The lady that runs this place is great - she really knows her stuff. I bought a pair of trousers - they were half price! - but they gaped at the back & were a tad too long. She put 2 little darts in the back and took the hems up for me so that now I can actually wear them! She sometimes has the door locked when working alone, so if it's locked but the sign says they should be open, just give a knock on the door.

Approximate cost: $20

I used this law form recently to complete a Property transfer and also to write a Will & Powers of Attorney. My mother also uses them for probate & conveyancing matters although she initially went to them many years ago (when they were "Testart Robinson") for Family Law advice. They are rather pricey - although I suspect this is probably the case with most law firms - but they are professional and are much more convenient than having to go into the city.

I believe they also offer an initial free consultation if you print a referral off the Law Institute Website: http://www.liv.asn.au/referral

Ken did an amazing job when we sold our family home in Box Hill North last year. He did an initial big clean, then came around once or twice a week just prior to each Open For Inspection and gave the whole place a quick once over. It was a large house (4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms) and a very stressful period, so having someone else turn up when he said he would, and make sure the house looked great was really helpful! He even worked around our elderly dog who was unwell at the time.

This cute little shop is packed full of all sorts of beads and the bits & pieces needed to make them into jewellery. You can choose from an amazing range of individual beads or small packages of pre-mixed beads to make into necklaces, ear-rings etc... The customer service was also pretty good, with the lady who was serving us very knowledgeable and helpful.

We stumbled accross this shop on a rainy day walking around The Rocks, and I didn't want to leave. They sell candles here that smell (almost) good enough to eat. They also have all sorts of great designs that make fantastic gift ideas. You can even watch the staff at work as you browse.

Approximate cost: $Large range of prices

A wonderful, peaceful haven in the middle of Sydney. These Gardens are amazing! My only criticism is that the tea-house menu had too many Western food and drink items on it.

Approximate cost: $6

We visited this Irish Pub for an after-dinner drink when staying at the Hotel located in the same complex (Capitol Square). It was relaxed, friendly, well-decorated and very typically Irish. Drink prices were pretty standard and the servcie was quite good.

I loved this cafe and concept store at Cockle Bay Wharf (I believe there is another Lindt shop at Martin Place but I haven't been there). Surrounded by every conceivable variety of Lindt chocolate I found it hard to exercise restraint (even if some of the more common products could perhaps have been purchased more cheaply at a Supermarket...) I loved the novelty of my hot chocolate being served with separate milk and liquid chocolate ready to mix myself. The service was a bit inconsistent - for example we were told there would be a 20 minute wait for our drinks so my friend went off to look at the different chocolates, while I minded the table, and our drinks came almost straight away. But overall a great way to indulge!

Approximate cost: $Hot chocolate: approx $6

Whilst this Hotel is run by Rydges I don't think it is actually owned by them, only affiliated, and may not be up to the standard usually associated with Rydges. It is a fairly basic 3 1/2 star establishment, but offers a very handy location - near Central Station, light rail and the mono rail, and walking distance to the city centre and Darling Harbour. The rooms are very small but have the baiscs: ensuite (note that the bath was quite small & really only suitable for kids), fridge, tea/coffee making, air-con, TV (no extra channels or movies though, only free to air) etc... I believe they offer Internet connections in the room but I did not use this option as I didn't have a lap-top. The buffet breakfast isn't bad if you can get a special deal, but would be expensive at the full price of $19. I booked on-line and for $120 a night it was perfectly adequate accommodation in a great, central location.

Approximate cost: $120/night

This pharmacy provides great customer service where you're treated as a person not a number. They are always happy to answer my questions and provide advice. They also have a Post Office Counter which is very handy if you need to buy stamps, post a parcle, pay a bill etc... while waiting for your scripts. On top of that they have photo processing, dry cleaning and heaps of gorgeous gift ideas. I believe they also do home delivieries although I have never needed to use this service. There is free parking at the door.