Smiths Lake: Beaches, Boats, and Bush
Looking for the best things to do around Smiths Lake? Nestled in the Barrington Coast near Forster, this hidden gem has crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and three islands: Big Island, Little Island, and Bull Island, just waiting to be explored.
Swim, paddle, fish, or take a boat out for the day. Wander through subtropical rainforests, discover WWII relics, or simply relax and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Just 3.5 hours from Sydney and 1.5 hours from Newcastle, Smiths Lake makes a great choice for holidays.
Things to do around Smiths Lake: Wellness & Pampering
- Bluey’s Beach Natural Health Centre: Offers acupuncture, remedial massage, naturopathy and Qigong Yoga and Mediation
- Yoga Heart and Healing:What to expect? A friendly welcome and restorative yoga classes, wellness retreats, and one-on-one healing sessions to help relieve stress. 17A Red Gum Road, Boomerang Beach, NSW
- Lush Escapes Mobile Beauty and Spa: a mobile beauty service that comes directly to you. Enjoy facials, massage, manicures, and other pampering treatments in the comfort of your accommodation. Service Area: Smiths Lake, Pacific Palms, and surrounding areas
- Yoga Cove: 17A Red Gum Rd, Boomerang Beach NSW. Ph +61 404 661 444
- Palms Pilates: open to all ages and sex and those with injuries, pre & postal clients, pilates pros’ or very first timers. The studio has 4 reformer beds making each group class a semi private session, semi private classes at the same price as a larger group setting!
- Divine Beauty House | Skin & Beauty Pacific Palms: Skin and beauty therapist @mel.palmer_ Dermalogica Stockist, by appointment Tues, Thurs, Fri + some Sat. 61A Coomba Road, Charlotte Bay.
Explore & Discover Things to Do Around Smiths Lake, NSW
- Fish or 4WD at SandBar Beach: Cast your line or go on a 4WD adventure where the Myall River meets the Pacific Ocean.
- Surf at Cellito Beach
- Kayak, Paddleboard, or Swim on Smiths Lake
- Try E – Foiling with Glide Time near Forster, Pacific Palms and Seal Rocks. GlidE over the water on the world’s best electric hydrofoil board! W-foiling boards are silent, wake-free…Ph 0408 625 816
- Picnic and Launch Boats at John Debert Reserve
- Guided Canoe and Paddleboard Tours with Adacou:. 131 Seal Rocks Rd, Bungwahl, NSW. Ph 0416 427 661
- Picnic at Brambles Reserve or Tarbuck Bay or launch your boat from Tarbuck Bay for a more active adventure
- SUP and Kayak Hire at Pacific Palms Recreational Club
- Pacific Palms SUP Hire next to Frothy Coffee Boatshed: This fully accredited and licenced business is owned by husband and wife team, Jeff and Francesca..1 Amaroo Dr, Smiths Lake, NSW
Nature Walks and Scenic Hikes Around Smiths Lake, NSW
- Hike the Cellito Beach Boardwalk
- Explore Booti Booti National Park & Lakeside Walking Track
- Take in the views from Whoota Whoota Lookout
- Drive the Lakes Way Scenic Route: a winding road with spectacular views of lakes, forests, and coastline. The Lakes Way, Barrington Coast, NSW
Visit Wineries Near Smiths Lake:
- Great Lakes Paddocks Winery: Offers wine and cheese pairings, raised angus beef, local Great Lakes produce, Great Lakes music events and private Great Lakes Weddings. They are located a couple of km’s off the Pacific Highway between Coolongolook & Buladelah. Turn into Wootton Way (northern end) from the Pacific Highway and follow the signs to Great Lakes Paddocks. If you are coming from the Pacific Palms/Seal Rocks area come to Wootton via the scenic Wattley Hill Road which is south of Bungwahl off the Lakes Way. Coolongolook (approximately 50 minutes from Smiths Lake)
- Taste Local Gin at The Farmer’s Wife Distillery and enjoy local gin tastings at 2686 The Lakes Way, Coolongolook, NSW (50 min from Smiths Lake)
- The Lakeside Wine Co: A family-owned vineyard offering wine tastings in a lakeside setting at North Arm Cove (about a 40 min drive from Smiths Lake)
- The Vines of Billabong: offers locally made wines with stunning views over the countryside near Wallis Lake, Forster (about 30 min from Smiths Lake)
- Riverside Vineyard
- Wallis Lake Vineyard: small batch wines, including sparkling and table wines, with wine tastings and great views over Wallis Lake. Tuncurry (about 35 min from Smiths Lake)
Cultural & Historical Experiences Near Smiths Lake
- Discover World War Two Relics: Explore Smiths Lakes historic remnants of World War Two, including anti-tank bollards that were placed during the war when the area was considered a potential invasion point.
- Grab some retail therapy at the Pacific Palms Community Market on the last Sunday of the month (9am – 1pm). Located around Pacific Palms Community Centre on the Lakes Way, Elizabeth Beach
Good Eats Around Smiths Lake
- Kembali Cafe: Indo-inspired nosh and we love it here! (They also do takeaway jars of beautiful goodies like sublime peanut sambal) at 2/188 Boomerang Dr, Blueys Beach
- The Good Food Store: Your go-to for fresh, locally sourced food with a relaxed feel. 58 Macwood Rd, Smiths Lake.
