This is one business that I cannot recommend highly enough, having been a customer in both my homes and business for some twenty years. Professionalism, expert service and advice, and prompt and friendly service are second to none. If you are thinking of having an alarm system installed, or an existing system monitored by SNP, do it. I can also recommend the security patrols. Excellent service.

Quest Ballarat is located in the heritage listed former Loreto College building, the smaller of the two colleges. The school was founded in 1875 by the Loreto Sisters as their first foundation in Australia. Quest on Dawson Street has been extensively refurbished and had been open only two weeks when we visited and smelled of brand new carpet and paint. We stayed in a studio apartment, well appointed and very comfortable. Linen was amazingly crisp, the bed and pillows quite divine. Drawbacks were that there is no elevator, so we had to lug our heavy suitcases up two flights of stairs to the room. Also, the water pressure in the shower was really disappointing. Otherwise, well worth a visit and stay. Highly recommended.

Approximate cost: $115.00

The drawcard was fresh, fresh, fresh Coffin Bay oysters, discounted prices on a Wednesday night, and the challenge to join the four dozen club (viz the wall of fame) at the Oyster Bar in Glenelg. The menu offers a selection of chilled, grilled and temptations oysters. Check the menu on the website and you'll see what I'm talking about. The oysters natural were mouthwateringly fresh... it was easy to meet the four dozen challenge. I'll definitely be back!

Approximate cost: $14.00

My partner and I ate breakfast on two mornings during our recent stay in Warrnambool. The service was very prompt and friendly; the variety on the menu was outstanding to say the least. The serving portions were very generous. The food was fresh and well cooked. The vibe was good. The cafe clean and well presented. My partner has eaten at Fishtales on numerous occasions when travelling through or staying in Warrnambool for work.

I might just add that I have background as a food writer and reviewer; and formerly owned a cooking school, so have seen and tasted the food and cooking of the cream of chefs from Australia and the world. I'm talking about Maggie, Stephanie, Gabriel, Geoff Jansz, Charmaine, Margaret Fulton, Rick Stein, Kurma Dasa et al.

Approximate cost: $15.00

My partner and I dined at Golden City recently on a brief stay in Ballarat. The atmosphere was great... a warm fireplace, very welcome on a winter's evening; music not too loud; prompt and friendly service; great food. My steak was cooked to perfection (medium) and melted in the mouth. The vegetables were garden fresh. My partner's lamb pizza was surprisingly good. Dessert selection was superb. We will definitely visit again!

I might just add that I have background as a food writer and reviewer; and formerly owned a cooking school, so have seen and tasted the food and cooking of the cream of chefs from Australia and the world. I'm talking about Maggie, Stephanie, Gabriel, Geoff Jansz, Charmaine, Margaret Fulton, Rick Stein, Kurma Dasa et al.

Approximate cost: $25.00

The Barn is the most comfortable, well appointed accommodation I have ever had the pleasure of staying in. The bathroom was better than you would see in most homes. The bed and pillows superb, the linen very crisp and fresh. The room service was excellent, the menu offered a wide selection and the food was very well presented, cooked to perfection and tasted great. Excellent steak, garden fresh vegetables and mouthwatering dessert. The barn is situated on the outskirts of Mt Gambier, just five minutes from town, however the rural setting offered us a quiet night's sleep and rest, well away from truck and traffic noise. We will definitely stay at The Barn again and cannot recommend it highly enough.

In regard to the food, I might just add that I have background as a food writer and reviewer; and formerly owned a cooking school, so have seen and tasted the food and cooking of the cream of chefs from Australia and the world. I'm talking about Maggie, Stephanie, Gabriel, Geoff Jansz, Charmaine, Margaret Fulton, Rick Stein, Kurma Dasa et al.

Approximate cost: $150.00

I was passing through Hahndorf on a holiday and had less than two weeks prior had a very bad cut and colour by a junior in my usual salon in Canberra. Sarah, the owner of Ice Hair and Body in Hahndorf, transformed my boofy, lopsided head of badly yellowing hair to a magical ice blonde with a brilliant cut. Sarah showed expertise in hair colouring and cutting,
as well as in overall haircare; giving me expert advice about how to best manage and maintain blonded hair. Sarah wrote full details of the foils and colour on a card (the recipe), as well as providing suggestions for me to use on my next visit to a hairdresser. I cannot recommend Sarah at Ice Hair and Body in Hahndorf highly enough. Adding to Sarah's expertise, she is a genuinely lovely person.