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Kestrel - Smiths Lake hideaway

Photo gallery for Kestrel - Smiths Lake hideaway

View from Main living area at Sunset
Street view
Top level main living and entertainment area
Middle level Bedroom
Main bedroom - middle level

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12350 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Smiths Lake, NSW
  • Place, Smiths Lake
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Myall Lakes National Park
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Place, Forster Town Beach
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

+2
1 Double Bed, 4 Single Beds and 1 Crib

3 bathrooms

Ensuite Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub

Main Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs Bathrom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Kestrel - Smiths Lake hideaway

One of the largest houses on the Smith Lake peninsula. Kestrel is the ultimate lakeside house for the fussiest of holiday renters. This stunning architect designed home with its luxury furnishings and quality inclusions, boasts loads of glass, enormous entertaining decks and generous sun filled indoor/outdoor living areas. Be captivated by sparkling views from almost every room. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets across the lake, ever abundant fauna and your favourite water sports at the door. A magical place to stay with all the luxuries to enjoy a perfect holiday. You will not want to leave.

Location & Local Attractions

Pacific Palms is a small enclave locked in by Myall Lakes National Park, Wallis Lakes, Smiths Lake, Booti Booti National Park, and the Pacific Ocean. Together make over 100 kilometres of lakes hugging the coastline with only sand dunes a lot of the time separating the lakes from the ocean. Smiths lake is located in between Myall Lakes and Wallis Lake and is 20 mins drive south of Forster and 2.5/3.5 hours drive from Sydney.

The house sits elevated high on the ridge overlooking the lake beach and distant islands. The position is second to none in Smiths Lake, enabling you to enjoy the spectacular scenery, the sun and the views! The house is also a short stroll to the local shops: bakery, grocery, butcher, liquor shop, take-away, hairdresser/beautician and is next door to the famous 'Frothy Coffee' Cafe/boatshed (what more do you need)!

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:

* Boating straight to the surf beach
* Bush walks, 4WD tracks in Booti Booti and Myall lakes National Parks
* Excellent 9 hole golf coarse at Sandbar ~ $12 per 9 holes
* Best Mid North Coast surf beaches of Blueys, Boomerang and Elizabeth and Celito within 5 minutes drive for all your favourite water sports.
* Iconic Frothy Coffee Boatshed serving delicious light lunches, dinners and snacks is just next door with canoe, sailing and motor boat hire available.
* Amaroo beach is ideal for small children as the water is walm, shallow and calm.
* The closest surfing beach Cellito/Sandbar can be accessed on foot through the shallow water when the lake is low (only 1.5 km). It also has good for 4WD access
* Smiths lake is known for its scenery, fishing, water skiing and more recently Kite boarding.


Facilities

* Air Conditioned on upper level
* 5 generous bedrooms (4 Queen, 1 Double Futon bed, 3 King singles and 1 Single Sofa bed)
* Main bedroom with ensuite and walk in robe and Spa bath.
* 3 Toilets and Showers
* Outside shower with hot water
* Large open plan living area with vast seating areas
* Games room with Foosball (soccer) table and assorted board games
* Gourmet kitchen with dishwasher & microwave
* Two fridge freezers
* Architecturally designed and decorated
* Off Street parking with room for boats
* 2 TV's, FOXTEL PAY TV, CD/DVD, HiFi and excellent TV reception.
* Armed security system with (external only) CCTV-security surveillance cameras
* Gas BBQ & outdoor setting with sun lounges and Hammock.
* Full laundry facilities with dryer.
* Telephone (local and incoming calls)
* Mobile reception is excellent.
* Wi-Fi - Limited usage
* Linen not supplied but can be arranged at extra cost.
* 1 Cot, 2 high chairs and a baby change table.
* Pets and Smoking are not permitted inside the house.
* Pets are permitted but only with our approval.
* Minimum $750.00 bond required. High season bond $1000

* The village of Smiths Lake provides all day-to-day requirements, with an excellent Butcher, Baker, Corner/Grocery store, City Style Cafe, Hairdresser and Liquor store.
DVD's also available at the grocery store.
* The nearest main town with all the larger retailers is Forster (20 min.)

