Reviews by xled

This review is for Jeffers' Market, Maroochydore QLD

verified email - 10 May 2013

A well established Sunshine Coast family business who have been local farmers for about 60 years. The produce they source comes from either their own Woombye farm, other local producers or other quality sources further afield.

I am very impressed with this small business in all areas. The quality and freshness of produce is excellent. Far superior and longer lasting than big chain supermarket offerings.

May seem more expensive, but seriously if you don't have to waste food it is much more cost effective.

The family and staff are enormously people friendly and don't hesitate to stop and have a chat, help you learn more about what things are and how best to cook or serve them. It is well worth liking them on facebook so you know what is coming in fresh from the farm.

Their avocados in season are the best I have had on the Sunny Coast and dirt cheap.

Along with all the fresh fruit, veggies and herbs they have in house cooking demos, homemade condiments and a growing range of other great items for sale. Herbs & Spices, local Dairy, fabulous pastas, sauces and continental groceries - to name a few. Bread is fantastic.

Jeffers offers an online delivery service that I highly recommend. Because you are not in the shop yourself they carefully hand select the best options for you.

I personally have just moved out of range of their delivery zone, so I make it my business to go up to Maroochydore to shop at Jeffers when I can. In the same building there is a great butcher and a bakery has more recently been opened.

Also recently opened is a store in Yandina.

This review is for Golden Grill Kebab House, Werribee VIC

verified email - 09 May 2013

The Golden Grill is very suburban and is right near Werribee Station. I like to get plates to share and eat at the little tables outside. Good place for just chatting and watching the world go by.

They don't do to badly for a little roadside cafe and I find the food fresh and tasty and the staff friendly.

This review is for Woolrich Historic Garden Accommodation, Olinda VIC

verified email - 09 May 2013

There are two types of accommodation, found on this beautiful property with the ancient Rangeview gardens as a backdrop.

Woolrich Retreat is the original 1920s cottage that has been loving restored keeping the charm, romance and character of the era, with art deco furnishings and beautiful antiques. Facilities are updated to modern high standards.

There are two good sized bedrooms with a huge spa room in the middle with access from either room. The 4 person spa (proper jaccuzi) is sunk in the floor and there are glass windows and ceiling to watch the stars. The lounge room is classical elegance with open fireplace. A country kitchen opens to a large decking which takes care of entertaining for small groups.

We had a family celebration here and the setting, location and accommodation were just perfect.

Guests staying at Woolrich have free access through a gate into the Cloudehill Gardens next door. These are magnificent formal gardens with multiple "rooms" and vistas. You will find a cafe here as well.

The Rangeview gardens on the Woolrich property are home to an ancient wood and exploring brings many a delightful hidden nook and earthy surprises.

There is also the Garden Suite which is a fully self catering luxury spa hideaway - to suit one couple.

Hosts are gracious and respectful of your privacy and nothing is to hard for them, to ensure you have everything you need.

This place seems costly but for what it is, it is more than worth it.
Check the midweek rates and the packages on their website.

Recommended for a couples getaway, staying with friends (up to 6) and small gatherings by arrangement. Perfect place for wedding nights, bridal preparation or if you are attending a wedding or function in the hills.

I will definitely be back here one day when I visit the Dandenongs.

Opposite the Arboretum with magnificent views and handy to all the restaurant and activities of Olinda and the Dandenong Mountains.

Approximate cost: $varies

This review is for Di Caprios, Hoppers Crossing VIC

verified email - 09 May 2013

Going to Di Caprios is great for a casual dinner with friends or family. The prices are good and the food is wholesome and home cooked.

Over the years I have been going the manager got to know my face and always me and my group feel welcome, checking to make sure everything was good.

Can be noisy and busy but the staff do a great job. You can ask for a quiet spot or book a table here. The dining room is set up with different area.

Great for picking up cheap pizzas for take away nights, ample parking. Great at being what it is - a family friendly eating place.

This review is for Crowne Plaza Terrigal, Terrigal NSW

verified email - 09 May 2013

This place was a life saver for me. I stayed here after a long business trip and recuperated.

