Smiths Lake is one of the beautiful coastal lakes that comprise the Great Lakes region of the Barrington Coast.

The quiet coastal lifestyle of lake plus beaches attracts many holidaymakers plus permanent residents.

Directions to Smiths Lake

How to get to Smiths Lake by car, train, coach or plane.

The village on its shores nestled amongst the tall gum trees takes its name from Smiths Lake, which is actually a saline coastal lagoon intermittently open to the sea.

Drawing its catchment from within Wallingat National Park, Wallingat State Forest and the Wamwarra and Tarbuck Creeks, Smiths Lake has a relatively small catchment area of 28 square km and a surface area of 10 square km. But its small size does not diminish its beauty nor its appeal for boating, fishing, paddling and swimming.

The lake is part of the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park and its waterways make it a popular holiday destination together with the remote beaches of Cellito Beach and Sandbar Beach. The quiet coastal lifestyle of lake plus beaches is what attracts many holidaymakers plus permanent residents to this secluded part of the Barrington Coast.

Separating the lake waters from the Pacific Ocean is a sandbar that's opened by dredging when the lake water level becomes high and may cause flooding to low-lying areas around the lake. The lake opening is always much-anticipated by visitors and locals.

Although it's close to the Ramsar-protected Myall Lakes, it is not connected to that lakes system. Within Smiths Lake there are three islands: Big Island, Little Island, and Bull Island. There's a lot to explore, including the anti-tank concrete bollards dating from the second World War.