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The Lake Retreat - southern shores of Smiths Lake

The Lake Retreat - southern shores of Smiths Lake

Photo gallery for The Lake Retreat - southern shores of Smiths Lake

The Lake Retreat - southern shores of Smiths Lake
House location on Smiths Lake
Outdoor Dining
Outdoor sitting area
Outdoor sitting area

Overview of The Lake Retreat - southern shores of Smiths Lake

Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
7 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 18395 sq m

Popular amenities

  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Check out the area

Map
Bungwahl, NSW
  • Popular LocationSmiths Lake1 min walk
  • Popular LocationMyall Lakes National Park18 min walk
  • Popular LocationBull Island Nature Reserve16 min drive
  • AirportForster, NSW (FOT)46 min drive

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 18)

2nd Sitting Area Lower Level

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4 - Top Level

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5 - Top Level

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 6 - Top level

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

3 bathrooms

2nd Bathroom - Lower Level

Toilet · Shower only

Main Bathroom - Lower Level

Toilet · Shower only

Main Bathroom - Top Level

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

The Lake Retreat - southern shores of Smiths Lake

In just under 3 hours North of Sydney between Seal Rocks & Forster lies "The Lake Retreat".

The house is situated on the southern shores of Smiths Lake in a quiet idyllic location. From this prominent waterfront position the house overlooks the lake, giving magnificent views from the property.

The property has a modern and stylish interior, sleeps a maximum of 18 with 12 beds, 1 sofa bed and 3.5 bathrooms.

The Lake Retreat holiday rental is the entire house, both top and lower levels. You will have the entire place to yourself when renting this property.

Discounts can be provided for Children Under12. Please send a booking enquiry for a quote.

Linen is included for bookings of 5 nights or more.

The Nightly Rate is based on 10 guests. There is an additional charge for extra guests of $65 per Adult per night and $40 per Child 12 years & under per night. Children 13 years + are charged at the Adult Rate. Infants 12 months & under are free.

The easy waterfront access allows you to moor your own boat at the foot of the property and enjoy this prime Lake frontage with sandy shores.

The area is a natural paradise surrounded by Wallis Lake, Smith Lake, Myall Lake & the Pacific Ocean. This area features pristine secluded beaches and National Parks. Smiths Lake is the smallest of the lakes and is separated from the ocean by a natural sandbar. It provides extremely safe swimming for kids and is also excellent for water sports.

If you're looking for a great place to take time out from the stress of life or just sit back and take in the views, and the serenity "The Lake Retreat" is the place for you.

To avoid disappointment we advise you to book early, especially during the school holidays and the summer months.

The Lake Retreat follows the Holiday Industry Code of Conduct.

Please contact us for any questions you have regarding "The Lake Retreat" we are happy to answer any enquiries.

Property Features

The Lake Retreat is ideal for extended family, families or friends who like to holiday together.

The house has the following features:

Top Level:
* Open plan Kitchen / Lounge / Dining with reverse cycle air conditioning.
* 2 Queen size bedrooms with ceiling fans that open out onto the deck.
* Large 3rd bedroom with Queen Bed, set of Single bunks, 2 seater lounge, TV and ceiling fan.
* Large undercover Deck area with Lake views.
* Bathroom with twin basins.
* Separate Toilet.
* Large side by side Fridge / Freezer.
* Outdoor Dining table on deck to seat 10. We also provide a trestle table as an extension to seat additional people.
* Small Outdoor table and 4 chairs setup at one end of deck.
* Outdoor lounge with 2 lounge chairs on deck.
* 39" HD LED TV & DVD in 3rd bedroom.
* 70" Full HD Smart TV & DVD in Lounge / Living area with Foxtel.
* Coffee Machine - Expressi from Aldi. (Capsules not provided).
* Bluetooth speaker.
* External Clothes line.
* DVD library suitable for 15 years+
* Games and a few children's books in the 3rd bedroom cupboard.

