Trust us, this year there’s a lot to know – and all of it is right here in this essential guide. Politics
Are you an expert traveller? Test your knowledge with this week’s quiz. Politics
Parents at Newcastle Grammar School claim the former head of primary texted them after hours requesting money to pay for groceries, bills, travel and personal loans. Economics
The families say they will travel to Canberra in the first sitting week to call for an inquiry with the power to examine “all contributing factors”. Events
Senator Michaelia Cash has claimed $123,978 over 40 months, or more than $3000 a month, to stay in a home she owns in the nation’s capital. Politics
Data obtained by this masthead show the tax office used its powers to stop multimillion-dollar tax debtors leaving Australia just 46 times over six years, before sharply escalating enforcement this financial year. Economics
Twins Craig and Rohan Burgess have invested $8 million to build a new luxury paddle steamer, based at Echuca. Politics
Despite wars, changing entry requirements and a weak dollar, Australians’ love of travel showed no sign of slowing down in the past year. Politics
Mobile phone footage from recent evacuations has shown that people are increasingly pausing to recover their belongings from overhead lockers before evacuating a stricken aircraft. Events
The city’s newest deluxe digs, which comes with its own state-of-the-art podcast studio, is casting itself as a new cultural hub. Politics
Non-alcoholic drinks and Australian chefs get a big tick in our underrated and overrated foodie travel list, while QR codes and kids’ menus are given the thumbs down. Politics
Post-holiday weekend airline traffic was thrown into chaos as a mix of snow and ice bore down on the US Northeast. Events
Travel, especially long flights, can quickly disrupt your digestive system. Politics
Dinner’s ready: The volunteers delivering homemade lasagna to people going through tough times. Politics
Fiji has long been regarded as the best holiday spot for families, now it’s boosting its already strong credentials for luxe experiences. Politics
Demand for premium walking holidays is surging. Your boots will still get muddy, your feet may still blister, but the rewards will be oh-so-much sweeter. Politics
Anthony Albanese said he advised family travel should also be limited to Canberra or an MP’s electorate – aside from special circumstances – after an expenses scandal engulfed his government. Politics
There are hopes the $836 million market with its dazzling roof will become as much of an institution as standouts in Japan, Italy and Spain. Politics
How does a 30-tonne, 30-metre-long Boeing passenger jet go missing for well over a decade? That’s a question people are asking Air India. Politics
