We underestimated the quality of wines from the Canberra region, but Dionysus Wines certainly dispelled any of our preconceived ideas on this front - we were welcomed by Wendy, who was brilliant - friendly, knowledgeable and honest. We bought a Sauvignon Blanc (unique and best tasting one from Australia that we've tried) and also the dessert wine - it felt like home and we'll be back.

Approximate cost: $25

The atmosphere and quality of the produce are the strengths of this gem of a place just outside of Canberra. The menu is very tempting all round, and the shop is full of great gourmet - my son loved the chocolate coated snakes, and my wife was pretty impressed with the coffee (Jasper Coffee).

Approximate cost: $25

Tez Automotive is my local automotive service centre - the staff are helpful and provide great flexibility when it comes to bookings - nothing is too hard and they are great at communicating and keeping me up to date with the service if anything is found. I haven't had a bad experience to date - honesty is a virtue and these guys have plenty of it.

Approximate cost: $300

After some rave reviews from my workmates, we gave this place a go, and we'll definitely find ourselves here again. Bought six pastries - the vanilla brulee and tiramisu pastry were highlights. Highly recommended and great value.

Approximate cost: $3.8

Being just down the road from where we recently lived, Wendland Olives was a bit of a mainstay for us - the coffee is great, the service is always professional and very friendly and the olives are simply stunning. It is deli crossed with a cafe and the food that you can buy there is made on site (to my knowledge) - atmosphere is very casual, and I must make a special mention of the fishcakes - they are massive and home made - brilliant and definitely worth the price!

Approximate cost: $15

Gip's is an institution within Toowoomba's dining environment - we have been there on five occasions between 2007 and just last week and I can honestly say that it remains one of the best places to eat in Toowoomba. The food is fresh, the atmosphere relatively relaxed and staff are friendly - the overall feel of the place is unique - it is a wonderful location, where you could easily just sit and watch the afternoon pass by! If I only have a day in Toowoomba, this is the place that I will go and have lunch at, without hesitation. Don't expect a cheap meal, the menu is classy and is regularly changed.

Approximate cost: $25

Brokenwood's claim is "Australian Craft at its Best" and I cannot argue with this, having visited the cellar door on multiple occasions. The variety of semillons have never failed to impress, though these are sometimes outshone by the service that the staff have always provided us on our visits out to the Hunter Valley. This winery is a MUST for anyone planning a trip to the beautiful Hunter Valley winery region!

Approximate cost: $35

Whenever we visit the Hunter Valley, we almost always find ourselves parked at Ivanhoe Wines - there is something beautiful about the location of this winery and the passion of the people behind this business. Staff are always happy to provide tastings, with the Late Picked Gewurtztraminer and of course the Semillon simply stunning. Will certainly find our way back there in the near future! Highly recommended!

Approximate cost: $25

We have been to Oxygen Cafe numerous times - the layout is fairly simple, the ambience is very relaxed and most importantly, the produce is good for those who are environmentally and health conscious (organic, local and fresh is the go for the menu on offer!). It feels good to eat here - which is why we regularly went there on a Saturday morning or lunch!

Approximate cost: $15

This is probably the most honest, down to earth pub that I have been to - wonderful characters, warm service and honest food all combine to make this place the beauty that it is. It is far superior to the latest gastro pubs, with the burgers and steaks simply brilliant (cold beer as a side also helps!!).

Approximate cost: $15