Site Map & Content Directory

Historic things - concerning Smiths Lake Village development - do you have something to add here? Have a memory, photo, or family story about Smiths Lake? Click the feedback button — nothing is too small.

The lake has been opened to the ocean periodically since 1932 — to protect low-lying properties and improve water quality. Lake levels are publicly monitored.

Historic things - concerning Smiths Lake Village skate Park development - do you have something to add here? Have a memory, photo, or family story about who and how the skate park was proposed and built in Smiths Lake? Click the feedback button — nothing is too small.

Did Smiths Lake Once Have Fruit Plantations? We're searching for a piece of our local history that hasn't yet made it into the written record. Community memory suggests there may have been banana and/or passionfruit cultivation in the Smiths Lake area — possibly on farms run by some of our earliest settler families. But so far, we haven't been able to confirm it from historical documents or archives.

Historic things - concerning Tarbuck Bay or Bungwahl Area. Do you have something to add here? Have a memory, photo, or family story about the Smiths Lake area? Click the feedback button — nothing is too small.

Historic things - concerning the Pacific Palms area development - do you have something to add here? Have a memory, photo, or family story about Pacific Palms or Smiths Lake? Click the feedback button — nothing is too small.

Smiths Lake was the destination of one of the most extraordinary real estate adventures in Australian history. In the early 1960s, enormous flying boats landed on its calm waters, carrying prospective land buyers from Sydney in a marketing campaign unlike anything seen before or since.

Historic things - concerning broader Pacific Palms and surrounding areas. Do you have something to add here? Have a memory, photo, or family story about the Smiths Lake area? Click the feedback button — nothing is too small.

Historic things - concerning Smiths Lake Village development

Long before the Lakes Way was sealed, before the holiday crowds arrived, and decades before a famous music video would put Sandbar Beach on the national map, Smiths Lake was the destination of one of the most extraordinary real estate adventures in Australian history. In the early 1960s, enormous flying boats landed on its calm waters, carrying prospective land buyers from Sydney in a marketing campaign unlike anything seen before or since.

A new purpose-built station for the Pacific Palms RFS brigade — a $2.256 million NSW Government investment, with early earthworks underway and completion targeted before the next bushfire season.

In 1959, Degotardi built a boatshed on Smiths Lake — on the site now occupied by the renown Frothy Coffee café. We’re on the look out for old photos and stories about back then. Are you able to add information or a story to the record?

European settlement in the Smiths Lake area commenced with timber-getting, farming and fishing forming the backbone of community life for generations.

The Worimi People and Smiths Lake — A Story Being Developed. Smiths Lake sits at the heart of Worimi country. For thousands of years before European arrival, this remarkable combination of coastal lagoon, ocean access, abundant fish, and surrounding forest made it one of the most productive and significant places in the Worimi world. This is a story we are committed to telling well — and that means telling it in Worimi voices, with Worimi guidance. We are currently working to develop this history in partnership with the Forster Local Aboriginal Land Council, and we look forward to sharing it here as that conversation grows. We acknowledge the Worimi people as the traditional custodians of the land on which Smiths Lake Village is located, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Smiths Lake Water Level — Live & Free - tells you things you need to know before the sandbar opens.

Coordinated volunteer works program for weed management and bush regeneration, focused on Smiths Lake foreshore, village green spaces, and bush walking trail maintenance.

Continuous Flora and Fauna observation, Identification and Education program for local residents and visitors monitoring and reporting sightings. Amateur and expert Identification support.

Six Tonnes and Counting. Rubbish, derelict craft and abandoned equipment — gone.

Smiths Lake is what scientists classify as an intermittently closed and open lake (ICOLL) — a coastal lagoon that is predominantly closed to the ocean, but periodically opened, either naturally or mechanically, to manage water levels and maintain the health of the estuary.

Find Us — Smiths Lake Village

Smiths Lake Water Quality — Tested, Monitored, Reported

On the Water — Speed limits, fishing zones, boat access — here is how Smiths Lake is managed.

Our volunteer Clean-Up Day program focuses on the Smiths Lake Village Foreshore, Green Spaces, and surrounding precinct areas.   On Sunday, 8 March 2026, we targeted the lakeside foreshore along Sandbar Road, Smiths Lake NSW. Ten community volunteers, and the assistance of Sandbar/Bushland camping park staff, recovered and disposed of a total of 1.06 tonne of abandoned materials and rubbish.

Smiths Lake Water Level — Live & Free

RFS, MCC and Community management plan for clearing and maintenance of APZ’s for fire risk mitigation and protection of Smiths Lake people and property.

Your Backyard, Your Bushland. Free workshops, citizen science, and hands-on programs — protecting what makes Smiths Lake special.