Lower Level :
* 3 Queen size bedrooms with ceiling fans.
* 2 sets of Single Bunk Beds. (top timber bunk bed is more suited to children / teens. NOT suitable for adults)
* 1 x Queen Sofa Bed in Second Sitting Room.
* Open plan Kitchen / Lounge / Dining with reverse cycle air conditioning.
* Coffee Machine - Expressi from Aldi. (Capsules not provided).
* 50" Full HD Smart TV & DVD in living area.
* Bluetooth speaker.
* 2 Bathrooms.
* Full Laundry with dryer & internal clothes lines.
* External Clothesline as well.
* Second Fridge in Laundry.
* TV sitting room with sofa bed.
* 39" HD LED TV & DVD.
* DVD library suitable for young children.
* Board Games.
* Spacious outdoor entertaining area overlooking the Lake.
* Outdoor Dining Table to seat 8.
* 4 burner gas BBQ.

* Plenty of Parking for Cars, Boats & Trailers.

*** If you are interested in renting ONLY the lower level, please contact us for rates and availability. This option is not available during our peak period in December/ January. The lower level will sleep a maximum of 10 people. ***

PROPERTY SUITABLE FOR groups over the age of 25 and or family groups only.

PLEASE NOTE: PARTIES, WEDDINGS (WEDDING RELATED), GRADUATES and or SCHOOLIES/TEENAGER bookings are NOT accepted.

STRICTLY NO PETS

NO SMOKING inside.

**Please leave the property as you find it, otherwise additional cleaning charges may apply.**

We also include the use of 4 single Kayaks & 3 man Canadian Canoe which you are free to use at your own risk. No Life Jackets provided.

Linen is not provided for stays less than 5 nights. A Linen Hire Service is available at an additional cost. Please contact owner for details.

Bedding configuration:

Lower Level:
Bedroom 1: 1 x Queen, 1 set of single bunks,
Bedroom 2: 1 x Queen, 1 set of single bunks,
Bedroom 3: 1 x Queen,
Second Sitting Room: 1 x Queen Sofa Bed

Top Level:
Bedroom 4: 1 x Queen,
Bedroom 5: 1 x Queen,
Bedroom 6: 1 x Queen, 1 set of single bunks

Flexible Arrival Time & Checkout available - That's right!! Please contact us prior for availability.

We provide tea towels, soap dispensers, dishwashing detergent & dishwasher powder, cleaning products, garbage bags, aluminum foil & glad wrap, matches & toilet spray. You don't have to bring the whole house with you when you go away.

Local Attractions

The area is ideal for water skiing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, sailing, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, 4W driving, golfing, tennis, bushwalking, dolphin & whale watching from Seal Rocks Lighthouse or just relaxing and enjoying the surroundings.

Local National Parks include Booti Booti, Wallingat, and Myall Lakes. The Lake Retreat is situated near the top of the Myall Lakes system that runs south to Port Stephens, 1½ hour trip by boat.

With only a very short drive you can be sitting on one of these Mid North Coast beaches, Seal Rocks, Lighthouse Beach, Cellito, 7 Mile, Boomerang, Elizabeth, Bluey's or Treachery to name a few. Elizabeth Beach is perfect for families and is patrolled during the holidays and then for those naturalists amongst us there is the secluded Shelly's Beach, truly a hidden secret of the region.

Not far away are the magnificent beaches of the Forster Tuncurry region. On the way to Forster, you pass the beautiful Green Cathedral, a popular wedding venue on the mid-north coast under a canopy of palms with a superb view of Wallis Lake. Forster Tuncurry has great restaurants, cafes, many sporting facilities (including indoor aquatic centre) shops, movie theatres, ten-pin bowling, whale and dolphin cruises, and fun parks.

Major supermarkets, plus many variety shops, can be found in Stockland Shopping Centre just south of Forster about 30 minutes away, while all essential items can be obtained locally in the Pacific Palms area at Smiths Lake, Charlotte Bay and Bluey' s.

The local village shops can cater for most of your needs with the butcher, baker, general store, bottle shop, hairdresser, and take away food shops. Fresh seafood caught locally is available, as well as a chemist, deli, and a surf shop. There are also restaurants, cafes, and clubs for dining out. The local Bowling Club & Recreation Club provides a good option for families, they have courtesy buses available.

About a fifteen minute drive from the property towards Forster will see the Recreation Club at Pacific Palms where there is a boat ramp if you choose to go to Forster by water. There are public areas to moor your boat on the Forster side. The local Sunday Markets are held at the Recreation Club on a monthly basis however in the holiday period they are usually on every weekend.