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside the house

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
Property Registration Number PID-STRA-10432, 2428

About the area

Smiths Lake

Located in Smiths Lake, this holiday home is by the sea. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is a local landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Bramble's Reserve and Wallingat National Park. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and hiking/biking trails.
View more Holiday homes in Smiths LakeOpens in a new window
Map
Smiths Lake, NSW

What's nearby

  • Smiths Lake - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Myall Lakes National Park - 16 min drive - 14.2 km
  • One Mile Beach - 28 min drive - 33.3 km
  • Forster-Tuncurry Golf Course - 29 min drive - 34.1 km
  • Forster Town Beach - 32 min drive - 37.2 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Beachhouse - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Good Food Store - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Kembali Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Pacific Palms Bowling Club - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Twenty by Twelve Cafe + Foodstore - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Kestrel - Smiths Lake hideaway pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Kestrel - Smiths Lake hideaway?

As of 13 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kestrel - Smiths Lake hideaway on 30 April 2026 start from NZ$1,105, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Kestrel - Smiths Lake hideaway?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Kestrel - Smiths Lake hideaway?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Kestrel - Smiths Lake hideaway?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Kestrel - Smiths Lake hideaway located?

This family-friendly Smiths Lake holiday home is located by the sea, within 3 mi (5 km) of Smiths Lake and Bramble's Reserve. Sandbar Beach and Blueys Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay. Plenty of space for a big group, fully stocked kitchen, nice views and close to beaches
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Den K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice hose, and a considerate host.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brooke B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Long weekend stay

We stayed at the property over a long weekend and had the most incredible time at the house. It was amazingly well stocked with kitchen utensils and fun games and activities. The house was clean and the check in process was very easy. The location to the lake and the local coffee shop was also such a great addition to ease and fun.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Liya G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good view house

The house is nice and comfortable to live with really good view. House ware are clean and enough for everything. Our people all enjoy the tim in there.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
Archival

10/10 Excellent

In terms of a getaway from sydney,it ticks all the boxes.The internal design of the lounge/dining/ki

In terms of a getaway from sydney,it ticks all the boxes.The internal design of the lounge/dining/kitchen makes it seem like you are in a ski lodge,and the decorative items(horse,spears,bull horns) give the place a fun feel,that doesnt make you feel like you have to walk on egg shells while staying there.Awesome panoramic view of the lake/bushland from the lounge room,makes you feel like your the king of the village,and no neighbours near by, was perfect for us,due to staying up all night watching euro 2008 soccer tournament.because canoe/kayak was supplied,you can spend all day on the lake,rather than checking your watch for return hire from the boat shed
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ideal House for a large group

Just back from an extremely pleasant and relaxing few days with our children, their respective partners, a very young grandchild and our niece. Kestrel provided an ideal venue for this extended family get-together. Once you negotiate the steep drive and then the stairs up past the spacious bedrooms you emerge into the large, open, light-filled upper living and kitchen areas. Warmly and pleasantly decorated, superb views out over the lake, multiple comfortable couches to relax on, a wonderfully equipped kitchen and all surrounded by spacious outside sitting and eating/bbq deck areas. Kestrel has the feel of a lived-in and used family holiday home, thoughtfully and stylishly decorated and furnished. It was an inviting and easy place to spend a fun and relaxed few days. Our only comment is we were surprised at the absence of a few what we think of as basic household items such as soap for the showers, washing powder, limited detergent, alfoil and glad wrap. In an otherwise so well equipped and supplied house we did wonder if maybe the cleaner had failed to let the owner know that supplies of these items had run down/out. Otherwise though, highly recommend if you are planning a group holiday.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Belinda T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

June Long Weekend

Great house, very roomy which made it a perfect for 3 families
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sophie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely view

Lovely place Great to watch the sun sets Close to Smith’s Lake for water sports.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Dane T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This was a great house! Plenty of space for everyone! Amazing view, but difficult driveway.

