Reviews by plitta

This review is for Cedar Lake Country Resort, Advancetown QLD

verified email - 16 Jul 2013

We spent a week here. It is located about 25 minutes from Surfers Paradise, in the hinterland, on about 90 acres of land. Probably about 100 units, set around a large lake, with paddleboats, etc.
A nice, quiet country setting, amongst the mountains and tropical forest, near Hinze Dam.
The rooms are quite nice, full kitchens, 2-bedroom, sleeping up to 6 people, including 2 on bed-lounge in living area. Fixtures and appliances all working satisfactorily.
Games room had a lot of items out of order, including both pool tables, no sign of anything being fixed in the week we were there, so this was a little disappointing. Nice outdoor pool, small mini-golf course, tennis courts and courtyard dining area (we did not try the restaurant). Also horse-riding, which we also did not utilize.
We found this a good alternative to the bustling high-rises of the Gold Coast area, and still providing good access to Theme Parks and other attractions.

This review is for Advancetown Hotel, Advancetown QLD

verified email - 16 Jul 2013

We discovered this country pub in the hinterland of the Gold Coast, near Mt. Tambourine. We decided to have lunch here, after driving up to have a look at the view out to some of the Gold Coast high-rises etc., that are visible from the front of the pub, down through the hills and valleys of the hinterland region, 25-odd kilometres away.
Glad we did; the meals were very nice, huge serves, prepared promptly and very good value. Chicken Parmis under $17, 350g steak under $20 and Chicken Breast for $14.
Nice, spacious pub, more dining areas outside, undercover or open. Staff were very friendly, this place felt like a real country pub, not like a place so close to the hustle and bustle of Surfers.
Well worth a look and stopping for a meal and drink (and there is plenty to see out this way too, so its certainly worth the drive).

Approximate cost: $13 to $20

This review is for Tweed Heads Bowls Club, Tweed Heads NSW

verified email - 16 Jul 2013

We had tea here the other night. This is a huge sports club, in a quite impressive, modern building (and we actually saw people dressed in bowls outfits, so they do play bowls, as well).
We ate in the 'Sails On Tweed' dining area, with large glass windows, pleasant soft lighting, carpeted, spacious area, probably able to seat over 100 people with plenty of room to move.
My wife and I had grilled barramundi with salad/veg for $20, daughter had Chicken & Mushroom Carbonara for $17 and son had Pan-fried Garlic Prawns at $21.50. The meals were all very nice, served reasonably quickly and good sized serves.
Drinks were well priced, cheaper than some, very pleasant young bar waiter. Members get their meals a couple of dollars cheaper, non-members sign in as temporary members. Heaps and heaps of pokies, which don't interest me at all, but were well removed from the dining area, so we didn't have to listen to that incessant noise they make, while we were dining.
Overall a pleasant dining experience.

Approximate cost: $kids menu $8 to $10; adults $15 to $22.

This review is for Jen's Handmade Cookies, Cleveland QLD

verified email - 14 Jul 2013

We found this delicious range of biscuits at a stall at the Kingscliff market in Northern NSW.
We spoke to a lady, I assume she was Jen, the owner. She was a lovely person, very friendly and welcoming. She told us that the recipes for these biscuits are from originals made by her mother and grandmother in New Zealand.
After having a couple of sample tastes, we bought 3 packets for $10. The gingernut biscuits would have to be the nicest and tastiest of these type of bikkies I have ever tried (wife agreed). Shortbreads also very nice and the kids liked the choc and plain cookies with smarties.
These bikkies are available at selected stores, and via the website, as well as the market we bought them at.

Approximate cost: $3 packs for $10.

This review is for Origin Kebabs, Broadbeach Waters QLD

verified email - 12 Jul 2013

We tried a mixed kebab and a chicken kebab on a plate (no bread) for tea on the First Floor Food Court area of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
The staff were friendly, meal prepared quicky and the small counter shop looked clean.
Food was fresh and tasty, good sized serve.
Prices average, about $8 to $11.

