I took two friends visiting from Geelong to Scope on a Tuesday for lunch before taking one of them to the airport. I'd booked a table for 12.15pm, so it was a bit earlier than the usual busy time. Our table was good and quite near the window and of course the view is stunning.

It wasn't very busy, but the waiter took some time to bring the menus (I had to go searching to find out if it was 'order and pay' at the counter), and then even longer to take our order - I think it was about 30 minutes! Then the wait for our lunch began. My friend finally went up to the counter and asked where our meals were because he had a plane to catch, and the person at the counter flipped through a box to find our order and said 'I'll put it in right now'. Does this mean that the order hadn't even gone into the kitchen?

Finally the meals arrived. I had a chicken pot pie served inexplicably on a wooden board, with a small bowl of salad (it was awkward to get the salad out). The others had a sort of pastry wrap, but theirs were on plates along with the salad, which made them easier to access. They reported their meals were 'ok'.

The young waiter came over to apologise for the delay; I have scored 'service' as 'satisfactory' because he made up for what was otherwise a fairly lack lustre experience.

Unfortunately there are several places in Canberra in scenic locations on the tourist trail that rely on people only coming once. They need to pull up their socks because these days, people spread the word on these sorts of websites.

Approximate cost: $17

63 Degrees cafe at Highton is small but has a friendly buzz. Best of all, conversation isn't drowned out by overwhelming music; the music is set to just the right level. There's a big central table, tables to seat six or so, and then tables for two; these are perhaps a bit too narrow but necessary to save space. I'm always impressed by the greeting I receive from the wait staff who ask what food or meal you'd like and give you a menu, and say they'll come back and take your order. Too often cafes leave you to wonder whether you're expected to order and pay at the counter or not - not at 63 Degrees; it's all quite clear! The only meal I've had so far is the sweet potato hash cakes with a delicious light sauce and softly scrambled egg. The reason I haven't tried anything else yet is because I LOVE this dish; breakfast is my favourite meal out and this is such an innovative combination of flavours, I haven't yet worked through the rest of the menu. Apparently their home hash browns are also out of this world - I'll be trying this next. For friendly, professional service and delicious food, you can't go past 63 Degrees.

Approximate cost: $18

I took my Mazda 6 diesel wagon to Gardiner Automotive in Ocean Grove where I live because I couldn't get in to Geelong to the usual Mazda service centre. I'm so glad I did! My car is still under warranty so Gardiner did a log book service, and were very quick and efficient. They also went to a lot of trouble to stay on the phone line to the fleet company to get an authorisation number. I was very impressed with their customer service and communication and will certainly take my car back for further services from now on.

Approximate cost: $under $200

I came across Claire from Sunshine Chinese Massage by chance when she was offering $10 massages at the Torquay markets. I had a very sore neck at the time and I felt so much better after having a 10 minute massage.

I've seen Claire several times at her shop in Torquay, and I would have to say her massages are the best Chinese Tu Na (remedial) massages I've ever had. Claire is friendly, polite, and her communication is very good.

The great thing about this style of massage is that no oil is applied (unless you ask for it), so the massage is done while the client is fully clothed, through a thin piece of cotton.

There are plenty of Chinese massages places around in various shopping centres, so it's hard to find a good one. Claire is exceptional. After a thorough neck and shoulder massage in the chair, you move to the comfortable massage table with padded head hole (very hygienic with a tissue over the top). Claire puts a warmed wheat bag on your back while she massages...she uses her fingers, elbows and wrists to achieve fantastic pressure. She'll ask you if it's too soft or two hard.

Claire goes above and beyond and is great value for money. I've been having massages for over 25 years for my back and neck issues, and I can say that Claire is up there with the best I've had. She runs the busines with her husband, who is also very good, and they employ a number of staff who have all been tested by them as extremely good massage therapists. Try Sunshine Chinese Massage, you won't be disappointed!

Approximate cost: $10 for neck, $25 neck and shoulder, prices go up from there but very good value for money.

I'm a fan of the 'surprise' cafe - the one that you see as you're passing by, decide to stop because it looks intriguing, and then are pleasantly surprised by the whole experience. Hardly out of the way or hard to find, yet not near any other cafes or in a shopping precinct, this is actually an attraction for me. Very pleasant and quick service in a cottage style cafe with a mosaic step and entrance - very quirky. Some of the best coffee I've had in Geelong, with satisfying sandwiches, and delectable cakes and truffles. Magazines to read, a bench along the window, and more mosaic topped tables. Truly charming! Just wish they were open on Saturdays so I could take my partner for breakfast.

Approximate cost: $8-12