Strong cyclone hits western Australia
A powerful cyclone lashed Australia's resources-rich west coast Tuesday, bringing torrential rains and destructive gales that ripped up trees and roofs and closed major global iron ore operations.
Sparkling Sydney to kick off glitzy global 2014 party
Sydney promised an unprecedented fireworks spectacular to kick off global new year celebrations Tuesday, the first in a wave of pyrotechnics to usher in 2014 from Hong Kong to world record-chasing Dubai.
New Year on ice as weather stalls Antarctic air-sea rescue
An icebound Russian research vessel prepared to ring in the New Year in remote Antarctica Tuesday as blizzards hampered a helicopter rescue planned after several icebreaking attempts failed.
Rescue of stranded Antarctic ship stalls
A Chinese icebreaker has failed to break through thick ice to free a ship carrying scientists and tourists stranded off Antarctica, forcing Australian authorities to look at other rescue options Saturday.
UN urges Thailand to drop charges against website
The United Nations has urged Thailand to drop defamation charges against two Australian and Thai journalists for a report alleging military involvement in people smuggling, warning of a "chilling effect" on press freedom.
Rescue underway for Russian ship trapped by Antarctic ice
Three icebreaking ships were Thursday hurrying to reach a Russian vessel carrying 74 people on a scientific expedition which is trapped by ice off Antarctica, with Australian authorities coordinating the rescue mission.
Sri Lanka bars Australian luxury hotelier in flag spat
Sri Lankan authorities barred the Australian owner of one of the world's most exclusive hotels from returning to his adopted homeland Tuesday for flying the national flag upside down, officials said.
Anti-whalers dismiss 'sham' Australian surveillance
Militant anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd on Monday dismissed as a "sham" Australian government plans to track Japan's annual whale hunt by air instead of by sea, saying it was a toothless and "cowardly" response.
Australia gives environmental nod to $5.7 bln coal project
Waratah Coal on Saturday welcomed the Australian government's approval of its $6.4 billion (US$5.7 billion) Galilee coal project, as conservationists warned the decision threatened the environment.
Explorers reach Mawson's Huts in Antarctica
Two Australian explorers have battled dangerous sea ice to reach the historic Mawson's Huts in Antarctica which have been isolated for years by a giant iceberg blocking the route in, officials said Friday.
Australia deli sued over 'semen' in bottled water
An Australian woman is suing a deli after drinking bottled water that allegedly contained semen, lawyers said Friday, with claims that DNA showed it matched the owner of the business.
China to build two new Antarctic bases: state media
Chinese workers are on their way to build the country's fourth Antarctic research base and a fifth is being planned, state-run media said Thursday as the country expands its imprint on the icy continent.
Australia PM stands firm against 'corporate welfare'
Prime Minister Tony Abbott warned struggling Australian companies Wednesday to get their house in order, refusing to indulge in "corporate welfare" subsidies despite car giant Holden's decision to shut local plants.
World experiences hottest November in 134 years: US
The month of November was the hottest experienced on Earth since record-keeping began in 1880, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Tuesday.
Hefty fine for ignoring 'Do Not Knock' sign
A door-to-door salesperson who ignored a "Do Not Knock" sign to try to win over a gas customer has ended up costing their Australian employers Aus$60,000 (US$53,600).
Australia's top court overrules gay marriage in capital
Australia's High Court on Thursday struck down gay marriage in the nation's capital where dozens have wed under a landmark law, ruling that parliament must decide whether to approve same-sex unions.
Airline's pay-by-weight fares take off with passengers
The head of a tiny Pacific airline that pioneered a fare system based on passengers' weight said Wednesday the move had been so successful the carrier is upgrading its fleet.
Coal port plan will kill Great Barrier Reef: activists
Conservationists on Wednesday slammed Australia's approval for an Indian firm to expand a major coal port on the Great Barrier Reef coast, warning it would hasten the natural wonder's demise.
Car maker Holden to close Australian plants in 2017
Struggling automaker GM Holden on Wednesday said it will shut down its manufacturing operations in Australia by 2017, shedding 2,900 jobs, in a major blow to the nation's car industry.
'Murdochisevil' appears in News Corp paper puzzle
Rupert Murdoch has made enemies in his rise to become the world's most powerful media baron, and that apparently includes someone at his Sunday Telegraph newspaper in Australia.