Having recently started working in North Sydney, I needed to find a place that served a decent Mocha. After trying a half dozen cafes I discovered Soul Origin Greenwood Plaza and stopped searching.

Their food looks good, but I am only there for the take-away coffee on my way to work. Located in the middle of the plaza makes it really easy to get my coffee fix before work.

And the loyalty card is quite good value also.

Approximate cost: $4.50

Greasy tables, yes!
Undercooked chips, yes!
Grotty and tired toilets, yes!

I only go here every so often when I'm in the mood for some fried chicken but don't want to deal with the crowds inside the Westfield. Not the star in the KFC fleet of shops, that's for sure.

Approximate cost: $8

This McDonalds is:
In a great location to break up a long drive
Equipped with a McCafe where the staff know how to make a coffee
Surrounded with plenty of parking
Equipped with a good playland for the kids to climb around inside.

Clever use of space and plenty of natural light, quite enjoyable to relax for a bit here to Stop, Revive, Survive and let the kids have a play. One of the better McDonalds around.

Approximate cost: $7

Toys for the kids to play with? Check!
Colouring page & pencils for the kids? Check!
Large portions that threaten to blow out your 8700 Kilojoule intake? CHECK!

Good food, fresh salad, crisp chips (not burned or undercooked), steak cooked properly and great sauces for your food. A chain steakhouse that charges a bit too much but gives you a good meal and a good time.

Worth it, but not too often.

Approximate cost: $85

Far from public transport? Check!
Parking lot without any lines market? Check!
Prices equal to Taronga Zoo? Check!
Food prices that are more expensive than leaving, driving to McDonalds and back? Check!
Paths that are gravel and make walking with a stroller difficult? Check!

A nice selection of animals to look at, plenty of shows that are spaced through the day to see and not far from Sydney by your own car.

You want to bring your own food, avoid going with small children and wear comfortable sneakers.

But for the same entry fee and being able to use public transport, I'd rather go to Taronga next time.

Approximate cost: $75

The Combat Company is an online only place where you can get the majority of your table top gaming needs met.

A large range of figures, books and paints at discount prices. Free postage when you spend over $100 and further discounts if you arrange a pick up from a convention like MOAB or CANCON.

Sometimes they might be out of stock for a particular item, but they are friendly to deal with and ship quickly and everything is well packed.

A great place to buy from

Approximate cost: $140

If you want better than average chain based fast food, oportos is the way to go.

Their spicy burgers are the main attraction, but they are often overcooked, despite promises of being freshly cooked.

A little more expensive than other chain fast food places, and you get value for money. But not the best out there.

Approximate cost: $12

Great coffee? Check!
Great service? Check!
Great prices? Check!

I'm very happy to get my morning "fix" from these guys, thanks!

A little odd how they call it Small, Large and Giant for coffee. Is someone compensating for something?

Approximate cost: $4.20

Located in the Historic pavilion in the heart of Cronulla, this pool with swim school + shop has all you need for kids lessons and keeping fit.

They offer:
Kids lessons
Squad training
25M pool for laps & rehab
Gym upstairs

The staff are friendly and the prices are reasonable. Parking can be a bit of a pain.

Approximate cost: $14

If you get the $28 pack, you can let your little ones romp around for a couple of hours. Combined with tables and benches all around, you can relax for a bit, keep your eye on the kids and let them burn off some energy.

The inflatable bouncing area is great for energetic play and the ball pen with sanitiser activity chute is plenty of fun. At least one parent or guardian is meant to stay around and keep an eye on the kids, but I always like to go in and have a bit of fun in the ball pit. Bazzinga!

As a reward for really good behaviour during shopping or just a place to let them run wild, Playtime Miranda is a great place for the kids.

Approximate cost: $28