A little gem located near Maxi supermarket in Redan. While it is possible to eat in - about three basic tables - it is predominantly a takeaway Chinese food outlet.

The food is cooked freshly and rapidly on the premises with the kitchen area in full view. I've enjoyed the chicken barbeque box and the dumplings on many occasions. The food is packaged into typical takeaway boxes and one serving is more than I can eat in a sitting. Very good value for about $11 per box. It's not gourmet, but it's good solid takeaway Chinese and a healthier option.

The staff are very friendly.

There is plenty of parking outside of the venue. As it's near Maxi, it's possible to nip into the supermarket at the same time and get a bottle of wine to drink together at home over that tasty meal.

Approximate cost: $11

I recently lunched at the Coffee Club in Bacchus Marsh. Coffee Club is a cafe chain (I guess franchises) and, accordingly, my expectations were average. We originally were to meet there and then decide where to have lunch. Taking a look at the very extensive menu, we decided to stay and eat at the Coffee Club.

I was surprised by the food. It was reasonably priced, fresh and delicious. I had smashed avocado, salmon, egg and salad and some coffee. The food was in generous portions. The coffee didn't set the world on fire, but it was pleasant enough. For lunch time, the venue was quiet enough that we were able to hear each other without shouting. I don't recall any loud music, although there may have been some soft background music. We stayed a long time.

The service is "order at the counter", but wait staff bring the food to the table. Everyone showed due professionalism and the food came within a reasonable time.

Would eat and drink at Bacchus Marsh Coffee Club again if I'm in the area. My two friends were impressed too.

There is plenty of parking adjacent to the Village Shopping Centre.

Approximate cost: $20

Massage Philosophy is a walk-in shop-front organisation similar to others that one now finds in Australian shopping centres. Located in the Myer Centre, there are lots of retail outlets - e.g. Coles, Myer, Best For Less - and the food court nearby. (By the way, the food court is well worth visiting.)

I wanted a fairly straightforward neck and shoulder massage, but was not confident of the reviews I had read of other places in town.

The massage was relaxing and I was able to zone out for the half hour I was there. I've had massages in OTHER places where I've felt very sore the next day. This did not happen with Massage Philosophy. I felt good from the massage.

Before I left, they gave me a drink of water. I know masseurs go on about getting hydration post massage, but I've never been given any at the actual shop. I appreciated their thoughtfulness, especially given it was summer and very hot weather outside.

In general, the staff were polite and professional. The price for half an hour was most reasonable for the service provided.

Approximate cost: $25

I was recently on holiday in Brisbane and found myself short of an ongoing medication. A quick google revealed a nearby doctor's surgery that had one last appointment available for the day. A bonus for me was that I was able to book online without the hassle of phoning in.

The doctor was Dr Scott Allison who very happily wrote out the necessary script and checked my blood pressure at the same time. Although I am unlikely to need him again, he treated me with the respect that he probably demonstrates towards all patients.

The reception staff were helpful and efficient. They even checked out my next of kin's details via online White Pages so that my record would be complete. Again, probably unnecessary, given that it was a one-off visit, but very professional.

The only con was that they did not bulk bill although I'm a health care card holder. This was a mere blip on the radar as I was so glad to have my med supply again.

Definitely worth knowing about this medical practice if you are in Brisbane as a tourist and need assistance. :)

Plenty of variety and often my go to shop. The store is conveniently located at Stockland Wendouree where there is plenty of parking and other retail outlets.

One of my issues with the store is that in the evenings there are often only auto-check-out machines and no cashiers. I have had to request a staff member to either staff a cash register or to run the purchase through the auto-check-out. I suppose one is either for or against this technology. I prefer people to have jobs and for customers to be able to choose.

On the whole, the shop is clean and well stocked with items at a reasonable price. I have bought a lot of things there and am likely to check out KMart when I need to buy clothing, underwear and shoes. The service from on-floor staff is satisfactory.

A mostly good experience. I stayed at the Great Southern Hotel in Brisbane for six days.

