Reviews by rodb4
Very eclectic gift shop, with pieces of work based on works found in the New York Metropolitan Musuem of Art for sale. Its a very cool, with different and interesting merchandise from kids books to jewellry to replicas of art from antiquity. Its not cheap, but if you are in the market for something a little bit out of the ordinary then here is a good place to start.
This business used to be on Swanston Street (or, to be more precise, under it) however it has moved to new digs and its definitely a positive move. Its light, bright, there's plenty of room and the layout has definitely improved. Excellent selection of books and standard bookstore prices.
I've been to Cookie a couple of times, each time hoping that I wouldn't be underwhelmed again because I keep being told that it's a good place to go (by people who really should be in the know, but clearly aren't), and each time I find that all I've done is set myself up disappointment. It's loud and crowded - the layout isn't great. The staff couldn't be bothered. The prices are on the wrong side of expensive. If I had to sum it up in 4 words, I'd say "try-hard and ordinary".
Just went here for mothers day lunch and it was packed. Despite this, the service was very good. Good food at pretty decent prices. A lunch option will cost you anywhere between $15 and $25 and the portion sizes were pretty generous. Kid friendly too! I saw the wait staff bring out crayons and colouring-in sheets for the little ones. Great location too!
Replenish is a health food store that stocks organic fruit and veges, as well as other grocery type stuff as well. Great gluten free and spelt flour range, and whilst it's not usually cheap (you wont get much change out of $10 for a loaf of spelt flour bread) if your health is important and you live around Williamstown then you should definitely drop in and check it out. The staff are also all friendly and helpful.
I love bookstores and this one certainly doesn't disappoint. Set to the side of the iconic Sun Theatre this shop stocks a great array of titles and is a wonderful way to kill time before a movie starts. More often than not ill walk away from the Sun having seen a movie and with a new book to read! Prices are about normal bookshop standard. Service is great.
I've never used the gym here - which looks well stocked with a lot of equipment - but I've given the pools a bit of a flogging. Good water spaces allow for the hardcore swimmers to do their thing whilst the casual, not-as-serious swimmer like me also doesn't miss out. Good kiddy pools as well.
Costco is ok - good because buying in bulk is always cheaper and they've actually got a fairly substantial range of products. I've found that that the service is close to non existent which disappoints but you'd be hard pressed to beat it for quality and value. Easy to go crazy though and buy things that you possibly don't need (like a years worth of toilet paper), or don't need anywhere near as much, so careful not to fall into that trap!
Calais is a fantastic winery. The cellar door is in a beautiful old building (also houses a restaurant) and the staff are very good. But the wines are sensational! Both the reds and the whites are extremely good so be warned - you'll be buying a lot of it if you go here.
Tamburlaine have a great selection of wines at good prices. Tasting rooms are great and the staff know their stuff. Wines are very nice - some of the best in the Hunter region.