Approximate cost: $av. $8 to $11

This review is for Pide Istanbul, Broadbeach QLD

verified email - 12 Jul 2013

We hadnt tried this type of food before, so decided to try it while at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
A friend with us who has been to Turkey and Istanbul suggested we try it.
A small counter shop in the Food Court on the First Floor, the shop and counter looked neat and clean, food displayed in glass counter frig.
We tried a Hawaiian Pide Pizza and a Meat Lovers traditional pide. The pide is a doughy-type bread, I thought a bit like a crumpet texture.
The food was quite nice, reasonable serve for the price ($8 to $9 av.) My friend told us that these pide dishes were a bit more 'Westernized', as she put it, as they perhaps lacked some of the Middle Eastern spices that are normally in this type of bread, but she said it wasnt too bad.
Quite nice, worth a try for something different.

Approximate cost: $7 to $10

This review is for SuperDuck, Surfers Paradise QLD

verified email - 12 Jul 2013

This is a really fun way to do a tour of the Surfers Paradise area.
For $25 per person, we did about an hour trip on this brightly painted tourist bus/boat (amphibious), leaving from the middle of Surfers near Cavill Avenue.
The tour takes you along the main highway, up toward the bridge at the northern end of the city, then turns down to the waterfront and drives you straight into the Nerang River. You then head under the bridge to see some of the multi-million dollar homes along the canals, then returns under the bridge and out toward the sea, past the large marina, huge boats and yachts and fancy hotels, then again leaving the water after passing SeaWorld. The journey continues by road, back along the seafront, through Surfers and back to the starting point.
The bus is very high (you sit up higher than the Public buses), windows are open for optimal viewing, and there is a lady providing interesting commentary along the journey.
They also sell some fun plush toys to remember your trip, SuperDuck, LadyDuck or BabyDuck and you receive a free postcard as you depart.
The steps are quite high, so elderly folk need to take care, may be a bit difficult for disabled people.
We had a great time!

Approximate cost: $one price, all $25 each

This review is for Warner Bros. Movie World, Oxenford QLD

verified email - 10 Jul 2013

Lots of fun here, for all ages. Can be a bit boring for those that dont want to do the rides, having to wait up to an hour each time, while us 'daredevils' line up for the rides.
Enjoyed the stunt-driving show, the 4-D cinema and the parade as well.
Food and souvenirs are over-priced, but this is the same at all of these types of places. (wouldnt it be nice if one of them decided to offer some cheaper alternatives, not everybody can afford these prices, and you are not permitted to take anything in with you).
But, overall a fun experience!

This review is for The Lake Roadhouse, Inglewood QLD

verified email - 09 Jul 2013

Stopped here for fuel and tea on our way to Gold Coast. It was getting late, we were getting low on fuel and nothing open on the highway in Inglewood, so we were very happy to see this place open a couple of kilometres east of town.
Fuel was well priced, and there were quite a few semis parked around the roadhouse, usually an indication of good food.
So, we decided to eat here too. Food was good, large range from quick fast-food, up to $25 steak meals. And the dining room and shop area was quite a sight to see, the walls completely covered with photos of hundreds of trucks and drivers that have called at the Roadhouse, apparently over the last five years. I found this very interesting to browse around and see all the different sizes and shapes of rigs.
A welcome stop on a long journey, with a real country outback feel.

This review is for Outback Cafe, West Wyalong NSW

verified email - 09 Jul 2013

We called in here for breakfast while travelling from SA to Queensland.
I had a chicken roll, rest of the family had bacon and eggs or sausage and eggs or similar. Really nicely cooked, not oily or overcooked, well priced. As well as other meal choices, they advertise that breakfasts are available 'All Day'.
The cafe is roomy, plenty of tables, a nice, friendly atmosphere. The older couple running the cafe the morning we were there were very pleasant and friendly and had a good knowledge of the area.
This place reminded me of the 'good old days' of travelling away on holidays. Pre the generic fast-food joints, in and out, bland food, little atmosphere.
This place was great. Good food, pleasant owners and staff, country atmosphere.
Long live this type of good, honest family-run business. We will definitely stop here again on our next trip.

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