The Guardian is launching a subscription-based 'reimagination' of a weekend print newspaper, called Australia Weekend.

Guardian Australia editor Lenore Taylor says it will combine "the best bits of a print weekend newspaper" with the convenience and style of the digital medium. "It's the best of both worlds - the weekend paper in the palm of your hand."

Subscribers will also get early access to content planned for the weekend, plus "a considered selection" of the week's journalism.

Available to subscribers on iOS and Android mobiles and tablets, Australia Weekend will be available to download at 6am (AEST) every Saturday morning.

Taylor says the digital edition is the result of extensive research and conversations with readers.

It will form the central component of a reconfigured digital subscription bundle - the first created specifically for the Australian market - with a 14-day free trial to be followed by an introductory $10.75 per month and then $21.50 after three months.

Previously the Guardian has avoided a direct subscription model, claiming it has become profitable on the basis of contributions from more than 150,000 people in the past year.