We went to book a passage on the Indian Pacific from Adelaide to Broken Hill for four people. We were attended to almost immediately by one of the friendly staff who went through all the details in a thoroughly professional manner. We were told the cost including any incidentals, details of the train and the trip and even booked us into a motel at our destination all in one meeting. Her manner and courteousness made us thoroughly relaxed and at ease as she went about our business. Now with all the bookings and arrangements done and paid for all we need to do it turn up at the terminal next week, board the train and look forward to a great trip, all thanks to the staff at Great Southern Rail head office.

EDIT 21/6/2012: After booking our trip on the Indian Pacific (see above) we headed to the Adelaide Park-lands Terminal booked in our luggage and awaited the call to board. After boarding, there was a short wait before the train began to move. There was an air of excitement within us as we have not travelled on a long train trip before other than the local trips in Perth and Brisbane, the Adelaide local trains do not even come close. As the giant train eased past Wingfield and Dry Creek it picked up a bit of speed as it headed out past Parafield and Salisbury and snaked its way toward Elizabeth. As it picked up more speed we could see the lush green fields and paddocks of yellow canola flowers which looked like a giant tapestry as we headed further north past the Snowtown wind farms, Crystal Brook, Gladstone and past the old gaol arriving at Peterborough for a short stop to make a pick up. We were advised to get up and stretch our legs and we were permitted to traverse limited areas of the train so we ambled to Matilda's Cafe where they had snacks and light meals available plus hot and cold beverages which could be consumed at any available table. If there was no room the refreshments could be taken back to our seats and consumed there. The scenery outside was now decidedly drier with with bushy shrubs and trees and the tell tale signs of some recent rain with muddy pools and puddles dotting the tracks and fields. As we got closer to Broken Hill the scenery had turned very dry and barren looking with hardly a speck of greenery. We arrived in Broken Hill about 90 minutes late due to several stoppages caused by track work and rail maintenance. For the return journey the train was also late but as the station master told us that his trains are never late and that once they were rescheduled they were on time. More track works between Sydney and Broken Hill were once again the reason for the late arrival. The return journey was much the same arriving back in Adelaide, once again about 90 minutes late. All in all this was a fantastic experience and if you are a pensioner why would you not take advantage of your Centrelink concession to make this trip. It cost only $12 each person each way for the fuel tax and the only other expense was the accommodation at the end, plus any meals. If it wasn't for the concession we probably would never have made this trip. A thoroughly worthwhile, exciting and probably a once in a life time experience.

When holidaying in Queensland we usually stay at the Kangaroo Point Holiday apartments which is about a 3/4km walk to Normans Hotel. After the walk a nice glass or two of beer is in order and we have this in the beer garden. Then we amble round to the steak house for lunch, and wow. The area opens out to a spacious area with lots of tables and chairs. a bar and the kitchen facility. The dining here is an experience with the atmosphere and aromas of a steak house. The meal although a tad expensive is well worth it, steak or schnitzel, the potatoes cut in four and garnished with bacon pieces then wrapped in foil is an added treat. A nice bottle of wine and settle back and enjoy. Why can't we have experiences like this back in Adelaide, maybe someone will get the idea soon. Great atmosphere, great pub and great food. We will be back if and when we are in Queensland again.

What a location!!!! Nestled directly under the Story bridge is a marvel in itself. In the lounge bar the gigantic pylons of the bridge demonstrate a feeling of power and might that forms part of the decor of the room. The Shelter is a great place to bring the whole family for a meal or a snack and soak up the Queensland sun. The meals are just a tad expensive but when holidaying with the family the atmosphere and the ambience of this awesome structure directly above is just a sight to behold. We usually stay at the Kangaroo Point Holiday Apartments when holidaying in Queensland and the hotel is a mere 2 km walk from the apartments. The meals as I said before are just a tad expensive but the quality and quantity more than make up for the cost and not to mention the surroundings and the situation. Totally awe inspiring.

We have been to Brisbane about six or seven times now and usually stay at the Kangaroo Point Holiday Apartments. From there the Pineapple Hotel is just a short walk down the road. We have had meals both in the dining room and the lounge area and we found both areas to be a good atmosphere for a quiet drink or meal. In the dining room the meals were a little dearer but well priced and good quality. In the lounge area it is a little bit more relaxing and the meals although a bit cheaper and more snack type meals are available they are still of good quality and quantities. The bottle department also has a good range of wines and beers for taking back to the apartment.