Staff were fantastic, room was great - large, welcoming, clean and had everything I needed.

Loved the location, can just walk out, go across the road to the parklands and the beach or stroll around looking at the shops.

Couldn't have wanted for more. Recommended.

This review is for Ghazal Indian Buffet & Bar, Werribee VIC

verified email - 09 May 2013

This place is a great choice for a group dining together. The value for money is excellent and while the ambience is modern casual, the restaurant has a warm and friendly feel.

I found the range of dishes good. Freshness and flavour excellent and staff were very attentive to both refreshing the buffet dishes and waiting on the tables.

The buffet at dinner is $24, lunch is a la carte and I think they might do take away as well.

How this restaurant escaped my eye all the years I was living in the area, I don't know. Glad I have found it now :)

Approximate cost: $24

This review is for Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park, Werribee VIC

verified email - 09 May 2013

The Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park is outrageously indulgent. A wonderful place to disappear to for some time out and pampering. Travelling solo or with a partner or friend this place is fantastic.

The grand heritage building lets you step back in time. The service is impeccable.

Some of the rooms are a little small so do check if you need a little space. But, all rooms are unique, well serviced and well appointed.

The day spa offers a wonderful array of services.

Dining at Josephs Restaurant is a treat and I have enjoyed the best cocktails ever in the bar before dinner.

Tips - go on a package for extra value. Highly recommend the Mansion - add it to your bucket list!

This review is for Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee VIC

verified email - 09 May 2013

The Werribee Zoo is well worth the visit. We went out on a safari truck thing and saw lots of animals close up. It is quite amazing coming across Rhinos, giraffes and buffalo, all just doing there thing.

The grounds are spacious and the pathways are easy. There are lots of surprisingly good displays. Personally my favourite was near the african huts where there is a bird sound walk.

Have been a few times with family and I recommend it. Just near the Zoo are some beautiful parks, including the Rose Gardens. The Mansion has tea rooms and historical displays as well as wine tastings (worth a visit).

You can make a full day of a trip to Werribee and take in more on your trip than just the Zoo OR better yet stay at The Mansion in their luxury accommodation to get more time out.

This review is for Art Series - The Cullen, Prahran VIC

verified email - 09 May 2013

I choose to stay at the Cullen, purely because of its convenience and location.

The Cullen is located perfectly for shopping and dining - opposite the Prahran Market, a minute from Chapel Street.

Whatever you want is right there. Gourmet foods, excellent cafes & restaurants and shopping - high end fashion designers mixed with bargain stores and all the usual offerings.

Jump on the tram to go to city, South Yarra, Richmond or wherever.

It's a lovely little walk down through the park at the back of the hotel which takes you to Greville St and down to the Prahran Railway Station. (if you want to avoid Chapel).

Take your time and drop in the the small boutiques and have a coffee with locals.

Rooms at the Cullen have good layouts and are clean, cute, functional and well appointed. The artwork in this Art Series hotel is not my cup of tea - it is quite graphic and bloody. I suppose other people might like it, but I just zone it out.

Last time I stayed at the Cullen I was very disappointed with customer service. The desk staff were flat and unwelcoming, chatting amongst themselves and seeming bored and disinterested. Service in the street cafe attached was very bad with a one hour wait to get a drink served (in a very quiet time).

I don't mind the lack of service though - all I want is the room and the access to all the wonders of Prahran that I love.

This review is for Sea World, Main Beach QLD

verified email - 08 May 2013

Of all the theme parks this is my favourite, plenty to do see and a wonderful atmosphere. There are shady places to stop and lots of tropical greenery.

It didn't feel as commercially orientated and I felt the few things we did spend money on were worthwhile. It's a big park and you need to organise your times so you don't miss out on shows.

My grand-daughter like the seals the best and had a photo of a seal kissing her. Too funny.

Dolphins are spectacular.

Recommend going off season or midweek if you like things more quiet. We stayed at the Resort and loved being able to come and go as we pleased as well as taking the monorail home!