- Brunched by Jenna: For something a little extra, treat yourself to a gourmet brunch box made with love and local produce (sweet and savoury options too). They deliver across the Barrington Coast. Call 0432 514 354.
- Sea and Salt Grazing Co: If you’re after a grazing box or cheese platter, this local business delivers fresh, beautiful grazing bxes, cheese platters and spreads that are perfect for any occasion. Smiths Lake.
- Palms Artisan Bakery: Freshly baked bread, cakes, and pastries, plus locally sourced produce. Coombs Rd, Charlotte Bay.
- The Cellar By The Lake – A quaint cafe and wine bar offering gourmet meals and local wines, with stunning lake views. Located at 2/188 Boomerang Dr, Blueys Beach.
- Basil’s Bar and Grill: Casual dining with hearty meals, seafood, and refreshing drinks. 52 The Lakes Way, Forster.
- Blueys Pizza & Pasta: Craving wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta? This spot’s got you covered. Perfect for a casual meal by the beach. 1/188 Boomerang Dr, Blueys Beach.
- Moby’s Beachside Retreat: Feel the sea breeze while enjoying seafood, pizzas, and cocktails. You’ll get that true coastal vibe here! Booth St, Boomerang Beach.
- The Black Duck Cafe: A local favourite for great coffee and fresh, local food. Chill atmosphere with a homely feel. 5 Macwood Rd, Smiths Lake.
- Pacific Palms Bakery: You can’t go wrong with traditional fresh-baked goodies from this local gem. From bread to pastries, it’s all made with care. 10 Palm St, Pacific Palms.
- The Lakeside Restaurant: Looking for something a little more romantic? This place offers a seasonal menu that’s perfect for a cosy dinner with a view. 56 The Lakes Way, Forster.
- Frothy Coffee: Sit back, relax, and enjoy your coffee with a view. This floating cafe is perfect for a chilled afternoon, serving up burgers, great chips, coffee and cake and more suspended over Smiths Lake. A really lovely spot. 1 Amaroo Drive, Smiths Lake.
Things to do around Smiths Lake: Foodies
- Barclays Oysters sell direct to the public or people can motor their boat across Wallis Lake to Hamilton’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant at Tuncurry
- The Friendly Grocer: Your go-to for fresh, local produce and all the everyday essentials. It’s like the heart of the village! Shops 2&3 Macwood Road, Village Centre, Smiths Lake
- Wallis Lake Fishermen’s Co-Op: For fresh, local seafood straight from the waters.
- Smiths Lake Bakery: 6 Macwood Rd, Smiths Lake
- Palms Artisan Bakery: artisan sourdough breads, handmade cakes, and other specialty baked goods. Coombs Rd, Charlotte Bay, NSW.
- Bluey’s Cellars and Gourmet Deli: Stock up on local wines, cheeses, and gourmet goodies for a picnic or just a treat for yourself. It’s all special here! 197 Boomerang Dr, Blueys Beach NSW
- Monin’s Seafood: Top-notch Aussie seafood for your next cook-up. Tuncurry, NSW (about 20 min away from Smiths Lake)
- Thirtythree Degrees: Known for its amazing seafood by the water. 1 Palm Street, Tuncurry, NSW
Retail Escapes around Smiths Lake
- Raw Edge Photography Gallery: A photography gallery celebrating the beauty of the region through the lens. You’ll find stunning local landscape and wildlife prints. 29 Boomerang Dr, Boomerang Beach, NSW
- Blue Thumb Artworks: A gallery offering a selection of original artworks and crafts. It’s a great stop for anyone looking for locally made art and unique gifts. 4/17 Smiths Lake Rd, Smiths Lake, NSW
- Pacific Palms Community Market: Held on the last Sunday of every month, this market features a range of local goods, arts and crafts, fresh produce, and homemade items. 8 Lakes Way, Pacific Palms, NSW
- Tricia’s on Bluey’s Art Gallery: Trisha Fitzpatrick has opened her studio to the public and recently renovated her Gallery at beautiful beach for Art lovers to come and enjoy. Visit her gallery at the northern end of Blueys Beach. It features works by her and other talented artists. 4 Bankisa Street, Blueys Beach, NSW
- Foster Florist: 79-81 Victoria St, Forster NSW
- Dune Furniture & Homewares: A coastal-inspired shop offering a mix of rustic and modern furniture, home décor, and unique homewares 2/8 Macwood Rd, Smiths Lake, NSW
- The Local Store: a great range of gifts, homewares, and local produce including souvenirs and unique products from the Barrington Coast. 4/187 Boomerang Dr, Blueys Beach, NSW
- Tuncurry Rock & Gem Shop: unique minerals, crystals, and fossils at 17 Tuncurry St, Tuncurry, NSW
Looking for Roadtrip Inspiration?
Check ou our fabulous scenic roadtrips at Travellarks Getaways
Need accommodation in this region?
If you’ve think the North Coast sounds like an amazing holiday destination, why not browse our Stays with as WOW accommodation.
