Joalah offers a friendly family environment that enables you to just get away and recharge the batteries.

I loved the waterfront cabins and just being able to grab a kayak and paddle out with the family.

The beach is beautiful and right on an estuary that meets the ocean, so there are plenty of different marine environments to explore.

Loved the cabins, just basic but clean and loved, BBQs for each and kangaroos for visitors.

Located in such a beautiful place, but so close to the *big lights* of Batemans Bay and other South Coast must do places.

Approximate cost: $varies

Surfair in Marcoola offers a relaxed beach side resort. There are nice grassed areas and you can wander out the back gate down to the beach area for a walk.

Most of the apartments are privately owned and rented out either as permanent rental or holiday accommodation.

Apartments are quite spacious and they vary in decor and layout.

My family and I used to go there for steak & fish nights when they had them.

Trot along and enjoy, the staff are wonderfully friendly and there is plenty of room in the restaurant inside and out by the pool for dining.

I recommend at least one trip to Surfair when on the Sunshine Coast!

Approximate cost: $Vaires

Love the Salamanca Markets - I take my time to seek out the real stall holders from the everyday stuff.

You can meet some wonderful people, just strolling around and chatting.

This is not a "bargain bin" market (although there are your usual "made in china or wherever" resellers). The trick is to walk past them quickly, until you find the gems :)

I like to go when it is as quiet as possible and just take my time. I enjoy the atmosphere, the buskers, the location, the cobblestones and the people.

Food stalls are the same thing - seek out the treasures and you are in for a treat! Be tempted by the samples and buy a couple of small things for your kids as souvenirs.

Purchases I have made at the Salamanca Markets are some of my most treasured items in life.

There are some wonderful artisans producing exquisite items.

Love to all the real people - you know who you are!

Approximate cost: $FREE

Yes, this hotel delivers! It has the WOW factor AND the *location* which can't ever be a bad thing.

Stayed here with a booking for *basic* accommodation - Superior room with twin double beds.

We were blown away with the ambience of the room, the comfort and luxury of the beds and bedding, the huge executive desk and facilities in the room.

The view was directly over Anzac Park, down towards Queen Street way and was just fantastic.

Drawback - no balcony, but that didn't matter in the end.

The reception foyer is huge and atmospheric. There are escalators to zoom you to the lower levels and out to the Central Railway Station and Anne Street.

Did I mention the location? Wow, 2 minutes walk to Queen St Mall. Amazing discoveries of Brisbane along the way. An ANZAC memorial like a cave under the ANZAC park - amazing - sort of in the underground subway people walk along to hurry to the Central railway station.

It is in the heart of everything, transport galore etc etc.

Dining options - well - it was a world of options, right in the hotel. We had all you can eat breakfast buffet in
Thyme2 acclaimed interactive Restaurant and opted for a cheaper dining option in the downstairs Harlequin Jack bar - super friendly, super nice, super cheap (members prices due to being hotel guests).

We checked out the Club lounge - superior is the word for that!, eyed the cocktail list at the Cuvée Lounge Bar and admired the electronic blossom trees in the exclusive Privé 249 Restaurant - that was all without leaving the building.

Do I like this Hotel? You Bet! Will I go back - Yup.

Great staff - nothing to hard. Try it, you will like it!

Approximate cost: $varies

I stayed here in a twin room with a daughter. It was OK but I wasn't really impressed by the service, the hotel or the location. (felt a little seedy?)

Found it quite hard to get around and the intersection it is on is confusing. Staff were not really very helpful and I felt like I should just KNOW which way to walk to catch a bus to get to the city (which I didn't!).

Sorry, Mantra, but just didn't feel this property lives up to your usual quality and service standards :(

Approximate cost: $varies

Really enjoy going to the Ball & Chain, I love the casual style and the grill. Great steaks and plenty of choices for everyone. Had some great oysters here and some of the deserts are just divine.

Recommend this for casual evening with friends, didn't feel it was terribly child friendly (although I have never taken a child there).

Location is great right on Salamanca Place where the wonderful markets are. Oodles of accommodation choices and sights to see in the heritage area of Hobart.

Would I go again - yes!

Approximate cost: $30

Enjoyed staying at the Coachhouse. It is in a convenient location and has quite a good restaurant on-site. It is a big place with lots of choices for accommodation styles. A little too caravan park like for some.

It is like a little resort with all the things you would expect. Cannot say it is my favourite place to stay in Batemans Bay, but it's fine for accommodation groups and family.

The staff are very friendly and the kids can explore in relative safety on the site.

Approximate cost: $varies

Top quality accommodation on huge estate property. This is one of my all time favourite places to stay for some luxury time out, either by myself with a friend, with my family or with a group.

There are two fully self contained villas, hard to describe really, as they are both totally unique.

One is a massive converted coach house with the best farmhouse style kitchen I have seen in self contained accommodation. It has absolutely everything in it and then some.

There are 3 bedrooms, the master is a world on its own and has its own sitting area and massive luxury bathroom fit for a princess. The other rooms have ensuite bathrooms as well with deep beautiful bathtubs. The living and dining areas are huge. There are antiques and art and books and fireplace and outdoor area and more.

This accommodation is suited more for couples or adults travelling together, but I think children are accepted.

The other villa is like a big old country home or farmhouse. It is set over stables (yes, real ones).. This accommodation is suited to family and groups and there is a huge billiard table and a juke box!

The atmosphere is great, there are antiques and objects of art, the wood fire, the piano, cute (smallish) country kitchen. I found cooking in the kitchen delightful, it has a wood stove with electric facility if you need it and a huge array of cooking, serving items, basic pantry items etc.

Only draw back I guess is the kitchen is downstairs, so we had to put on trays to take up to the dining area. This was no problem though and the kids had fun playing scullery maids :)

The biggest benefits for family or group in the stables is the bedrooms and bathrooms. Upstairs there are four distinctively unique bedrooms each with it's own bathroom. 2 each at either end of the main living area, which is great for privacy when travelling in groups or two families. Downstairs there is a huge spa room as well, making that no less than 5 great bathrooms.

The grounds on the estate are wonderful to walk in and take in the beautiful landscaped gardens, visit the horses, wander in the woods...fabulous!

I have never used the croquet lawn or the tennis court when I have stayed here - there is just too much relaxing to do.

Rates vary with how many are in your party or if you are just wanting to get away on your own. But I am truly surprised how cost effective it can be and always check to see if there are any specials going on there website before planning a trip.

Cannot recommend this place or the wonderful hosts too highly. This one is easy to miss as most people drive through Braidwood on their way between Canberra and South Coast without stopping. I did for years when living in NSW! What a mistake.

Approximate cost: $varies

This is a great little place to take friends who are health conscious or if you feel you need an energy boost. I have been there for breakfast mainly.

The juices and smoothies seem to please the fussiest - the range is huge :)

There is a kids menu that offers healthy snacks and Humpty Dumpty muffins.

I like the Salmon Sensation with capers and dill sauce - just yummy.

Great breakfasts and happy environment. Recommended.

Approximate cost: $15

Love going for lunch here. The menu caters for everyone's tastes, the outdoor tables can be arranged for groups and the little ones are made welcome.

Fresh is the key ingredient in the food, in my opinion.

Some of our family lunch favourites:
Salt & pepper calamari - great to share.
Grilled Portuguese chicken wrap - Generous sizing
The Bruschetta - is yummo!

Nice and casual with a great spot for a walk afterwards on the beach with family friendly ramps and playgrounds. Recommended

Approximate cost: $12