winter but there are pockets of activity happening throughout the country. Some of them are still water-related too, although more frozen then flowing.

Where are you watching the World Cup?

Tim Colman on Wednesday Jun 9th, at 03:14 PM

With the Socceroos actually looking like becoming regular combatants in the World Cup tournament Australians are actually watching soccer, or football as the rest of the world calls it. While our country’s geographical location generally offers a reasonable climate all year round it does mean we’re forced to watch the big World Cup matches at some lonely point in the morning when the only other thing on TV are infomercials.

Awarding local knowledge with badges

Tim Colman on Tuesday Jun 1st, at 02:17 PM

If you’ve logged in to your TrueLocal account to review recently you may have noticed you were awarded a badge or two. They’ll be highlighted on your profile and basically indicate your love of food, bars, pets etc.

So, what are people searching for online?

David Stone on Friday May 28th, at 11:29 AM

Ever had to find a shoe repairer in Brisbane or fancied a pizza in Hobart? Perhaps you’ve needed a local Melbourne plumber in an emergency.

From lifestyle to health and beauty, white-collar to blue-collar, we get all kinds of searches on TrueLocal.com.au. 

Some of the more popular searches on our site cover things that feature in your day-to-day activities, like finding a venue for a night out, or perhaps an annual chore such as requiring an accountant for your tax returns or a mechanic to get your green slip. 

What not to write in a review

Damian O’Keeffe on Thursday May 20th, at 04:18 PM

Stop! Think before you write

Here are a few tips on what not to write in a review, because we won’t publish it. We might have a laugh, but we won’t publish it.

These are all reviews we’ve received … and rejected, of course.

17th Biennale of Sydney, what’s on and where

Tim Colman on Thursday May 13th, at 01:39 PM

Nine car pile-up

The largest contemporary art festival in the country, the Biennale of Sydney, is holding its 17th exhibition this year. Running from May through to August across the city there’s plenty on display for budding artists, art posers and the art curious to enjoy and discuss. Best of all most of it is free.

Flowers again?

Tim Colman on Wednesday May 5th, at 03:45 PM

Get mum something she’d really like

So the Hallmark Holiday to celebrate the lady who popped you out and raised you is upon us. You probably shouldn’t limit ‘thanks mum’ to one day a year but if you do just a card and flowers can be pretty lame. Here’s a few ideas which could make the day memorable.

How do you play two-up?

Tim Colman on Thursday Apr 22nd, at 01:37 PM

Typical Anzac Day outfit

So you’re in a crowded, rowdy bar and the drinks are flowing. You notice everyone gravitating towards a rabble of cheers and two copper coins spinning above the sea of heads. “Come in Spinner,” is heartily shouted just before the coins appear. Confused?

Restaurant hygiene revealed with score on door

Myles Wearring on Wednesday Apr 14th, at 05:06 PM

Ever wondered how hygienic your local restaurants are? Diners in New South Wales will soon find out with the State Government introducing a score on the door hygiene rating for food businesses.

Restaurants taking part in the voluntary program will recieve a score of A, B or C - with A being the highest level of food hygiene and safety - that they must display on their shopfront.

Our top 5 Local Star reviews

Damian O’Keeffe on Friday Apr 9th, at 04:00 PM

Over the past couple of months our Local Stars have been providing TrueLocal with a huge amount of in depth reviews. In fact, well over 500 reviews have been added in just the last 8 weeks and there have been some real gems.

Four days of Easter

Tim Colman on Thursday Apr 1st, at 12:12 PM

Spinning out at the Easter Show

There’s definitely more to the Easter holidays than stuffing yourself with chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. While doing nothing but eating for 4 days straight is an admirable pursuit you might want to actually get out from under the mountain of chocolate and venture outside.

Why chocolate eggs and rabbits?

Tim Colman on Thursday Mar 25th, at 09:47 AM

You found an egg where?

