I have been to this shooting range before and was alot happier with my previous instructor, who was an older gentleman, and clearly an accomplished, confident shooter. This time around took my partner as she has not shot before. The front desk fellow is very friendly and helpful, enabling us to choose the best package that suited. Our instructor(?) this time was a younger guy listening to his iphone (or texting?) during most of our shoot. He did find alot of time to talk however, mostly about his own abilities, and over lecturing on techniques. Polite enough at times, sarcastic at times, and generally just plain annoying. Suggestion would be (like my previous instructor), to give a tip here and there for a casual shooter. Instead we were barraged with ten instructions in a row, then ten more. It have been the quantity of tips, or his demeanor, but either way we turned off quite quickyl. The range is well setup and the right package enables you to shoot a variety of pistols. (Although our ?instructor told us firearms were 'simple' to shoot, which deflated us a little after we had managed to hit the target centre a few times) - My partner still had fun and wishes to go again. We will, but it may be elsewhere.

Approximate cost: $135

Arakawa is one of the few Japanese Eateries we had yet to try on the Gold Coast, and we took the opportunity during our stay at RACV Royal Pines Resort. The booking experience was pleasant and calltaker only too happy to place us in one of the private rooms (this is no extra charge by the way). We chose the small room as we say by Teppanyaki BBQs several times before. The food is good, not great. I had a Bento Plate, and have had better at a few other places. Servings moderate. Much fresher and tastier at Robina on the esplanade, Labrador, and Surfers under Q1 for example. However the service is faultless, the staff cannot do enough for you and are extremely polite and efficient. Prices as expected, you are within a five star resort after all. Wine bottle prices approx 2.5 to 3 times the cost of a bottle shop. Again as expected.

Approximate cost: $30

We went to this bar for a couple of drinks before dinner at the Japanese place within the resort also. As the only people at the bar when we ordered we were told our drinks would be brought to our table. Ordered a Draft stubbie and a cocktail. We sat down, then waited over ten minutes for this drink to be made, whilst watching the young bar girl chatting then seriving approx another ten patrons that came through. Eventually the drink appeared (unsure who made it) then we had to collect it ourselves at it sat on the bar for another 3 minutes. No, they were not busy at all. Approx 20 others in the large room. Suffice to say had only these drinks and left. Thankfully the drink prices are constant throughout the resort. RACV resort is a very nice place, shame about this experience.

Approximate cost: $14

Made a booking through a mystery deal and given a great price on a double room. The front desk staff are very friendly and efficient. The resort is quiet, clean and has above standard facilities. The pool area is large and pool was heated. A seperate playground means many of the children are not always at the pool, giving you peace if you're lucky enough to get away without the kids as we did! Drink service at the pool a bit iffy...although the girls are lovely they were making cocktails whilst studying the menu carefully, presumably little experience in the actual bar service. A language barrier with the girls also meant a drink order took 3-4 minutes. Pity the poor man before that ordered 4 drinks and 4 meals before me, this ordeal took him 10 minutes while I waited. But they were friendly. The service at the Hydrate bar was atrocious, See seperate review of this business as it is not fair to tarnish the great service of the entire resort because of this. Very pleased that no matter where you go in the resort (pool, bar, eateries), all drink prices remain the same. Will return.

Approximate cost: $125

Nice and quiet as we were the only ones in for lunch. Ordered drinks which included one champagne, which was flat, and appeared it had been open a day or so, however staff were only too happy to bring a fresh one. The Thai salad and Hokkein noodles were a nice feed, and reasonably priced. Decor a bit scrappy as many tables had not been tidied presumably from the Saturday night before. Friendly service and easy parking.

Approximate cost: $15

Dinnertime service - very friendly attentive staff. Very reasonable alcohol prices. The food was fresh and brought out promptly. They even gave our children a small toy each for free. Watch the stairs down to the toilets, don't drink too much!

Approximate cost: $18

We went for lunch over the last school holidays. The waitress was nice enough to inform us one sandwich would feed both kids, and she was right, good size serve. Lemonade homemade and excellent. Water was ordered but never arrived. Had the chicken schnitzel, fresh and very nice. Checkout the trinket shop opposite, good for a browse while waiting for food.

Approximate cost: $15

I have done a seperate review for these guys - seperate to the stay at Australis Sovereign as the service, quality and price were all impressive. We were impressed with the steak sandwich and ceaser salad for dinner - and the staff are more than happy to change the food a little for you. The next day we had breakfast - again this is very reasonably priced. Coffees made with a smile and chat and good service. Well done guys, you were the best part of the stay.

Approximate cost: $15

Just came from two nights here. Front desk people are polite and helpful, and valet parking is available at $15 per day. Allow about 5-10 minutes to collect your car upon departures. The room was very spacious and clean. We had room service (one dinner and one breakfast) and thought the food quality, and price were very good for a motel. Food and coffee staff very polite, as were the valets. Pool looked nice, but with pouring rain for two days we never got in there. Overall we would certainly stay there again if the price was as good.

Approximate cost: $120

We dined here on a Saturday night with another couple. Extensive menu and drinks menu gave us plenty of choices. Tried the lamb shanks which were nice. The meals were delivered quickly considering they were catering to a private function. Nice coffee too. Service professional and the hostess didn't mind a joke which was good too.

Approximate cost: $26