Everything was kept very clean and the bed was comfy. The room was serviced daily which has not always happened in other places I've stayed.

There is an onsite cafe for meals. I found it just as easy and possibly cheaper to buy food for breakfast from the supermarket and to eat out for my other meals.

Some of the oddities. No complimentary shampoo and conditioner appeared until about day 4. I wasn't sure it was in the deal, so I easily picked some up at the Reject Shop. The other odd thing was that some days they seemed to be low on face washers. So, they would take away the used ones but not replace them. Sometimes I was able to get some from reception, but other times there were none to be had. This was MINOR although strange. They were politely apologetic.

The hotel is located close to a taxi rank which would be convenient for return trip to the airport. It is also close to the Brisbane River, Southbank arts centre and Queen Street Mall.

Looking forward to a return visit. I've already recommended this hotel to a friend who is in Brisbane for a conference this year. It was a very good deal at $86 per night for a double room (via Wotif). The area is quiet at night, so the sleep quality was very good. No particular view out of the window, but I did not go to Brisbane to sit in my hotel room.

Approximate cost: $86

The Good Guys sells pretty much any electrical appliance - TVs, stoves, ovens, fridges, coffee machines, etc. I don't do much of this sort of shopping, so it's always daunting for me to start. I've had three things to buy this year, so I've had a fair chance to observe and recommend the service at this store.

I chose Ballarat Good Guys because it's close to work. I've purchased a TV, a convection oven and a vacuum cleaner in the last year. While I do a lot of research before I go to any store, the staff were helpful and answered any questions that I had. One volunteered some information as to the clunkiness of one feature of the convection oven I had in mind. On all occasions, they cheerfully offered to carry the goods out to the car for me. There is a carpark onsite which is a real bonus in this traffic congested part of town.

The store is open 7 days a week which is so convenient!

Would definitely buy more things from this store. The pricing compares well to competitors in this town and the service in store is very good.

I had a holiday in Brisbane earlier in 2018. To get to Melbourne Airport from Ballarat either requires train to Southern Cross and then the Skybus, or drive and pay for long-term parking near the Airport. The third excellent option is the shuttle bus.

One can book online or there is a counter service at the station. (Book in advance, don't just rock up on the day.) The bus does pick ups from Creswick, Ballan, Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh and Melton. It also offers valet parking at Ballarat so that one's car is ready upon return (I did not try this service).

From Ballarat, the price was $69 return. I was dropped off very close to the Jetstar terminal. The drop-off point at Ballarat is metres from the station taxi rank, which was great as far as getting home quickly.

The bus was on time which is critical when one has a plane to catch. The drivers to and from the airport were courteous and helpful.

The service claims to make 148 trips to the airport every week. This includes evening service! So there should be a service that connects with most planes. The website has a timetable.

I would definitely use the shuttle bus again if I need to get a flight from Melbourne Airport.

I was very happy

Approximate cost: $69

A great historic building that was once a Masonic Temple, built in the 1880s.

An interesting venue with a gallery at the front and a bar with light eats tucked away at the back. Some have found it difficult to find the bar - access is via a laneway on the left-hand side of the building. Once settled in with a cool drink or a warming coffee, the seclusion of the bar is very peaceful and relaxing. There are also tables and chairs outside where we recently spent a very pleasant autumn afternoon.

There are a variety of musical events in the bar on weekends. Acoustic guitar and song, dixiland and vaudeville, and a Celtic Fusion Band are some of the coming events.

The bar food is a bit limited, but a cheese platter with drinks makes for a very nice late night nosh.

For a preview of the gallery and its artists, check out the podcasts on The Lost Ones' website.

A great place to escape to in Ballarat Central.

I used this company to steam clean the loungeroom carpet. I have a fussy property agent who insisted that the carpet needed cleaning.

Stain busters were punctual and did an excellent job of cleaning the carpet. They were booked at fairly short notice and were able to come on a weekend.

Very professional and highly recommend this company. No more complaints from the agent!