We had a great stay here! Great access to water and coffee shop. We loved the quirky nature of the art work. The house did have a strong unpleasant smell when we arrived (perhaps the cleaning products?), but was ok when aired out. The kitchen was jammed pack with a lot of things so had everything you needed but not much space left. Loved the view and cosy couch, great bit outdoor space out the back. Great place for kids, peaceful bushy surrounds. We loved it and would definitely go back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Isabella H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful house, great location

We loved our stay here, beautiful large house, plenty of nooks, great views. Very well equipped. Lovely hosts. Thank you 😊
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Juliana Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome place

We were a group of 6 friends spending a relax weekend in this beautiful gem. The house has an amazing view of the lake, it is incredibly decorated and well equipped. The location is 5 min walking to the lake. Karla was the best host. We will definitely come back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicky D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such a lovely house with huge living room and spectacular sunset view

The place is very cosy and great views!
Verified

6/10 Okay

DEREK M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Weekend Away

Great spot with excellent lake views, photo's don't do it justice. Disappointing on check out to be chastised by a cleaner who showed up late.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

MARGARET L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Smiths Lake

Most enjoyable
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic house!

This house is amazing - great size, beautiful location, easy access. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Merav R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing home, great location and comfortable

We really enjoyed our stay at Smiths Lake. The home was cosy, had everything we needed, we just didn’t have enough days to stay and would have loved to stay longer! Karla was a pleasant host to communicate with and we would love to book an entire week!
Archival

8/10 Good

Lisa S.

Fantastic Views

Fabulous big house set high in the trees , Kookaburras at your door . Our stay was great and the weather excellent . The steep driveway was a bit scary though .
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Maryka G.

Wonderful holiday home

Fabulous house - stunning views - spacious - tasteful décor - ample space for an extended family with lots of bedrooms, bathrooms, seating, etc. We thoroughly enjoyed a long weekend with the family. The location is perfect - right next to the Frothy Coffee Café, and a short drive to spectacular beaches. Loved it !!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary I.

House with Stunning Views

We stayed at Kestrel for 4 days from June 25 2015. Plenty of room for 6 adults and 5 children + heaters and an aircon upstairs. The little ones skipped up and down the stairs and outside exploring. We were right next door to the Frothy Coffee boatshed and cafe, great for parents. The playground alongside was top fun for kids. Loved watching sunset over the lake in such a peaceful setting from the big upstairs living area. 3 bathrooms and a big barbeque on the top verandah were appreciated. Helpful owners let us check out late when we had trouble tearing ourselves away to return to Sydney. Cellito's Beach is quiet and beautiful, accessed via a boardwalk through a little rainforest. There is a shortcut to it from Smith's Lake on a muddy track for intrepid walkers. Or you can drive there from Lake's Way by turning off to the Golf course. Steep drive but we just parked on the road after unloading cars.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Maria Z.

Absolutelly wonderfull!

Can not fail this property - we had most enjoyable stay there. The house design and location, rooms decorations and comfort - just excellent, that's not mention stunning view from the balcony, fully equiped kitchen with 2 fridges, huge entertaining area and a canoe! Thank you Karla and David from all 10 of us! PS Could be challenging for someone with limited mobility, as the house is build on the steep hill.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

massive place, plenty of room, good facilities, great place to get a crew of friends and make the mo

massive place, plenty of room, good facilities, great place to get a crew of friends and make the most of the area.
Archival

8/10 Good

Just right for a lovely extended family weekend. Seven adults and four kids easily accommodated. Eve

Just right for a lovely extended family weekend. Seven adults and four kids easily accommodated. Everything you need for a pleasant stay.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Absolutly amazing!!! I have never seen a house so well built. Truly an enjoyment fpor the whole fa

Absolutly amazing!!! I have never seen a house so well built. Truly an enjoyment fpor the whole family, the outdoor fireplace was very cool and the kids loved the toasted marshmallows. This is the first house i leave a review for from the past 50+ houses we stayed at.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

House was fantastic, bigger than we thought and had room enough for 12 people. Smiths Lake was also

House was fantastic, bigger than we thought and had room enough for 12 people. Smiths Lake was also a nice location, kyaking to the sandbar and exploring the beach on the other side was a lot of fun. Having air con and cable tv in the main room was a bonus as well.

About the host

Hosted by Karla Uncle

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English
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