This is the little cafe that I go to every time i go down to the gold coast to visit family. Its in the shopping centre next to kmart and has a nice little secluded section to the back. They have daily specials on coffee and cake ($6 if memory serves me correctly) and the cakes are always fresh and delicious like the cheesecakes.

Approximate cost: $15

This is the first place i have gone to where i have absolutely loved the result. I needed to get some difficult colours done (bright blue and i have black hair) and they did a wonderful job. they also have a $98 deal where they do a complete service (cut, colour, treatment, blowdry, straighten) its well worth it.

Approximate cost: $98

This place is always empty, and i think its a catch22 situation, people dont want to be the only one in there so they dont ever go in.
The staff here were one of the nicest groups of people ever to serve me in a restaurant. They were smiley, friendly, and chatted with us (we were the only two in the restaurant). They even gave us a discount and a voucher to use next time

Approximate cost: $15

This restaurant is where the german restaurant used to be, in the small bunch of shops on the corner of middle street. It is really nice and cosy and they have done the place up quite well. The food was of good quality but the best part is the quiet and small atmosphere as there are only a few tables. EDIT- I ate here again, and realised it was more expensive than I thought! (partner paid the first time). The coq au vin is delicious, but avoid the smoked duck as it is quite rubbery.

Approximate cost: $30-40

This gym is the cleanest and best kept gym i have ever set foot in. Membership costs are tailored to suit you so there's no set fee. The prices start from about 20 dollars. There are also classes that you can come to without being a member.

Approximate cost: $20>

This is my favourite Chinese restaurant in the bayside area. Not only are they good value for money, with most meals being under the $10 mark, but you dont get that heavy "MSG" feeling after eating there. According to their menu, they use no MSG in their cooking. My choice meals here are the special fried rice, the sweet and sour pork (with tender pork peices and lots of sauce) and the honey chicken (super light and fluffy battered chicken, drizzled in honey sauce over crunchy noodles). My partner and I usually buy these three meals plus a serve of cocktail spring rolls (which come with their own sauce) and it lasts us one night, with at least two more serves each leftover.

This place can get VERY busy so put in your order at least 20mins before you want it!
Saying this, they are the best value for money in the area and also do BEER BATTERED chips. Yum! (only $1 extra). For $24 you can get the fish dinner pack which contains 4 massive peices of NZ Hoki, a huge serving of chips, and a big container of garden salad, with tartare and lemon too of course.

Approximate cost: $15 pp

this is one of the BEST seafood places in the area. Not your standard greasy fish and chips. Dinner packs come with your choice of gourmet salad such as a pumkin and pinenut salad. The servings are on the generous side, and I have never been disappointed. They also have huge seafood platters and a comfy al fresco eating area.

Approximate cost: $15

Chris and his wife as the main staff here, Chris does the tattoos, and his wife, the peircings. While they are not the biggest tattooists in the brisbane area, they do good quality simple tattoos, and are great and greywashing. My partner has had several tattoos from this place and they all look great!

Approximate cost: $100 an hour

This place is run by a lovely Asian family and sell all sorts of foods. While it is mainly snack foods such as burgers and chips, one of their lesser known meals is there $9 breakfasts which is worth every cent. For $9 you get your choice of white or black tea or juice, then a plate absolutely overflowing with 2 eggs, three rashers of bacon (good bacon, not streaky), two slices of toast, a hash brown, a sausage and a fried tomato.

Approximate cost: $10