The CLSK Guide to Circuit Work
This experimental page is designed to deal with the problem of where to stay, eat, drink beer, and drink coffee while in the country on legal aid rates.
There are certain minimum criteria for accommodation meeting the required CLSK standard. The premises must:
Suggestions to this page will be warmly welcomed. They will be attributed to the contributor, unless you do not wish your name mentioned.
SYDNEY
For some people, being in Sydney is a circuit, OK?
Taylor Square
I recommend the coffee at Battuta Cafe Restaurant, at 179 Oxford Street, diagonally across the road from the courts (telephone 9331 3229). They do a pretty good breakfast as well. Very colourful clientele (well it is Oxford Street).
For a cooling ale after court, hard to beat the Judgment Bar, first floor of the Court House Hotel, 189 Oxford Street, again diagonally opposite the Taylor Square Court complex.
No case at Taylor Square would be complete without a meal at the legendary Balkan Continental Restaurant, 209 Oxford Street (telephone 9360 4970). The most important thing to remember about Supreme Court work is: 'The Balkan is closed on Tuesdays'.
Parramatta
Having recently spent a long determinate sentence at Parramatta, I would make the following recommendations.
The Legal Grind Cafe at 8 George Street Parramatta (just across the road from the Western Sydney District Court) provides friendly and generally quick service for breakfast, and lunch.
For lunch and a contemplative beer after court, it is very hard to beat the Woolpack Hotel, at 19 George Street Parramatta, just to the east of the District Court. In particular for a quick under $10 Thai lunch, the hotel's M & J Thai, run by the charming and very efficient Kay, is hard to beat.
For a lunch when the court is not resuming at 2pm I would recommend El-Phoenician at 328 Church Street Parramatta for up-market Lebanese dining.
NEWCASTLE
Newcastle Accommodation
Noah's on the Beach, Newcastle
Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle, (02) 4929 5181
Interesting feature: close to the ocean baths
WOLLONGONG
I recommend Wollongong Serviced Apartments (54 Kembla Street Wollongong, telephone 4225 2544) as a place to stay. The nightly tariffs about $190. The apartments are about 2 blocks from the courthouse. They are also only a couple of blocks from the a very scenic beach walk along the North Wollongong beaches. The staff could not be more obliging.
For a quick lunch or coffee close to court, I recommend Sopranos on the Mall, at 110 Crown Street Wollongong (telephone 4226 5277).
If you are looking for a long lunch the local bar will all point you towards Michaels at (50 Crown Street Wollongong) (telephone 4225 9542) for some very impressive modern Italian food.
A bit further field, but with beautiful ocean views and slightly retro seafood menu, is the Lagoon Seafood Restaurant at Stuart Park, North Wollongong (phone 4226 1677)
Another memorable restaurant is Mylan Restaurant (phone 4228 1588), a Vietnamese restaurant at 198 Keira Street Wollongong.
For a contemplative ale after court, there is really only one choice: The Illawarra Hotel (telephone 422 9 5411) , at the corner of Keira and Market Streets. Art Deco on the outside, Sydney cool on the inside, and close to court.
ALBURY
Albury is quite a foodie town, sitting as it does on the beautiful Murray River.
My choice for a stay at Albury is the Chifley Hotel, corner of Dean and Elizabeth Streets Albury (telephone 6021 5366). It is close to the court complex in Olive Street and restaurants in the main street, Dean Street. I regret to say if they are booked out, don't accept their recommendations for other nearby hotels.
I haven't stayed there myself, but colleagues recommend the Quality Hotel on Olive Street Albury, at 579 Olive Street.
For a very Sydney cup of coffee I would go to Jones the Grocer at 489 Swift Street. As you leave the court in Olive Street turn left and at the first corner (Swift Street) turn right, it is at the end of a short block.
For an after court drink I would recommend the zedbar at 568 Dean Street which is on the way back from court to the Chifley Hotel.
For an almost too Sydney dining experience try to have one dinner at source dining (open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, Thursday to Friday lunch).
BEGA
Meaning no offence to Bega, but why wouldn't you stay at the nearby coastal village of Tarthra? Much frequented by Public Defenders are the Tathra Beach House Apartments at 57 Andy Poole Drive, Tathra (telephone (02) 6499 9900).
MOREE
Moree Accomodation
Newell Highway, Moree (02) 6752 2466
Interesting feature: artesian thermal spa.
DUBBO
Dubbo Accomodation
The Dubbo RSL Club Motel (telephone 6884 2030) in Brisbane Street is
at least close to the court, but I wish it had a bigger pool.
Dubbo Coffee
The best coffee I could find is the Grapevine Cafe, almost opposite the court house, at 114 Brisbane Street Dubbo (telephone 6884 7354).
Dubbo Pubs
The local criminal law practitioners seem to drink at the Pastoral Hotel at 110 Talbragar Street Dubbo (telephone 688 2421), and on a hot afternoon the upstairs verandah is certainly the place to be.
