This is our local bike shop (being within walking distance of home, which makes it very handy for repairs). Although not as competitively priced as some of the larger chain bike stores, what it lacks in straight dollar value, it makes up for in service. We bought a car bike rack from Simon, and not only did he fit it for us, but he took us through how to do everything ourselves in case it ever needed to be re-fitted. Services are always completed promptly.

Finally, a specialised cake decorating supply shop in Canberra. Not only do they sell cake pans, fondant, food colouring paste (so hard to find specific colours elsewhere) and so many other cake related items, but they run weekly demonstrations on various aspects of cake decorating to teach you how to put it into practice.

My four year old daughter has been doing "fairy dancing" lessons here for the past two terms. She loves the fairy dust they sprinkle, the entrance into Fairyland, the dancing to familiar songs and the performances for family at the end of term. They run trial classes on the school holidays, so try it out for yourself. Each child that books for Term 3, 2012 gets a free fairy doll to take home.

The Fairies also run various different birthday party options - with games, dancing and a fairy food box and goody bag for each child. There seems to be a good mix of activities so that the children don't get bored with any one thing.

Approximate cost: $16 per lesson

Receive quite a few surveys from My Surveys (previously Lightspeed Panel). Love the wide range of redemptions available for many common gift cards. They have recently introduced a loyalty scheme which allows enter in different prize draws depending on how many points you have accrued overall. Definitely one of the better survey sites.

A fun day out for the whole family - my little girl loved watching our car go through the big, automated part of the car wash on the conveyer belt. She also liked the colouring and toy areas that they had in the cafe for while you wait.

In terms of the actual car wash itself, we got the full service (inside and out). Satisfactory job - although I did notice some little scratches on the duco of the car afterwards (think that this might be more about the quality of paint finish rather than the car wash itself).

You can sign up for a "frequent washers" club which saves some money, they also have a discount for NRMA members.

Approximate cost: $40

Free classifieds website for selling items in the Canberra and Queanbeyan area. $15 charge for listing a photo - but I have never bothered to do this (probably would only bother on a high value item). Very easy uploading process with confirmation via email. I like that you don't have to list your full name or full address on the ad - feels much more secure.

Stayed in a beautiful two beautiful apartment with stunning views out to the Noosa River. Apartment was well appointed with full kitchen and laundry facilities. Huge living area, well decorated - perfect for relaxing and gazing at the river. Pool was warm and fringed by trees. Grassed area at the rear led down to the river - canoe and safety gear could be borrowed for a paddle. My little girl loved the selection of kids DVDs that could be borrowed free of charge for reception. The best value stay of the trip.

Approximate cost: $145 / night

We stayed in a self-contained unit with one bedroom and a single bed curtained off the living room area for our little one. Easy access to the beach (with no roads to cross) for walking back into Yeppoon (about 2 kms away). Basic facilities, but still had everything that you needed. Laundry room available. Book exchange in front office was handy for those travelling without an e-reader.

Approximate cost: $125 / night

Very basic hotel style room. Our room had a queen and single bed, which in theory made it perfect for families, but there was room for very little else, which made it squeezy for three. The room was old and tired - especially in the bathroom and toilet area. The shower didn't drain very well, which meant having towels on the floor constantly to avoid flooding. Our stay here has convinced us on the benefits of self-contained apartments in future when travelling with the kids.

Approximate cost: $105 / night

Stayed here in May 2010 with my husband and 2 year old daughter. Our standard two bedroom apartment was massive with outstandingly beautiful waterviews out to the ocean and Magnetic Island. The apartment was perfect for families - with a full kitchen, laundry room (with washing machine and dryer) and two balconies. The furnishings were some of the best that I have seen in apartment complexes of this style - and the price was quite reasonable too. Easy walking distance to the marina and the town centre.

Approximate cost: $219 per night