Grill'd at Rosalie

Went to Grill'd at Rosalie for Tait's birthday.  Made a booking, checked for Wheelchair Access and headed there for 5pm on Saturday.  The wheelchair parking is at the bottom of the ramp.  The restaurant was very accessible, and there is a disabled toilet that is fairly easy to access.  The burger I had (Moroccan Lamb) with chips was tasty and well priced ($14.95).  A great night out...

Dugandan Pub at Boonah

We decided to go to the Dugandan Pub www.dugandanhotel.com.au at Boonah on Easter Monday.  There had been a supplement in the QT and this place was advertised as having wheelchair access.  I booked for 6 (although 2 of our friends could not make it), but after asking about wheelchair toilets, found that they didn't have them.  My husband has found a website that is all about public toilets, Australia wide, and found some at the Information Centre at Boonah.  So we drove down there, and used those loos on the way to the Pub (they were clean and workable).  The Pub is a lovely old Pub, although they clearly did not expect the amount of custom that they got that day.  The meals were slow (and 2 of our meals were taken by someone else - so Judy and I had to wait for a looooooong time for their replacements - while the thief quite happily enjoyed our reef and beef, which were they last available for the day).  Apart from that problem (not a problem of pub staff), it was a lovely day for a drive in the country and a pleasant meal at a Pub with a lot of history.  We accessed the Public loos on the way home and, although it can be a pain to stop more than once, sometimes you just have to do what you have to do!!

The Playhouse Theatre at QPAC

We purchased tickets to see 'Over the Rainbow' at the Playhouse Theatre.  There are two lifts that go from the footpath to all floors of the Theatre, and although on lift was not working, we were able to access the other one.  We got terrific seats on the top floor and were well looked after.  One thing they do well is help people with disabilities.  They actually great you by name, and stop by a couple of times to see if you need help.  We rarely need help, but it would be comforting for people who do need some assistance.  All in all, a pleasant outing - although we have come to expect this.

An update on Holland America

Holland America came back with a discount ($600)  on our next cruise.  But they still say they cannot guarantee joint discussion on any further problems.  I find that they deal with problems by ignoring them, which I have heard other people also mention.  We have booked another cruise, this one has no tender ports.....so hopefully it will all go smoothly.

An update on Champs at Southbank

After such a pleasant experience eating breakfast at this establishment, we decided to have tea there prior to a show at QPAC.  Ordered something quick, as time was limited.  We didn't have to worry about wasting time eating anything they served.......scallops consisted of 4 scallops on a large plate and the crab sandwich was two fingers of bread, which if put together, would not make a whole sandwich.  Sounds OK you say.....well the scallops were $24 and the sandwiches were $20.  Add a glass of wine ($10) and a beer ($10) and a plate of potatoes ($12) and it was an expensive and unfufilling meal........still recommend them for breakfast, but like something with a bit more substance for tea.

Brother's Leagues Club Ipswich

Went to Brother's Leagues Club, Ipswich, for St Paddies Day Celebrations.  Although there are several wheelchair parks, they are hard to get....guess there are lots of oldies visiting on most days.  However there are plenty of parks in the bottom carpark which can be used by wheelchair users, it is just a bit of a ways from the front door.  However the club is fully accessible.  The even have a lift to the top floor.  Anyway we had an enjoyable afternoon, listening to 'The Life of Reilly' singing Irish ditties and enjoying a drink or two with some of my friends from Rosewood Craft Group.  Would recommend the club for an outing....easy access and lovely ambience.

Champ Kitchen and Bar, Southbank

After a night at Southbank Rydges and a trip to see 'The Mousetrap', we decided to go to Champs for breakfast.  We had walked past this place a few times and kept meaning to try it, when Sully suggested we try it for breakfast.  It is located at the bottom of the new ABC building and the decor is what only can be described as rustic.  The waitress later informed us that the walls were made from wood taken from a house at West End that had suffered flood damage, and the lamp shades were made from barbed wire.  But don't let my description put you off, it has a very pleasant view to the hibuscus covered arbour, and even though it was very hot that morning, the air conditioning was walking nicely. 

This place is wheelchair accessible, and the waitress did not flinch when asked where we could sit.  A plant was moved and we were given a table at the front of the restaurant.  There was an extensive menu with very reasonable prices.  Sully had thrice fried beans with eggs and turkish bread and I had eggs and bacon with hollandaise sauce on turkish bread.  We both had coffee and I also had a fruit shake, which was made on ice, and was very much appreciated.  The meal cost $43.00 which was more than value for money.champkitchenandbar.com.au

In fact, when we went back to pay our hotel account, they tried to charge us $55 each for a buffet breakfast - making our little walk even more pleasant.

Southbank Rydges has three wheelchair accessible rooms that are very well set up.  Even the verandah has a built up floor so that it was easily accessible.  The only flaw was that the bed was very high and someone with issues when transferring, would of had a problem.http://www.rydges.com/southbank