Dubbo Restaurants
I am told that sadly the Three Snails has closed. However my Dubbo correspondent recommends a Tapas restaurant called 'Two Doors' at 215 Macquarie Street Dubbo (phone 6885 2333). Open 7 nights a week is the Rose Garden Thai Restaurant, which is in Brisbane Street.
Suggestions from our Dubbo Correspondent
Our Dubbo correspondent, Ljiljana Bradric, makes the following suggestions:
"As a once, very Sydney gal, I have tried and tested some great, and not so great, culinary establishments in this wee old town.
My suggestions for surviving a visit to this town would include attending one of the following restaurants:
Lazy River Estate (about a 5 minute taxi ride from the 'CBD') - best ciabatta bread in the State!! (being ethnic, I really can make such a bold statement!!)
Cattleman's Restaurant - quaint food, nice 1970s décor, with a great big statue of a chef facing the dining area - somewhat creepy, but tolerable.
Rose Garden for Thai
Monkey Bar for drinks (very clean, good food)
For the Sydney lawyers who want to get a bit 'country', trying a meat pie from the Village Bakery is a must - not as great as the pies from Nyngan (the best in the State!) though.
Apart from going out for food, or going to the local cinema (be warned, it's not quite Dendy cinemas), there really isn't much else to do in Dubbo. Well, maybe visit the zoo if you happen to be staying the weekend (it's actually quite cool, and I love the fact that one can get about the zoo without actually having to leave the confine of one's car) - the free alternative of course involves jumping in a rented car, going for a drive, and counting all the carcases on the side of the road. Many times after a half hour journey, the number can get to double digits. Or maybe a visit to the Old Dubbo Goal - don't forget to duck; people were very short back then!
And lastly, at night, don’t forget to stick your head out of the motel window, or better still, drive out of town in any direction for about 5 minutes (don’t forget your Navman), lie on the bonnet of your car and look up at the sky. One thing that Dubbo has that Sydney never will (apart from the fresh air), are views of millions of stars! To help us put things into perspective. Absolutely magical!
Hope these suggestions help."
EAST MAITLAND
East Maitland Accomodation
I think the only place to stay at East Maitland is the beautiful Old St George and Dragon Guest house, at 50 Melbourne Street, East Maitland (telephone (02) 49 34 6080). It is beautifully done out and though it does not have many of what I normally regard as minimum requirements (telephone, tv, mini bar) you will have a memorable stay there.
Interesting feature: fantastic breakfast, and a great restaurant next door (see below).
East Maitland Dining
Next door to the Old St George and Dragon guest house is the restaurant of the same name (48 Melbourne Street East Maitland, telphone (02) 49 33 7272). Regrettably only open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, it is far and away the best restaurant in the area.
East Maitland Coffee
Very little by way of coffee and sandwiches near the court, but a quick car trip from court will take you to Slices Deli, at 110 High Street East Maitland, where they make good coffee.
East Maitland Pubs
It is hard to go past the Hunter River Hotel (10 Melbourne Street East Maitland), a modern pub with a very popular dining room.
LISMORE
Lismore Accomodation
If you have access to a car, you are probably better off staying at Byron Bay. If you don't have access to a car, the Wilson Motel (119 Ballina Street Lismore, telephone 66 22 3383) is nice, although it is a bit of a walk from court.
Lismore Coffee
For a quick cup of coffee at morning tea, or before court, down the hill away from
the river from the court house is the 29a Cafe in Keen Street.
Lismore Pubs
Lismore has many pubs. The locals favour Mary Gilhooleys, an Irish theme pub at the corner of Keen Street and Woodlark Street (telephone 66 22 2924).
Lismore Restaurants
The best restaurant in Lismore is said to be Paupiettes at 56 Ballina Street (BYO,
telephone 66 21 6135). It is close to the Wilsons Motel, as is the Bangkok Lismore
Restaurant (44 Ballina Street, telephone 66 21 33 75), a fully licensed restaurant,
which has a lovely balcony to dine on during warm Lismore evenings. Around the corner
from the court house (heading towards the river) is Hector's Place (34 Molesworth
Street, telephone 66 22 7898), which has light Italian meals and views of the river.
TAMWORTH
Tamworth Accommodation
New England Highway, Tamworth, 6766 7000
Too far to walk from the courthouse, but probably the best hotel in town, and has
a pool and a pretty decent restaurant. Not cheap, but round about the legal aid daily
daily rate.
237 Marius Street Tamworth (02) 6766 4777
Interesting feature: in-house country music pay tv.
Tamworth Restaurants
Inland Cafe
407 Peel Street Tamworth (02) 6761 2882
Truly lovely food, with a very Sydney feel. Everywhere else in Tamworth pales in comparison with this place. Regrettably only open in the evening Thursday to Sunday. Thursday night is jazz night.
