Smiths Lake: Between the Lake and the Pacific

Smiths Lake is a lake connected to the ocean by an opening that periodically opens and closes. Sandbar Beach, also known as Cellito Beach, lies between the Pacific Ocean and the lake. Smiths Lake is part of the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. The settlement also has a clearly defined character: most development is concentrated in the town on the northern side of the lake, while by far the greater part of the shoreline remains undeveloped. Water, beach and the contrast between the town and the largely undeveloped shoreline shape the character of the destination.

Water Experiences at Smiths Lake

Boating, fishing, paddling and swimming are possible on the lake. For more specific guidance, it is worth looking at the eastern basin: wading for children is provided for there, as are swimming and water skiing for beginners. Sailors, windsurfers and kite surfers also use the same basin. The options therefore include a range of activities, from spending time in the water to sports involving a sail or kite. If you would like to focus your stay on a particular activity, you can take these different uses into account when planning your day.

Cellito Beach, also known as Sandbar Beach, offers a different kind of water experience: challenging surfing is possible there. Together with the activities on the lake, this creates a clear distinction between the eastern basin and surfing on the coast. If you are interested in Smiths Lake, you can distinguish between lake activities such as paddling and fishing, water sports in the eastern basin and challenging surfing at the beach, rather than treating all the options as the same kind of outing.

Reserves, Village History and a Skate Park

John De Bert Reserve is located on the shore of Smiths Lake Village. The 2005–2010 management plan describes the reserve as a popular area for day trips by families and locals. Its history is also connected to the village: the boat ramp facility at John De Bert Reserve was an important starting point for the development of Smiths Lake. The site thus combines a practical role on the water with the history of the village.

The 2005–2010 management plan lists public toilets, a children's playground and picnic tables at John De Bert Reserve. As these facilities are listed in that plan, it is best to check before your visit whether they are still available. Brambles Reserve is also designated as a recognised public boat ramp. If you plan to use the ramp, check its current condition before setting out.

For a different activity away from the water, Smiths Lake Skatepark is located in the Smiths Lake Recreation Area and Skate Park, at the corner of Macwood Road and Paradise Road. This makes it possible to plan for different interests: water sports, a visit to the reserve or time at the skate park. The locations and activities differ, so you can plan your stay around the activities that interest you.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

When choosing a hotel in Smiths Lake, the main focus of your stay can be a good starting point: would you like to plan primarily for activities on the lake, are you interested in the village history around John De Bert Reserve, or is challenging surfing at Cellito Beach your priority? These interests lead to different day plans, without treating all water experiences as the same. For specific hotel offers, check their respective locations and facilities, and choose based on what matters to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Wee Waa, Herons Creek, Hyams Beach, Mathoura, Corindi Beach, Bargo, Table Top, Mulwala.

Back to the regional travel overview: New South Wales.