We took our youngs boys and exchange student to the zoo yesterday and we all had a really great day. I'm not a big fan of the zoo and usually suggest other activities to do because I don't think it's worth the money you spend, but I had a really good time and was very impressed. I liked the way everything had a very natural meandering layout, though it made it hard to navigate and follow the map at times. I also really liked the presentations they did for the kids and that they let you pat a koala, croc and snake. It was a really good day of exploration and discovery, especially for young children.

Approximate cost: $66 for family

We were given a gift voucher for our children for christmas so we shopped around to find a present for them. We had lots of good options to choose from that fell into the price range of our voucher. It was hard to choose. Some things looked reasonably priced while others I thought were a little bit more expensive than a large department store. The service was excellent and the lady attending us made it a very quick process to cash in our voucher and be on our way.

Approximate cost: $30

My husband went here for a haircut and had to ask them three times to cut it shorter before he gave up. They still didn't cut it short enough and it was a very rough and messy haircut. I overheard another lady making similar complaints to her friend as she was leaving. We will never go back here, even though it's cheap and if anyone ever asks us we'll encourage them to go somewhere else too.

Approximate cost: $10

We bought hot chocolates there recently and they were excellent. Absolutely delicious. Costed a little more than I would have liked but the quality certainly matched the price.

Communicare is a not for profit organisation that sell fresh fruit and veg and other groceries at a really low price. They are primary known for their vegie packs which can be purchased for $30 and they are packed full. The packs would do my family of two adult and two small children for a fornight and we'd often get fruit and veg I wouldn't normally be able to afford in my budget shopping elsewhere. Also they often have free fruit, veg and other food to give away with purchases. This helped us to get through some very desperate times. Some of their groceries they have stocked consistently but everything else is just luck of the draw so liked popping in whenever I was nearby to see what they had. It's $25 for a years membership but it is soooo worth it.

Approximate cost: $30 veg pack

What I really like about this cheap shop is that not only does it have a big range of the usual stuff you find in the discount store but they have a big section of gift ideas. They have the willow tree statues, frames, plaques, cards, 18th birthday gifts and lots more. It's a good stop when you're not really sure what to buy someone.

Absolutely delicious food!! It's such a warm and cosy atmosphere, a really nice place just to settle down and escape all the noise and bustle of life. They have good budget deals and seniors deals and a great variety in food. They have all the deep fried take away and also raost sandwiches and rolls, quiches and wraps. And desserts. It's a great little cafe.

Well stocked newsagent. They've always had the bits and pieces I've gone there looking for. Excellent location too, it's really easy to just pop in there and grab what you need after whilse your in the shopping centre to pick up other things.

I bought pickled pork there on special and it was lovely. Every time I go past if I stop just to have a look someone is always there to greet me and ask if they can help. They have really good service and high quality meats.

They have excellent priced bread, I would go here especially to buy wholemeal bread a little bit cheaper and sometimes pick up fruit and vege that is discounted out the front. They always seem to have really good quality fruit and vegetables there.