Girls why not take advantage of some of the cheap airfares and plan a Long weekend away at Hamilton Island. We recently visited Hammo (affectionate name given by the locals) and had a fantastic time doing research to provide you with some handy hints and tips on this great Island. For starters there is a great range of accommodation available, with everything from  self contained residences to Hotels. The advantage of self contained is that most of the residences come with a golf buggy which is a great way to get around the Island (as there are some steep hills).
When you stay in a self contained residence  we found that the best way to get groceries, including alcohol is to order Coles online. They will deliver directly to your door, otherwise you will fall victim to the Island tax, basically everything is more expensive because you are on an island. Also while on the subject of food, make sure you book restaurants in advance as they fill quickly.

There are some great ways to explore the Whitsundays and there are many tours to choose from that cater for all budgets. Just head down to the Marina where you will find the tour desks.  One really great value for money trip is at Dent Island (the golf Island) and for $75 pp you get a 2 course lunch and a glass of wine or beer while overlooking the beautiful Whitsundays. You can then jump in a buggy and do a tour of the golf course which showcases the great views (so be sure to bring a camera)

There is one Hairdresser on the Island so once again book ahead. If you want to spend some time at a day spa then you can choose from Spa wumurdaylin or Qualia which is on Hamilton Island or you can catch the ferry over to Daydream Island where they have the Rejuvenation Spa spa@daydream.net.au

So if a special is what you are looking for Whitsundays Holidays is offering the 6^th night free. Have a look at www.whitsundayholidays.com.au for more details

Every Sunday afternoon, Campaspe  House offers a traditional High Tea in the lounges of their 1920’s oak paneled Manor House.  
Ladies of all ages and distinguished gentlemen too, are enjoying special occasions such as birthday’s, girls weekends, hen’s days or just enjoying a Sunday afternoon out in this stunning secluded setting.
You will be served a traditional selection of sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and scones as well as their  T2 Tea selection or coffee.
The cost is just $35 per person.
After indulging, why not stroll through through the magnificent Edna Walling gardens to complete the perfect afternoon.
Reservations are essential, so please call 5427 2273 to book.

HO HO HO…Are you thinking of planning a Christmas party for your staff. Well Campaspe house has put together a fun-filled Christmas party with friends and colleagues in stylish surroundings, with exceptional food and outstanding service. You can choose from perhaps a lunch served in the historic Edna Walling designed garden, on the pool terrace or in the grand 1920s manor house.
This is such a beautiful setting for a Christmas party, Here are some of the packages on offer:
Lunch Packages
Restaurant – Enjoy a 2 or 3 course menu in our restaurant – minimum of 12 guests & maximum of 50 guests.
Regional BBQ – Be tempted by our offering of gourmet barbeque items served with fresh salad, rolls and dessert – minimum of 20 guests & maximum of 50 guests.
Maybe the long days and warm nights are tempting you towards an evening function …
Dinner Packages
Restaurant – A variety of seated menu options are available in our restaurant – indulge your guests with the Christmas Festive Feast – minimum of 12 guests & maximum of 50 guests.
Regional BBQ – Be tempted by our offering of gourmet barbeque items served with fresh salad, rolls and dessert – minimum of 20 guests & maximum of 50 guests.
Visit the Christmas festvities page at : http://www.campaspehouse.com.au/site/index.cfm?display=46630
Campaspe House – A Country House Hotel & Restaurant
Goldies Lane, Woodend, Victoria, 3442
Phone: (03) 5427 2273
Fax: (03) 5427 1049
Web: www.campaspehouse.com.au

