Many colourful and interesting relics are preserved in the museum. They range from uniforms to weapons, drums to trophies. The highlights are the weapons, like a bridge laying tank, a Ferret scout car and the Centurion MBT. Run by volunteers, the museum is opened on Sundays with a small entrance fee. Best to enquire first before visiting the museum. Donations are welcome and that over $2 is tax-deductable.

Approximate cost: $5.00

Old Government House in Parramatta is the oldest public building in Australia since White settlement. Built by convicts, the first 10 governors of the colony lived there, including Governor and Mrs Macquarie. Now part of the National Trust, it houses many original furniture and household items, many of which are rare. Guided tours are available and run by volunteers. A really worthwhile visit. Feb 2010

Approximate cost: $9.00

Specialises in the renting of mainly original Australian paint artworks. Investors are advised on what to buy and the works can then be kept at home, in the office or rented out to the corporate market. Definitely a long term venture, as it often takes a life-changing event to trigger sustainable upward price appreciation and that event could happen only in years to come! The company also provides education seminars and a regular newsletter.

Approximate cost: $3,500

A busy picture framer. Uses quality products and care. Jens, the owner used to be in printing, so has an eye for colour and detail. He works hard and long hours too. Pity the poor man, but he delivers a great finish and service!

Approximate cost: $Varies

The food is essentially Australian using barramundi, kangaroo, fresh seasonal produce. It is open for lunch Sun - Thu with Fri - Sat for lunch and dinner, closing late on those two days. There are private rooms, a leafy varandah and set in a National Trust surroundings. It also has a regional wine list.

Approximate cost: $27 - 47

Looking for some inexpensive pies or cakes in Harris Park? Run by Vietnamese, this bakery is fresh and offers good service and value for money. For example, meat pies start from $3.00 and a custard tart is like $2.50.

Approximate cost: $2.50 - 10.00

A small gym with the essential equipment - cardio machines, pin-loaded machines, free weights and dumbbells. Andrew also provides a personalised service where buying a membership includes a number of personal training sessions. Also has a health bar serving fruit juices, smoothies, and milk shakes. Should add an energy drink and supplements to the range. Also offers value for money. For example, 1 year membership, including 5 PT sessions is $410; a milk shake is $3.

Approximate cost: $410

Looking for used musical instruments in Holroyd? This shop is in Merrylands. There is a nice range of guitars, drum kits, keyboards, amps, music sheets and other accessories.

Like their sister shop in Blacktown, only a bit smaller, sells used DVD's, CD's, Videos, Records, Books and Tapes. Has a nice selection of stuff from the 1980's and 1990's. Records are cheap, staring from $8.00.

Approximate cost: $8.00

Great to have a quick and inexpensive lunch buffet. From $8.80 per person. Open Mon to Sundays for lunch and dinner, except Saturday, when it is only open for dinner.

Approximate cost: $8.80