Sydney Weekender

{{Short description|Australian television series}}

{{Use Australian English|date=September 2013}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}

{{Infobox television

| image =

| image_size =

| caption =

| alt_name =

| genre =

| creator =

| developer =

| writer =

| director =

| creative_director =

| presenter = Sam Mac

| starring =

| judges =

| voices =

| narrated =

| theme_music_composer =

| opentheme =

| endtheme =

| composer =

| country = Australia

| language = English

| num_seasons = 28

| num_episodes = 1000+

| list_episodes =

| executive_producer = Alan Dungey

| producer =

| editor =

| location = Sydney, New South Wales

| cinematography =

| camera =

| runtime = Approx 30 minutes (including commercials)

| company =

| network = Seven Network

| first_aired = {{start date|1994}}

| last_aired =

| related =

}}

Sydney Weekender is an Australian travel show featuring destinations throughout the state of New South Wales. The program debuted in 1994 on Saturdays at 5:30pm, later moving to Sundays at the same time before the local nightly news bulletin.{{cite web|url=http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/mike-whitney-star-and-car-20140724-zw9b8.html|title=Mike Whitney: star and car|date=25 July 2014|accessdate=11 January 2017|work=Drive|first=Owen|last=Thomson}} It is hosted by Sam Mac and airs on the Seven Network in New South Wales and nationally on 7two.{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaweek.com.au/alan-dungey-takes-sydney-weekenders-success-to-melbourne/|title=Alan Dungey takes Sydney Weekender's success to Melbourne|date=8 July 2015|accessdate=11 January 2017|work=Mediaweek|first=Sally|last=Rawsthorne}}

The program visits various locations in the state highlighting activities, attractions, and dining options.

Sydney Weekender reached a milestone of 750 episodes on 18 August 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2012/08/mike-whitney-750-weekenders-and-counting.html|title=Mike Whitney, 750 weekenders and counting.|date=16 August 2012|first=David|last=Knox|work=TV Tonight}} The series has spawned spin-offs including Melbourne Weekender.

Many of the locations featured in the program have a commercial arrangement whereby they have bought advertisements or paid to be featured in an episode.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s1494641.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051102032450/http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s1494641.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 November 2005|title=Weekender for sale|work=ABC|date=31 October 2005|accessdate=11 January 2017}} In November 2019, the Seven Network announced the show had been axed with the final episodes screening in early 2020.[https://mumbrella.com.au/seven-cancels-more-programs-including-sydney-weekender-after-25-years-608347 Seven cancels more programs, including Sydney Weekender after 25 years] Mumbrella 28 November 2019 However, a number of travel shows axed by Seven including Sydney Weekender, were thrown a lifeline after a backlash to cost-cutting plans and sponsors.{{Cite web|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/01/axed-lifestyle-shows-return-to-seven-queensland.html|title=Axed lifestyle shows return to Seven Queensland | TV Tonight|date=26 January 2020 |accessdate=7 April 2023}}

Sydney Weekender has since returned for a full series, since 2021, exploring attractions, experiences and destinations across New South Wales. All episodes are available to stream anytime on 7plus.

In January 2022, Seven Network announced that Matt Shirvington would join as a host, replacing the long running host Mike Whitney. The final episode with Witney premiered on 30 January 2022, episodes with Shirvington premiering on 6 February 2022.Welch, K. (2022, January 28). Mike Whitney departs Sydney Weekender after 27 years. Mumbrella. Retrieved January 29, 2022, from https://mumbrella.com.au/mike-whitney-departs-sydney-weekender-after-27-years-721985{{Cite web|url=https://sydneyweekender.com.au/farewell-mike-whitney/|title = Farewell Mike Whitney|date = 30 January 2022}}

In January 2023, Seven Network announced that Sam Mac would replace Shirvington as host of the show. Shirvington will concentrate on his growing Seven News and Seven Sport commitments.{{Cite web |last=Molk |first=Steve |date=2023-01-29 |title=Sam Mac to host the all-new SYDNEY WEEKENDER |url=https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2023/01/29/sam-mac-to-host-the-all-new-sydney-weekender/ |access-date=2023-01-29 |website=TV Blackbox |language=en-AU}}