Mahjong Social Group Join us from Wednesday, 22 April for a new weekly Mahjong Social Group, open to all community members. Sessions are held every Wednesday afternoon from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at a local club, and are free to attend. Mahjong can be played with 2, 3, or 4 players, so whether you're a seasoned player or just curious about the game, come along and give it a try! Sessions run weekly, excluding public holidays. For more information, contact Kris Stephenson at kmstevo@hotmail.com

Organized garden visits, guest speakers, share gardening tips, swap plants and seeds. Focus on native plants and sustainable gardening practices.

A Local bush walking Group (SLWG) meet regularly on Thursday mornings for a social bush walk in local and surrounding areas. Typically grade 1 to grade 3 walks, of 1-4 hours duration.

Monthly community markets featuring local produce, crafts, food stalls, and live music.

Whether you're a seasoned bowler or trying it for the first time, barefoot bowls is an easygoing activity that’s perfect for all ages and skill levels. Friendly staff will help you get started, providing tips to ensure everyone has a great time.

Pickleball Social Group Join us every Thursday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm for a weekly Pickleball Social Group, open to all community members and visitors. Pickleball is a sport of growing popularity that can be played with 2, 3, or 4 players. Whether you're a seasoned player or simply keen on racket and ball sports, come along and give it a try! Sessions run weekly, excluding public holidays. Games are held on the asphalt ball courts at the Smiths Lake Recreation Reserve, 5 Paradise Drive — opposite the Bowling Club. Free to attend. For more information, contact Phil Gomes on 0412 417 865

A group associated with the Smiths Lake Walking Group (SLWG) arrange occasional social kayaking trips in local and surrounding areas. Typically easy grade paddles of 2-4 hours duration with an occasional opportunity for multi day, camp over trips.

Weekly choir and practice group classes for all ages and abilities.

Meet at the Pacific Palms Recreation Club, known affectionately by the locals as ‘The Recky’, in Elizabeth Beach, offering a variety of activities including tours, bowls, and interest groups for retirees.

Various Yoga practitioners and classes open to public participation.

Recurring group / class Monday mornings with Emma Barton. Classes at the Smiths Lake Bowling Club are on every Monday at the Pacific Palms Bowling Club, from 8:30am. Cost is $15.00 Per Class and all are welcome to come and join in!

Roll up for a game of lawn bowls at Pacific Palms Bowling Club , no matter what level of bowler you may be from a beginner, spectator, or social bowler.

Coomba Aquatic Club – Learn to Sail Classes School Holidays 2026 Make the most of the school holidays on the water! Coomba Aquatic Club is offering Learn to Sail classes for young sailors during the school holidays. Whether your child is a complete beginner or has some experience, our qualified instructors will have them rigged up and out on Wallis Lake in no time. Please bring: • A hat • Sunscreen • Suitable shoes And come hungry — a $3 sausage sizzle lunch will be on offer! 📅 Dates: Tuesdays (dates and times to be confirmed) 💰 Cost: Free (please confirm) 📞 Bookings & enquiries: Contact Craig on 0414 596 247

Nestled in a beautiful valley, between tree covered dunes adjacent to Cellito Beach, is Sandbar Golf Course. Whether a beginner or seasoned golfer, the NSW accredited par 31, nine-hole golf course is a picturesque and enjoyable course.

Palms Performing Arts was created in 2021 by award winning performer Hayden Campbell to bring a wider variety of creative activity to the Palms community for children and adults. Weekly dance classes for all ages and abilities.

Join fellow fishing enthusiasts for regular outings, competitions. All skill levels welcome from beginners to experienced anglers.

Coomba Aquatic Club – Family Aquatic Days 2026 We're gearing up for another fantastic Family Aquatic Day, and we'd love to see our community out on the water! Want to sail? Be at the club by 9:30am and we'll get you rigged, briefed, and out enjoying Wallis Lake in no time. Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone keen for a fun morning on the water. Volunteers – we need you! If you can lend a hand, please arrive by 8:30am. Help with rigging, sign-ins, safety support, and welcoming newcomers is what makes these days run so smoothly. You're the heart of CAC, and we truly appreciate you. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, and water shoes — and of course, your enthusiasm and a smile! Upcoming date: 🗓 Sunday, 26 April — 9:30am to 12:00pm at the Club Wharf To learn more or book a spot, contact Craig on 0414 596 247.

Social Soccer Club will run weekly on Thursdays

Annual Art Festival, Exhibition / Competition. Various categories and mediums, Open, Adult and Youth sections. Guest judging and prize presentation.

Recreation Reserve, 5 Paradise Drive, - Skate Bowl. Opposite the Bowling Club

Social and competition tennis for all levels. Four courts available. Tennis balls and rackets are available for hire. Book your game online. Coaching sessions available.

