Bike crank woes In…read morelate July I was stranded about 35km from a Murray river town when the left non-drive side crank arm came off my hardtail Stumpjumper and was hanging off the bottom of my shoe by the cleat. RACV Bike Assist came to the rescue with a taxi up to $50. So the bike went to a bike shop in the town and they put it back together. Then a week later having moved on in our motorhome several hundred kilometres, I went on my next ride ... this time I only got 15km out of town before the crank came off again! A few days later we were in Parkes where the local bike shop had a good look at it, but didn't have the parts to fix it and wasn't sure of the cause of the problem. So it was onto the internet and a lot of emails to Drift Bikes, the Specialized dealer in Newcastle, where we expected to be in the area for about two weeks. The email response was good, with several options canvassed including a double crankset (major loss in gearing range) instead of triple, a lesser quality Shimano crankset, or a higher quality but expensive Carbon set at $550 ... plus new chain and cassette as the worn chain wouldn't match the new chain-rings. Eventually we ordered a SRAM X5 Triple GXP crankset with the same range of gearing, bottom bracket, chain, and cassette, including fitting for $384. Drift Bikes even came up with a temporary solution of a left crank borrowed from another bike for two weeks while the new parts arrived! But after several rides the bottom bracket was groaning and creaking, so just as well that the whole lot was getting replaced. Now in Pitt Town on the upper Hawkesbury River, I had a great ride on the new drive train - all good!

There are times when you just need to relieve yourself, and when I find a shopping centre that has…read morethe facilities then I am going to give it points simply for that. However, the issue I had with this place was actually working out how to get it. In fact, I ended up walking around the entire complex (though it actually isn't all that big) before I found the entrance. Still, it was a godsend when I needed it.

Lots of big stores here (Big W - similar to Target in the States, Coles and Woolworth - grocery…read moreshopping). There are quite a variety of foods here too ranging from sushi to fast foods. Service for all the places I went earlier were quite fast and the people were friendly. There are cafes on site too as well as places to grab desserts. Located next to Travelodge Newcastle is definitely worth to drop by there. The best inclusion to this "two sided" shopping district/center is Yogurtland. A plus when the weather gets overwhelming hot like what I've experienced so far. At the grocery stores/ supermarkets you can find cheaper goods like buy 5 for $6 and saves $2. If you are here on business/travel and you need quick meals or necessities, do drop by here as they sell almost everything here. And stop by clearance corners at some of the bigger store departments.

Big W is good here and has some good speciality shops, but it's looking a little tired and dated…read more Food court options are really ordinary - not much range at all and hardly any seating. The Dick Smith store here is large and good for tech stuff.

Friendly ladies working here and the customers were real honest how expensive clothes are on Darby…read morestreet. One of my favorite shops on Hunter Street. I bought a cute mustard tunic dress and a fun flow floral dress. Unique items made in India. Boho garments and home decor. Awesome sales, 5 dollar rack and 50 percent off items with a pink sticker. Next time in Newy, hitting up this place again.

this is a great place to come and hang after school, multiple places to grab a bite to eat and then…read moresit down and relax. Options range from sushi to a mcdonald's across the road, donuts and snacks from coles. Many places to sit whether to don't mind being in the middle to more secluded areas.

I had the fish & chips - a special on the glass case. Cooked up hot and fresh. One giant filet,…read morewith skin still attached (that still bothers me, but it is common). Very tasty fish. Fries/chips filled up the large basket (flat) served in a bag. Not what the outside appears to be. Try this place out!

HOLY FLAPPING DUCK FEET!!!! They sell the BEST Baklava packs…read moreand saves me a trip to Granvile in Sydney! Apart from that, they have a fantastic range of products which can often save your life and a trip into town. Nice and clean and great staff. Cheers, Emma