Imagine the laughter, stories and ‘cheers’ that would be had. 
And the lunch venue booking for 1pm was made with The Wine Bank in Bendigo. An old bank building with wine racks lining the walls and a dark but cosy feeling inside. We were led to the side function room – a separate room, with an old bookcase, open fireplace (not fired up) – a snug room for a table of eight, plus another little table of two we noticed. Now, let’s wait. And wait. For water, menus, wine lists. While we were waiting for 30 minutes, one of our table headed out to the main area just to check was it table service or did we need to come and read a blackboard and order. Sometimes you just don’t know, so it’s good to check. “Go back in! We’ll come and serve you!,” said someone behind the counter. OK.
 We waited some more. Then she arrived. “I don’t usually do this, I’ve just been roped in,” explained the woman serving us water. 
 We check the wine list of The Wine Bank. We order a bottle of bubbles which will be gone in one glass each, but it’s a starter. Nice. 
 A shared plate of pate arrives and we gobble that down.  Talking, laughing, looking at photos …. but waiting now for food. You know that period of time when you wonder: ‘Did they get our orders at all?’
 Meals arrived. Perhaps on the small side. Tasty and not so memorable.
 Bottle one of bubbles was well and truly gone so we ordered another to continue to enjoy with our meal. We waited. And waited. 
 We reminded them of our order and we waited some more.  Young waitress finally brings the bottle, opens it and then said “Will I pour it or do youse wanna pour it ya-selves?”  I took the bottle quick smart. Bute as the green bottle gently touched the palm of my hand, horror! It wasn’t cold. Bubbles not cold???!!!  We gave the bottle back and she said that was the last bottle of that type; we could order something else. Standing there, looking at us, waiting for our decision.  We suggested we’d need the wine list at The Wine Bank to make that decision. She left and returned with the wine list. 
We decided quite quickly. And then waited. And waited for a waitress to return to our table to take our order for our replacement bottle of hopefully cold bubbles. While we were waiting we thought, maybe that previous bottle had come off one of the many wine racks and was shoved in the fridge or freezer to chill while we were waiting. How else could it be so warmer-than-room-temperature on a chilly day in Bendigo?  And during our ongoing waiting, we realised we just needed to leave; it was well near afternoon tea time and we needed coffees. And we needed to make our return journeys to Melbourne and Ballarat. Could we stand to wait any more?
 We’d had great conversation, laughed at the photos of brides and bridesmaids, thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition, but the afternoon was dulled and dampened by the sad, slow and not-at-all-sorry service from a venue who’s surroundings are stunning but the service was oh-so-shabby. 

Contibuted by one of our followers Lynne
You can contribute to. Just e-mail us at contact_us@girlsweekendsaway.com.au and we will do the rest

Yes girls it once was a Mortuary but thankfully that was a very  long time ago. The only thing that remains now of this buildings past is it’s name. This establishment is quirky and oozes warmth and charm. I have eaten here a few times and can I say on this visit the food was outstanding, thanks to a new Chef. For entree my friend and I shared the duck confit and walnut croquettes with duck parfait  and shiraz black pepper jelly and Sesame and pepper calamari. The croquettes were  outstanding, so good in fact that I am still craving them now! For mains I had the Pasture Fed Gippsland Tenderloin which was cooked to perfection, it basically melted in my mouth. My friend had the Roasted Pork Belly which was served with cider stewed apples and a pickled mushroom salad, with each bite my friend almost replicated the scene from when Harry met Sally. The wine list had a good selection and the staff were friendly and attentive. I can’t wait to get back to try the roasted pumpkin risotto with almonds crème fraiche and honey or even the The  Hawthorn (a waygu burger).

This new menu is to die for…To visit the website and see the menue  Click Here

Just $198 for 8 Days + 7 Nights’ Accommodation on Gili Meno Island, it’s for  2 Adults and 2 Kids Under 5, but I would ditch the kids and take a special friend. The only catch is you have to get there!
That’s okay because you have till 2013 to find discounts flights..

$40.00 includes 2 hr show, finger food, drink on arrival and entry to win door prizes.

This will be a Girls Night Out that will Not disappoint..!!!
To learn more Phone 03 5985 2277 or see www.ryehotel.com.au for more details

Remember if you are Looking for accommodation  to enhance your stay why not visit our our Mornington site for more ideas.

In Melbourne on the  22nd of October be one of the first to experience Traditional High Tea with champagne at the recently refurbished, Mural Hall in Myer Melbourne. Grab your friends  to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month at this inaugural McGrath Foundation High Tea. Every person will receive a goodie bag and be in for a fun day with some surprises, while supporting a worthwhile cause.

Tickets are limited so don’t miss out on an afternoon with the girls! http://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au