Essential Infrastructure and service provider. Responding to power outages, safety and maintenance requirements.

Smiths Lake Village and surrounding areas are a focus of Mid Coast Bush Fire Management Planning Authorities and services. We encourage you to be prepared, have a plan, and know your available evacuation routes, before fire season begins. Evacuation routes for Smiths Lake area, during bush fire emergencies, are updated annually by the Rural Fire Service.

Patrolled swimming areas, water safety, first aid, and rescue services during summer season.

Pacific Palms Medical Centre: Doctor and Nurse available 5 days a week.

Marine Rescue Forster-Tuncurry: A volunteer organisation dedicated to the safety and education of the boating community.

Small Communities Supporting Each Other (SCSEO) is a group of community organisations who meet and share information, especially emergency related information. Organisational Details are publically available, but personal contact information will only available to other SCSEO members. Webite link for SCSEO: https://scseo.org.au/

NEW national emergency warning system DUE JULY 2026

SES: Emergency response and rescue organisation, dedicated to supporting communities in times of need.

Forster Police Station - 24/7 emergency response, community safety, crime prevention.

When disasters occur, our staff work closely with emergency services and community leaders to understand what local communities need to recover. Once the immediate threat has eased, we lead recovery efforts in collaboration with community leaders and other recovery partners.

Information and guides to bush fire risk response plans. Includes: ‘Your Emergency Response Plan’ tools, Community Evacuation Plans and Procedures, Emergency Contacts.

A new community recreation precinct at Smiths Lake Recreation Reserve to transform vacant open space into a welcoming gathering place for families, children, and visitors.

Festival Recap - A weekend celebration of local art and community

A progressive community website and platform for communication, project and engagement activity focused on Smiths Lake Village and surrounding areas.

Coordinated volunteer works program for weed management and bush regeneration, focused on Smiths Lake foreshore, village green spaces, and bush walking trail maintenance.

A new purpose-built station for the Pacific Palms RFS brigade — a $2.256 million NSW Government investment, with early earthworks underway and completion targeted before the next bushfire season.

High-Water Trail: A 12.6km bush walking trail connecting Tarbuck Bay, Smiths Lake Village foreshore, and Cellito Beach Boardwalk. Graded 2 to 3, the High-Water Trail links many long-established foreshore tracks into a single, cohesive walk - currently in development.

A central open-air gathering, events and performance space within the Smiths Lake Recreation Reserve

Bluey’s Beach Village Centre — Have Your Say on Two Competing Design Options

Art Sculpture Garden: A community initiated concept design for the Arts & Sculpture Garden for the Recreation Reserve, Paradise Drive, Smiths Lake. Proposed facilities include: Sculpture Installations; Easy Access Pathways and Seating; Designed to foster ‘Open Air’ art observation, and activities.

PLAYGROUND COMPLETED: A community initiated, upgrade to the play equipment at the John Debert Reserve / Frothy Coffee precinct. FURTHER PLANNED: Renewal of derelict stairs to foreshore, Erosion control of foreshore, Extension of pathways to connect facilities, Removal of weed infestation, Native replanting to foreshore, Connecting foot bridge to walking trails.

The Pacific Palms Community Association (PPCA) is an Incorporated Not For Profit organisation that informs and advocates on issues relevant to the diverse community of villages it represents.  It promotes environmental, developmental, social and cultural responsibility while supporting specific community projects and events.

Admin services for you !

Pacific Palms Rural Fire Service is an inclusive group of volunteers, serving our community. Come join us!

Pacific Palms Medical Centre: Doctor and Nurse available 5 days a week.

Patrolled swimming areas, water safety, first aid, and rescue services during summer season.

The Pacific Palms Community Hall is available for private functions, community meetings, and events. Wheelchair accessible with kitchen facilities. Suitable for many, varied community and social activities (including the very popular Pacific Palms Markets) a facility and location for the whole Pacific Palms communities use, as well as for private functions.

PACIFIC PALMS COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to Noon. Market Days 9am – 1pm Recycled Sales. Meet the volunteers, borrow a good book, check out the Kindle, or request one of the latest on the Top Ten.  Paperback, hardcover and e.book donations gratefully received and acknowledged on our Donor List.

A list of indoor Event & Function venues available for private functions, community meetings. Wheelchair accessible with kitchen facilities, Include: Community Hall Elizabeth Beach; Surf Club Elizabeth Beach; Bungwahl Hall - Bungwahl; The Palms Pavilion - Tiona.

Lake side on the Lakes Way, at Elizabeth Beach get to ‘The Recky’, by boat, car or courtesy bus - grab a seat & a feed at your Recky. Special and Regular activities including live music. Shuttle Bus Services from Recky from/to Smiths Lake and Pacific Palms Beaches

Local area location map illustrating key services and amenities.