GOULBURN
Our Goulburn correspondent writes:
"Sleep
Post House Hotel.
Probably the best hotel in town. Rooms are $110 per night and there is a very decent restaurant attached.
A short drive or long walk from the court house
1 Lagoon Street Goulburn Nsw 2580
(02) 4821 5666
Alpine Heritage Hotel
3 min walk court house and cheap as chips at $70 for a deluxe room (if you ask for a court discount).
FREE INTERNET.
248 Sloane Street Goulburn NSW 2580
(02) 4821 2930
Eat and drink
Tattersalls Hotel
DIY grill with fantastic salad bar and great deals - $10 on a Tuesday for a scotch fillet and all you can eat salad. Not bad for a beer either
76 Auburn Street
Goulburn NSW 2580
Astor Hotel
Recently renovated (2010). Opposite Tattersalls. Best place for a meal and a few bevvies.
Avoid the accommodation
93 Auburn Street
Goulburn NSW 2580
(02)4821 1155
Fireside Inn
Best restaurant in town. French stye cuisine. Opposite the courthouse across the park.
23 Market Street
Goulburn NSW 2580
(02) 4821 2727
Post House Hotel restaurant
Very good. See above
Paragon Cafe
This Goulburn institution has seen better days. The menu is as long as your arm but IMO nothing quite does it. Big portions though.
174 Auburn Street
Goulburn NSW 2580
(02) 4821 3566
Bryant's Pies
The name doesn't say it all - great little cafe
170 Auburn Street
Goulburn NSW 2580
(02) 4821 2561
Roses Cafe
A touch pricey but just lovely and right next to the court house
10 Montague Street
Goulburn NSW 2580
(02) 4822 2248 "
Goulburn Restaurants
The stand-out restaurant is the quirky Rimbolin Restaurant ( 380 Auburn Street Goulburn, telephone 48 21 7633). It is open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, and dinner Thursday to Saturday.
ORANGE
Orange Restaurants
Our Orange correspondent Julian Trebeck, writes:
On your behalf, I have just made a special trip to Orange. The segment should now read:
“There are continuing developments in the Orange area restaurant scene. Lolli Redini, (48 Sale Street Orange, telephone 6361 7748, open for dinner from Tuesday – Saturday, and lunch on Fridays) sets the standard. In town there is also Selkirks (179 Anson Street Orange, telephone 6361 1179, open similar hours). The Union Bank Café (corner Byng and Sale Streets, telephone 1300 721 731, open 10 - late Monday to Saturday, 11 - 5 Sunday; lunch available 12 - 2:30 and dinner 6-9) is good for a coffee, a drink, a plate of antipasto or a light meal.
[ The Schoolhouse, Mayfield vineyard, Icely Road is apparently now closed]
The previous operators of The Schoolhouse have migrated to La Colline vineyard, at the Racine Restaurant (42 Lake Canobolas Road Nashdale, 6365 3275). There is also Tonic not far away at Millthorpe (30 Victoria Street, 6366 3811).
There are others cafes, both in town and in the surrounding vineyards, but these are the flagships. Apart from the Union Bank Café, none of these would be happily visited while on legal aid rates, or most non-legal aid rates for that matter, but they’re good.
COWRA
Our Cowra correspondent, Trish McPherson, of Indigo Ridge Wine and Acoustics, reports:
'We do quite a bit of work in Cowra and can recommend two eating places. Neila (in the main street) is absolutely great food and BYO but only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, no lunches. The second place, The Quarry Restaurant, is about 6km out of town on the Boorowa Road. May not be a lot of use to your colleagues as it is only open Friday and Saturday night for dinner, but Wednesday through Sunday for lunch.
FORBES
Our Forbes correspondent, Sara Crane, of the ALS reports:
Forbes Accomodation
Best Western Forbes Victoria Inn, Sherriff Street, Forbes (telephone 6851 2233) $120 a night, colour tv, lounge, balcony.
The Comfort Inn on Templar Street is also not bad.
Pub accomodation
The Vandenberg Hotel: Court Street $35- TV, comfortable king single beds, unfortunately shared bathroom- however the hotel is usually empty and you will have bathroom to self.
Forbes Food and Drink
The Forbes Inn: Excellent pub meals- frequented by an older crowd- well staffed.
I would recommend drinking at the Vandenberg or Forbes Inn for solicitors.
BROKEN HILL
Alex Guidice, formerly of Broken Hill, now of the Central Coast (but our Broken Hill correspondent), writes in as follows:
My recommendation is for a steak sandwich from the Annexe Fish Shop which is on the main street, Argent St, diagonally opposite the court on the Western end of Argent St. Their number is 8087 3167 and a good time saving tip, is to phone, order the sandwich and then go pick it up and eat it sitting on one of Argent St's benches.