We went to look at a possible ex-demonstrator VW or even a new one. We were greeted by a salesman who was reasonable in his approach but simply wanted us to test drive a car before talking prices. After the test drive of a ex-demonstrator he then decided to talk about prices and what he could do as he wanted to shift the vehicle out of the lot. Once it was apparent the price was too high we started to enquire about a new car but without all the options.

We eventually settled on a car which was available now (though they required 3 days to get it ready??) and then the whole paperwork saga began. The salesman couldn't use the ordering system and had to receive help at every step - this made the whole experience painful and long winded.

But to top it all off we found out the day after signing the contract that VW had a special offer on with free stamp duty, dealer delivery, CTP and rego which was never offered to us!! When confronted by this the next morning we were told by the salesman that he had just returned from holidays and he didn't know it was a current offer. After many phone calls backwards and forwards they finally agreed to reduce the price by a little as they had already offered a "substantial" discount on the new car.

The new car purchase experience overall was very average and not what you'd expect from a European car maker like VW.

We've since had the car in for it's 1000km check - they were advised at the time of booking we would be waiting for the check and we actually bought it in early in order to be one of the first. It took an hour before they even looked at the car and another hour to look over it. All for a 1000km check where nothing is changed or replaced.

Overall the experience was disappointing though we're very happy with the car itself. We'd probably recommend any potential new VW car purchasers go look at the other VW dealers in Brisbane first and ask some questions of them. The car itself is great and can't be faulted.

We've been to Lange's a few times and generally the quality has been good though on the odd occasion it's been average to below average - depends on the cut of meat you're after. The chicken skewers can be a little light on with marinade as they are usually all stacked together and the marinade just poured over the top.

What is very disappointing about Lange's is the service - most times we've been there the girls behind the counter have been short and rude. No greetings when you walk in and quick answers to your questions without much emotion. Overall a very cold experience and not one usually associated with local, 'friendly' butchers. Try the butcher down Pleasant St a little further next to the Bunch of Grapes - he's your typical friendly butcher.

I'v been to this bookstore several times now - a great little gem tucked away at the bottom of Sturt St. A long narrow shop, it has numerous categories of books, mostly second hand, all of reasonable to good quality. Right down the back is a little coffee nook where you can have a hot coffee while you browse, but unfortunately this was broken the last time I was there (and really wanted a coffee too!).

You might find a rare or out of print book here though the majority are not that rare. All are very well priced according to their age and condition. The website has a search function where you can see if a book is in stock though the one time I used this it failed me. It said a book was in stock though when I rang to confirm I was told it had sold - a visit a few days later proved this to be incorrect as it was on the shelf. So not a failure of the search function as such, but probably a failure of the staff to check properly. Overall a great little bookstore which reminds me of Black's Book (without the rude, obnoxious Bernard serving!)

Approximate cost: $Varies

Interesting bakery concept as it has a drive through. We've regularly visited for coffee which is good, and I've had a Bolognese pie which was interesting!

The other bakery items we've bought from there have been good with the quality as you would expect from a bakery.

One small point - if you park out the front near the drive through lane, expect to get caught if the line is long as you can't reverse into the line-up of cars as there is no room. You may be waiting a while for someone to give you a break!

Approximate cost: $5

We've been going to Happy Jacks for a while now and each time we've been very pleased with the facilities and service. It's a clean environment with modern play equipment, complete with a cafe for the Mums and Dads. Prices are very reasonable compared to some other play centres we've been to around the country.

The large business unit is heated and air-conditioned and has several themed rooms for children's parties. We recently had our son's 5th birthday party there and all enjoyed the few hours. $13\head was a good price for what you get. For extra we ordered a hot platter for the parents. Most commented they were very pleased with the centre.

If you don't want the fuss of having a party at home with all that goes with it, then consider Happy Jacks. Great for a few hours if it's raining or cold, but be warned it's very noisy (obviously)!

Approximate cost: $10

Both times we've been here we've been happy with the food and service. Great location over looking the (dry) lake. Can get busy and is quite popular on the weekends - service could be an issue during these times. Meal quality was good and sizes well priced.

New owners have recently taken over and I believe the service and quality has improved. Our first time there was with the 'old' owners though we didn't have reason to complain.

Parking could be an issue during busy times so be prepared for a little walk. Very popular with the cyclists on weekend mornings though they tend to eat in the footpath dining areas. Dining area is adjacent to the bar and does get noisy with multiple large-screen TVs playing sports.

Approximate cost: $28

We've recently had a few issues with quality at Coles. On one occasion an expensive brie cheese was off and covered in mould. On another we bought one of the expensive rib-eye roasts only to find it had gone off in the cryovac packaging. (This was from the Wendouree Stocklands store).

Both times we've had a refund or the item replaced but it's not what you'd expect from a Coles. Bad food handling and storage methods were probably to blame. The fruit and veg has been questionable at times as well.

Being a chain of restaurants you'd expect a level of consistency, however the Ballarat HB appears to be an under-performer. We've dined at several HB around the country and general the quality and service is good.

Where the Ballarat HB lacks is in the quality of the meat and veges. Our lunch size steaks were very heavily marbled with fat and quite dry - not what you expect from HB and their unique slow cook method. The veges appear to be microwaved with that 'crisp' taste to them. This has been the case for our past 2 visits so it's not a coincidence. Both times we've been there near opening time (11:30am) so it can't be attributed to the rush hour.

Parking can be a little difficult as it's on the Bakery Hill roundabout with limited parking out the front and across the street - McDonalds and Nandos are in competition here.

Unfortunately due to the consistently low quality steaks we won't be going back nor will we be recommending it.

Approximate cost: $23

The Beechworth Bakery at Ballarat is a favourite with us and visitors alike. Great range of bakery items, always fresh, though the sizes are a little inconsistent. My wife enjoys the date scones but it can be hit and miss on the sizes as they are hand made.

The decor is a little dated and the wooden table and chairs need a lift but after all, it's only a bakery. The prices are a tad high (pie $4.50, toasted bacon\cheese sandwich $5.70) but the quality is very good which makes up for this. The Ned Kelly pie is my favourite.

The coffee is good though occasionally we get a very strong coffee for some reason; possibly a learner barista perhaps? Parking is good with metered parking out the front or a small carpark out the back shared with other businesses (during weekends it's for the bakery mainly).

One comment I will make is that during busy times you will normally get your food well before your coffee is ready. If your someone who like to have their coffee with their food this could disappoint. Another small point is that if you're expecting to get a loaf a bread (after all it is a bakery!) you'll be disappointed as they don't do bread. Coffee loyalty card requires 9 coffees before you get your 10th free.

Can get busy on the weekends with bus loads and tourists alike so plan to get there a little earlier than usual.

Approximate cost: $5

Good menu and service in nice surroundings with the option to dine indoors or out (weather dependant). The lunch specials are good value - I had the risotto and my wife the prawns on rice. Both meals were of good size for their price and came with a glass of house wine.

Service is good though you order at the counter with your table number - no table service. The coffee is good as we regularly grab one on market days. Popular location due to the park and botanical gardens and parking can become an issue on busy, sunny days. Bookings a must if you don't want to be disappointed.

Approximate cost: $15