Nestled on the banks of a lake with the same name, Smiths Lake is a small village in the Myall Lakes National Park. We spent a week there using it as a base to explore the surrounding lakes, bush walks and beaches.
Facilities in town are limited to a bakery, general store, bowling club, and café. We found most of what we needed at the general store, had some meals at the bowling club and coffee at the Frothy Coffee.
Our accommodation was a beautiful holiday house overlooking the lakeshore. We could walk along the shore to the café, or just enjoy wonderful views over the lake. A deck at the rear was perfect for relaxed evenings where we often had guest kookaburras and lorikeets visit.
A beautiful place to visit. Not far from Newcastle with plenty to see and do.
The Frothy Coffee CafeView over the lakeThe lake shoreBoats at the lake shoreView from our accommodationRainbow LorikeetKookaburraSunset over the lake from our accommodation
Located in the Booti Booti National Park New South Wales, Shelly Beach is a beautiful sandy beach accessed via a 650m walk from Boomerang Crescent.
After parking on Boomerang Crescent, we walked 10 minutes to the beach along the well maintained bush track. This takes you through coastal rain forest filled with gum trees and ferns. We even got to see two lace monitor lizards, each around 1.5m long as they crossed the track.
At the beach it’s important to remember that the left hand (south-west) side is a clothes optional beach. A sign at the track’s end reminds you of this.
Although we visited during school holidays, not many people were there and it was very relaxing. The walk to the beach may put people off, but the almost deserted beach makes it worthwhile.
So if you don’t mind the 10-minute 650m walk, it’s a great place to visit.
Trail to the beachLace MonitorBeautiful sandy beach and Booti Booti National ParkLooking over Elizabeth BayRocky end of beach
With a population of under 100, the small village of Seal Rocks on the NSW mid-north coast is a wonderfully relaxed beach and surfing paradise. At a little under 2 hours’ drive from Newcastle, it’s a popular holiday spot and can become crowded, during summer and school holidays. Part of the charm has been the residents’ opposition to commercial development, leaving the area untouched.
Surrounded by the Myall Lakes National Park and beaches, it’s an excellent place for camping, bush walking and surfing. If you have a boat, the appropriately named Boat Beach has boat-ramps onto the sand.
Looking down on Boat BeachLooking along Boat BeachRocks and cliff at the end of the beachLighthouse Beach from Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse stands on a headland east of Seal Rocks village. Designed by colonial architect James Barnet as his first lighthouse, it was completed in 1875. It is one of only two towers in Australia with an external stairway. Although built to guide ships along the rocky coastline, there were still 20 wrecks after its completion.
The refurbished Lighthouse Keepers’ quarters and outbuildings are available as holiday accommodation for visitors. This would be a great way to experience the area.
The Walk
Starting at the locked gate, a bitumen road leads up through the coastal forest, making it an easy walk. An information board near the gate provides details about the lighthouse and the wider Myall Lakes Area. Although the walk is easy underfoot, it can still be a bit of a challenge, because it is all uphill.
If you need a break, about halfway there is a toilet block.
Sea Cave
Not long before reaching the lighthouse a break in the trees lets you see a rocky inlet. This is great because it also has a sea cave, with the waves crashing through it.
Sea CaveSmall Rocky Inlet
Path to the Lighthouse
On reaching the lighthouse area, the patch becomes much steeper, but this section is also short. So, take your time and enjoy the views over the coastline. The old lighthouse keeper’s cottage is now used for guests, which would be a great way to experience the area.
Walk Up to the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage
The Lighthouse
Set at the top of the headland, the lighthouse overlooks some rocky cliffs and a spectacular beach to the west. With the stairs on the outside instead of inside, it looks different to others we have seen. We spent quite some time here, looking at the scenery and lighthouse, before returning to our car.
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
