Centrally located in the city, this old style looking establishment has some great tasting food. Portion size is small but so is the price. So it doesn't cost to much to double up if necessary. Reasonable amount of seating available for the size of the restaurant. Doesn't open on weekends at present, but I believe the owners are looking into changing that.

Approximate cost: $7+

Great tasting cakes, pies, sausage rolls and Cornish pasties. A large variety of cakes available including tortes, tarts, flans and gluten free. Recommend the Japonaise. Limited seating available and on street parking that is close by.

Great array of menu items for breakfast and lunch. Impressive old style decor. Like the all day breakfast option. Apart from the menu items, the coffee tastes great and is of notable quality. It is situated on the second floor of the St Ives Villiage complex.

Good variety chicken shop. Great array of tasty burgers, BBQ chickens and salads. No seating available, however, plenty of ovals and parks within minutes walking distance. It is very close to St Ives main shopping centre.

Great array of cakes and pastries. Very tasty food. You pay for what you get here. Food is pricey. Variable pricing for eat-in or takeaway. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available

Approximate cost: $6+

Typical BBQ chicken shop with a lot of variety and great tasting food. Has an array of salads, carvery, seasoned wedges (as well as standard hot chips) and the usual cold drinks fridge. Friendly atmosphere with limited seating available.

If your in the Hunter and want a nostalgic experience then this is the place to visit. Train rides of yesteryear. The old steam engine rattlers will bring back pleasant memories (it helps to appreciate what we have today). A trip through the country side follows a train line which was purpose built for the miners at the time.

Kangaroos, old wooden coal carriages and homesteads are along the way. The road is a little tough to get there, but it's worth the journey.

Approximate cost: $12+

Centrally located at Darling Harbour, the service is friendly and the price is reasonable (eg standard seasonal charge). The rooms are shoe box size, but its a place to lay your head. Was accessible via a Monorail stop (before it was taken down). Additional charges for Darling Harbour views.

Great hair salon and product supplier (as the name indicates). These guys are willing to go out of there way to help. My fiance wanted some mannequin heads for jewellery products. They were friendly and organised them in a timely fashion for her.

Great for a chocholate fix. Churros with a pot of melted caramel, milk chocolate or dark chocolate is a must. They have a great variety of options including macaroons, fruit dipped in chocolate, smoothies, shakes, truffles, gift packs etc. Reasonable amount of seating available. Situated next door to the Hoyts Westfield cinema.

Approximate cost: $8+