I had not been to the Clovercrest Hotel or the "Clovey" as it is now called for over 10 years prior to our recent visit and I was pleasantly surprised at the massive changes that have been undertaken during that time. The hotel is now an ultra modern, spacious well presented venue with facilities and amenities to suit every taste in dining, a quiet drink or a sports person and more. We went to 'Smithy's Bar' for a meal and a few wines. We were served our meals promptly and what meals they were. No one in our party was able to finish their meal because of the size .., they were gigantic and very tasty. The price was very reasonable and comparable to anything around at the moment. The prices do vary from front bar, Smithy's bar and dining room, but all are still good prices. The price of the wine was also very acceptable. A good venue for a quiet drink and/or a meal....we will definitely not be leaving it for another 10 years before we visit this hotel again.

After reading some of the earlier reviews for Virginia Nursery I feel that my travelling distance is minor compared to some of the others. This nursery definitely has lots of attractions to boggle the mind and eyes of the gardener and potential gardener. Not only have they got an extensive range of plants including ferns, succulents and shrubs etc. but a myriad of pots, ornaments and statues, garden tools and accessories, watering devices and bug deterrents. This place could almost take a day to explore, firstly the inside, lunch at the cafe, then meander outside amongst the larger specimens under the sails, roses, flowers etc and finally return inside a buy a gift for your favourite aunt at the gift shop. Every thing you will ever need in the garden is here, as other reviewers have said "well worth the trip" PS take plenty of money.

Called the R.A.A. for service regarding a suspected flat battery. The chap on the 'phone told me that the service guy should be there within the hour. Thirteen minutes later the van arrived and the service chap had the problem diagnosed in quick time. As was suspected, a new battery was required. The technician had the battery on board and he had it fitted and tested, paid the money did the paperwork and was gone in twenty minutes. Thoroughly professional and friendly service. I have been a member of the RAA for 47 years and have not found it necessary to use the service very often, but when I do need them they are fast, efficient and courteous. It pays to be a member.

Approximate cost: $171

After a memorable experience earlier in the year, we returned later in the year with another couple and stayed in one of the three bedroom cabins of which there are two. The cabin had a large roomy lounge and dining area with ample seating for six people and full kitchen facilities. The bedrooms were a little on the squeezy side but as they were used only for sleeping, it did not present a problem. Outside, facing the river, lawns and trees was a table and chairs, perfect for relaxing in the warm sun. As the cold night air came in, the heater inside provided ample warmth for a night indoors watching the telly whilst having a few drinks. Unfortunately there was not a private barbecue on the back porch of these two cabins but the public bbq areas just across the way were just as good when needed. The Euston club was just a short walk from the cabins if a flutter on the pokies is your wish, and if heading for the club on a Sunday you may be lucky to be able to watch a bowls match on the way. The club dining room over looks similar scenery as the cabins and the meals are of good proportions and a very reasonable price, served and attended by helpful and friendly staff. Great club, great cabins, great atmosphere, great scenery, what else would you need.

The Royal Hotel in Euston is perhaps a bit overshadowed by the Euston Club which is down at the end of the street. However this little hotel is a typical country hotel with its regular local customers who just want a quiet drink in friendly no hassle surroundings with no pokies as a distraction. The warm friendly atmosphere of the hotel was accentuated by the roaring open log fire in the front bar where the local patrons were sitting having a quiet beer whilst watching the footy with the publican standing nearby to refill the glasses when needed and to supply a friendly chat. We did not have a meal here but according to the menu on the wall the prices are more than reasonable. The lounge is furnished with two pool tables for a quiet game.

We were looking for somewhere to eat whilst in Balranald and the pizza places were closed and we stumbled upon this little cafe so we decided to take a look ... and we were not disappointed. As soon as we walked in we almost felt at home by the ambience and surrounding quotations. Once the order had been placed the wait for the food took a little while but you will be rewarded with your patience. The steak sandwiches that we ordered were big and full of filling and served hot. The coffee was boiling almost, which is a change from some places we have been. Whilst we were having our meal we noticed others being served their food and the servings were enormous. Plenty for a big eater and for a smaller eater.. leftovers. A great little cafe, great food elegantly served by the friendly staff and enjoyable surroundings. Don't pass this place by.