Easter is the most important holiday on the Christian religion’s calendar. Why then is it commemorated across the globe by a giant bunny rabbit delivering chocolate eggs throughout the night? It’s not like chocolate and rabbits are an integral part of Christian teachings.

Where to complain

Tim Colman on Friday Mar 5th, at 10:38 AM

What would you do if your surgeon was smoking while operating?

It’s one thing to write about a negative experience on TrueLocal, but if a business has blatantly broken the law an anonymous review isn’t going to help. Different legal issues, including defamation, might mean your review simply can’t be posted. As a consumer you need to know your rights and direct your complaint to an organisation who can take action on your behalf.

Mardi Gras local hot spots

Myles Wearring on Friday Feb 26th, at 05:27 PM

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is upon us once more and the harbour city is brimming with interstate and international visitors here to help the locals celebrate.

To mark the occasion we’ve compiled this quick guide to queer Sydney’s highlights.

The gay and lesbian community can be found in all corners of Sydney but is most prominent in the trendy inner city suburbs of Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Potts Point and the surrounding suburbs of Elizabeth Bay and Rushcutters Bay, and in the vibrant inner west suburbs of Newtown and nearby Erskineville.

Moore wants less Yellow

Myles Wearring on Tuesday Feb 23rd, at 03:11 PM

A pile of Yellow Pages on the street in Surry Hills, Sydney last week.

What are you using your freshly delivered stack of Yellow Pages for? An attractive stand for your computer monitor? Something to fill the top shelf of your kitchen cupboard? A booster seat for the kids? Emergency toilet paper, perhaps?

With the annual delivery of printed Yellow Pages directories in full swing around the nation, millions of people are facing the annoying reality of having to dispose of the hefty tomes left sitting on their front doorstep.

One person who wants to see an end to the mass delivery of these books is Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

Eating your way through Chinese New Year

Tim Colman on Wednesday Feb 17th, at 10:02 AM

Well Chinese New Year celebrations have well and truly kicked off, with major events planned throughout Australia to mark the Year of the Tiger. While the Tiger might seem rather fierce apparently those born under the Horse, Dog and Pig sign are the most compatible with Tigers. Snake and Monkey signs are advised to steer clear.

There’s more to Valentine’s Day than flowers and lingerie

Tim Colman on Tuesday Feb 9th, at 10:22 AM

Difficulty in picking the perfect gift is not strictly the domain of men. Both sexes often find themselves bereft of ideas on the eve of Valentine’s Day. While sending flowers or lingerie may appear a no brainer it also indicates you’re probably somewhat short of romantic or interesting ideas. Here’s a few leads which may impress your loved one.

Local Stars: Truelocal’s best reviewers

Damian O’Keeffe on Monday Feb 8th, at 11:52 AM

You might have noticed we really like our reviews. We’re also quite fond of some of our reviewers. That’s why we’ve decided it’s time we rewarded our best reviewers and let everyone else know who they are. We’re calling them Local Stars.
We’ll be on the look out for more Local Stars so if you think you’ve got what it takes, get reviewing.
You can meet some of our Local Stars here and you’ll also find more info about how you can become a Local Star.

When a bad review can be good

Damian O’Keeffe on Friday Jan 29th, at 10:09 AM

Letting people write reviews on TrueLocal.com.au might seem like a simple idea but it can be more problematic than you’d think.

Some businesses are fearful of reviews because they don’t think it’s fair to let people write anything they want about them. The truth is they can’t – we moderate all reviews for legal reasons, offensive words and so on – which sometimes angers the reviewers.

Welcome to the TrueLocal.com.au blog

Myles Wearring on Wednesday Jan 27th, at 02:24 PM

Hello, thanks for reading our new blog. This is where you’ll find tips, news and views on local businesses - for consumers and business owners.

Most importantly, this blog is about you. We want to hear what you think, whether you use local businesses or own one. Don’t be shy, join the discussion. This is your chance to have your say.

We’ll also keep you up to date with some big changes we have coming to TrueLocal in the near future.

I hope to hear from you soon.