Smiths Lake is famous for the enormous sandbar which divides the lake from the Pacific Ocean. From time to time the sandbar is manually opened to allow the lake to drain and refresh the fish stocks, rendering it tidal for a time. Fishing is a favourite pastime here for both commercial and recreational fisherman with an abundance available.

Why not call into The Frothy Coffee Cafe and Boatshed; they have drinks, meals, and snacks along with bait, canoe, catamaran & tinny hirer. There is a boat ramp, sandy beach, BBQ / picnic area and kids playground nearby.

Approximately 1.5 kilometres away from the property across Seal Rocks Road there is Neranie, on the shores of the beautiful Myall Lakes system, a great spot for a picnic. The Lake is fresh water and safe for young children to swim.

Wallingat National Park a twenty minute drive will take you up to the Whoota Whoota Lookout, with far-reaching views over the coast, the long stretch of Seven Mile Beach to Forster and the islands of Wallis Lake. In Booti Booti National Park at Elizabeth Beach, beginning at the north end of Elizabeth Beach, is a lovely 7- kilometre bush walk, running over the cliffs to Seven Mile Beach before cutting back along the Wallis Lake front.

There is a beautiful picnic area at the Seal Rocks lighthouse, where migrating whales can be spotted travelling north in the winter. There is a nine-hole golf course in the area, as well as 18-hole courses in Forster and Tuncurry, local markets, four-wheel drive access to Sandbar & Lighthouse Beach (Permit required).

So as you can see there is plenty to do if you would like or you can just take it easy and relax.

Property manager

Jane & Richard Pfeiffer

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Lake view

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
Property registration number PID-STRA-3262

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bungwahl

Located in Bungwahl, this holiday home is on the waterfront. While the natural beauty of Myall Lakes National Park and Smiths Lake Nature Reserve can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to Great Lakes Winery. Jet skiing, snorkelling and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby.
Map
Bungwahl, NSW

What's nearby

  • Smiths Lake - 1 min walk
  • Myall Lakes National Park - 18 min walk
  • Smiths Lake Nature Reserve - 9 min drive
  • Bull Island Nature Reserve - 16 min drive
  • Sandbar Beach - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • Drift Cafe - 18 min drive
  • Kembali Cafe - 18 min drive
  • Frothy Coffee - 18 min drive
  • The Good Food Store - 15 min drive
  • Hueys at Blueys Pizzeria and Bar - 18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Lake Retreat - southern shores of Smiths Lake pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Lake Retreat - southern shores of Smiths Lake?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Lake Retreat - southern shores of Smiths Lake?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Lake Retreat - southern shores of Smiths Lake located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Smiths Lake and Myall Lakes National Park. Smiths Lake Nature Reserve and Bull Island Nature Reserve are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 74 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 78 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Chris B., Wamberal

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property and location
Fantastic house for a large family group, beautifully clean in a fantastic location with terrific amenities and ambiance. Excellent hosts and will stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Getaway
A few things broken, but lovely house. Needs Wi-Fi!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A one-of-a-kind adventure into tranquility
The property was lovely! The lake was still & inviting, and kayaks were provided to glide across its glassy surface. The spacious grassy area provided the perfect stage for the provided lawn games, and the local wildlife was almost as inviting the home. A family of three kookaburras kept us happy company throughout the weekend, and we were also joined by some friendly magpies and a king parrot. The house comfortably slept fourteen, and the living areas never felt cramped. We were a brisk forty minute drive from groceries, so we stocked up big time and fed a small army of hungry men. House rating: 14/14
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nish D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location for a family vacation
We had a great time . Excellent location and beautiful house
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
GREAT HOUSE, GREAT LOCATION, GREAT WEATHER = GREAT HOLIDAY
From waking up to the sunrise over the water to afternoons spent canoeing the lake. Great times spent with family. Will definitely be back!!!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

About the host

Hosted by Jane & Richard Pfeiffer

Host profile image
My partner & I have 6 children between us, hence the need for a large house. We are a professional couple from Sydney. We decided to share our holiday retreat with others, so they can enjoy our part of paradise on the New South Wales Mid Coast. We find ourselves frequently out on the water boating on both Myall & Smiths Lake. Seal Rocks isn't far away and we all enjoy going down to No 1 Beach or Lighthouse Beach to surf, fish, swim or just enjoy the surrounds. We really do have some amazing waterways, beaches and National Parks around the area. It's always sad to leave however we know we can come back anytime.
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