Entire home

The Lake Retreat - southern shores of Smiths Lake

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

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

Beach
Beach
Aerial view
Exterior
Aerial view

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

7 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 18395 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

Explore the area

Map
Bungwahl, NSW
  • Smiths Lake
    1 min walk
  • Myall Lakes National Park
    18 min walk
  • Good Grub Shack
    5 min drive
  • Forster, NSW (FOT)
    47 min drive

Room options

About the area

Bungwahl

With a stay at this vacation home in Bungwahl, you'll be on the waterfront, just steps from Smiths Lake and a 3-minute drive from Myall Lakes National Park. .This vacation home is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Myall Lake and 4.8 mi (7.7 km) from Smiths Lake Nature Reserve.

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

  • ‪Frothy Coffee - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪The Good Food Store - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Kembali Cafe - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Drift Cafe - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Pacific Palms Seafood - ‬15 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private balcony. An LED television along with a DVD player are provided for your entertainment. Conveniences include a desk and a microwave.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as a picnic area and barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like onsite parking.

Property manager

Jane & Richard Pfeiffer

Property amenities

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 7 bedrooms
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Hairdryer
  • Toilet paper
  • Shampoo

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor entertainment area

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • On the lake
  • On the waterfront
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Kayaking on site
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Waterskiing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 4252 sq ft (395 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 2423, PID-STRA-3262

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

161671
The Lake Retreat - Southern Shores of Smiths Lake Bungwahl

The Lake Retreat - southern shores of Smiths Lake Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 75 out of 79 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 79 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 79 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 79 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 79 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lauren G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location with a lovely view
Lovely big house with a fantastic view to accommodate 4 families. Kids enjoyed fishing on the lake & kayaking.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris B., Wamberal

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
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
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
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

10/10 Excellent

Breanna L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Summer Holiday
This was our 2nd stay at this amazing property. It is a great size for multiple families staying. The kitchen is fully equiped and house is very clean. The lake is shallow which is great for kids to play in. We look forward to staying again!!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dominique H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect lakeside getaway
We had a lovely weekend away here. We were a group staying and the house was big enough that we all able to hang out together but also had our own space. The views were great and the kitchen had all the essentials and more to cook up feasts. We had a great time using the provided kayaks and canoes on the lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brian T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful lakeside stay
A great lakeside property. Everything catered for in house inclusions. Should have just taken food and drinks, didn’t need to pack the usual kitchen sink
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandra S., Crescent Head

Liked: Cleanliness
Had a great weekend with our friends!
We had a 3 day weekend with our friends, the house was big and comfortable for everyone, adults and kids all had a great time. The area is great, beautiful beaches, the lakes and the Recky is only 15 minutes drive from the house if you want to eat out too. We had a lovely stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Natali W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Stay
House was perfect. Great view and equipped with everything we needed
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emily P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house and view
Came for a long weekend away with the extended family. Had a fabulous, relaxing time in this beautiful house. Close to everything you need. Sitting down at the lake was beautiful and serene and the kids had an awesome time splashing around. Would definitely book again
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michele T., Sydney

Liked: Cleanliness
Ladies annual weekend away.
Jane and Richard were so easy to deal with, very helpful and friendly. This was our 24th year away together and we had 3 brilliant nights at this fantastic home. The house is amazing, the views are amazing and so relaxing at night sitting on the upstairs deck having dinner. The weather in Sydney and the state was very bad with all the floods but we did not have much rain at all, so we got a chance to get in walks (7kms) down the road around the lake, we used the canoes, we bought our own stand up paddle boards and had fun on the water. Easy access to the water and so warm. The home and beds were comfortable, clean and everything you would need for a perfect weekend away. The kitchen was well equipped with gladwrap etc, detergents, cleaning products and plenty of plates and glasses etc, serving plates, bowls, coffee machine etc. It was great having 3 bathrooms, fans in each room too. Beautifully decorated. Plenty of parking for our cars on the driveway. Very private. One day we drove to Forster for lunch and another to Frothys coffee shop (now this is a friendly coffee shop) definitely would recommend Frothys too. We all would recommend this lovely home to stay to anyone. Love to bring my family here one day too. Thank you Richard and Jane for our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emma R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect weekend getaway
This was the perfect location for our annual weekend away. 12 adults and 2 little kids all had a ball. The house is outstanding, looked even better than the pictures! So spacious and the view of the lake its beautiful. Couldn't recommend it enough. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

GRAHAM W.

Liked: Cleanliness
We enjoyed the facilities the house had plenty rooms for our family
Relaxing and views from the veranda up stairs and downstairs
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christian B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home and location
Such a great location right on the lake! Our group didn’t have the chance to use the kayaks, but enjoyed swimming in the lake and at local beaches. We celebrated Christmas, and made a full Christmas dinner. The kitchen had everything we needed! Thanks again, Christian
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Annette H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful lakeside large house
This six bedroom house located on the shore of Smith Lake was beautifully presented and comfortable for a group of 8-10. It offered opportunity for kayaking on the lake, jet-skiing and bike riding. plenty of room to get together or have some peace and quiet. Enjoyed our week there.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rhys B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend Getaway
Amazing house and perfect for a getaway with multiple families!!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ryan A., Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Lakehouse Getaway
We stayed 3 nights during the June long weekend. The house was very spacious and was able to accommodate 3 extended family. The house is modern and very well equipped. Access to kayak and canoe made the stay more adventurous. The kids enjoyed fishing at the edge of the property and cooking the fresh catch at the firepit. Thank you Jane and Richard, great host! See you again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michelle S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful
The hosts were great to deal with, the accommodation was gorgeous and very clean. We had a group of 10, and there was more than enough room to accommodate everyone comfortably.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ceyon W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful view
Kayaking on Smith's Lake was a transformation experience!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Qingyang G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice property with amazing view
Great experience, amazing view, nice owner, beautiful memories.

10/10 Excellent

Hanh B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful family escape
Perfect place to escape to with family and friends. Clean and comfortable. Well equipped for a large group. Our extended family all enjoyed our week away with the kids. The kids all loved having a splash in the lake when we weren't visiting nearby beaches. Hope to be back soon! Thank you Jane & Richard!

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our experience was absolutely amazing. We will be sure to book another getaway here.
Renting the property was a smooth experience. The property lived up to the description given in the listing, which was absolutely amazing. My family enjoyed the stay and we would like to book another stay in the future. Thank you Richard and Jane.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alison H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family holiday
Large , well equipped house in beautiful ,peaceful surroundings. We all enjoyed 5 nights together there as a family .
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2021