This apartment places you within a 10-minute stroll of Shoal Bay Beach and Little Beach. The apartment includes a private yard, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
Fly Point Marine Reserve - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
Getting around
Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown) - 33 min drive
Restaurants
The Buoys At The Bay - 3 min drive
The Home Interior - 4 min drive
Atmos - 20 min walk
Aussie Bob's Fish & Chips - 19 min walk
Zenith Cafe, Restaurant and Bar - 15 min walk
About this property
Gidgets on Gretel - pet-friendly coastal cottage near Shoal Bay
Holiday Rental Specialists is pleased to present Gidgets on Gretel, ideal for couples, families and pets.
The Property Features · Fully equipped kitchen with microwave, dishwasher and Nespresso coffee machine · WiFi, work desk for laptop-friendly space · 2 smart TVs · Split system air conditioner in lounge room · Additional single day bed in living area · Gas BBQ and outdoor seating · Hammock for relaxing · Outdoor shower · Washing machine · Complimentary portable cot – BYO linen · Complimentary high chair · Off street parking
Bathroom Configuration · Bathroom 1: shower, toilet and vanity
Escape to the relaxed coastal charm of Gidgets on Gretel, a pet-friendly beach cottage perfectly positioned between the sparkling waters of Shoal Bay and the vibrant heart of Nelson Bay. Designed for couples, families and travellers seeking a laid-back Port Stephens getaway, this welcoming retreat combines comfort, convenience and outdoor living just moments from some of the region's most loved beaches.
Start your morning with a stroll to the foreshore, grab a coffee from a nearby café, then spend your day swimming, exploring coastal walks, cruising the bay or simply unwinding in your own private outdoor oasis. With beaches, restaurants, marinas and local attractions all within easy reach, Bay Serene is the perfect base for your Port Stephens holiday.
Filled with natural light and coastal character, this charming ground-floor cottage has been thoughtfully designed for easy holiday living. Inside you'll find comfortable open-plan spaces, air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi, smart TVs and a fully equipped kitchen complete with Nespresso coffee machine, dishwasher and everything needed to prepare meals at home.
Step outside to enjoy the private courtyard and outdoor entertaining area, complete with BBQ, outdoor dining and a relaxing hammock. Whether you're enjoying lazy afternoons after the beach or gathering for dinner under the stars, Gidgets on Gretel offers the perfect setting to slow down and reconnect.
Travelling with your furry friend? Gidgets on Gretel welcomes pets and offers a private fenced yard, making it a fantastic choice for guests looking for pet-friendly accommodation in Nelson Bay.
Distances to · 750m to Wests Club Nelson Bay · 850m to Little Beach reserve · 1km to Anzac Park beach · 1km to Inner Light Tea rooms · 2km to Shoal Bay Country Club · 2km to d’Albora Marina · 3km to Woolworths Nelson Bay
Linen All linen (sheets and bath towels) is supplied for your stay and included in the tariff. For the comfort of our guests, we do not triple-sheet. All beds have a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and a quilt with a full cover. BYO linen for the complimentary portable cot. BYO beach towels.
Toiletries Shampoo, conditioner and body/hand wash are provided.
Property Specific Notes The property is part of a duplex and is on the ground floor. The other unit is upstairs and may be occupied during your stay. You have your own private entrance and yard.
The fence around the property is quite short/low and won't suit a large dog.
Pets are welcome at this property. There is a $100 surcharge to have your pet stay. This surcharge may vary depending on the length of the stay. Please declare at the time of booking and refer to the terms and conditions regarding pets.
WiFi is offered as a complimentary extra. As there is no charge, issues will be dealt with Asap but cannot be guaranteed.
To ensure the comfort of our guests and the neighbours, we do NOT accept bookings for “Schoolies” breaks/groups and under no circumstances do we allow weddings or parties of any sort.
Code of conduct: Payment for the booking warrants you and all guests staying will abide by the Code of Conduct for Short Term Rental Accommodation which can be viewed under the Guest Information tab on our website or a link which will be sent to you in your booking confirmation email.
Noise at Properties: NSW Planning has passed laws that affect guests. The Code of Conduct for holiday renting can be found on our website under the Guest Information tab. In Section 2.5.2 of the STR Code of Conduct, guests have an obligation to ensure the peace and comfort of neighbours and other occupants of the premises (if strata) near holiday rental properties. This means guests have to be very mindful of noise made in or outside the property that can disrupt neighbours at any time of the day. If you or any other guest receives a warning regarding excess noise or excess guests, you may be asked to leave the property immediately with no refund of monies. Noise audible outside the property is prohibited.
Important Notes Privacy: This property is a holiday rental; it is not a principal place of residence and there are no shared rooms. Enjoy your time in comfort and privacy.
Terms and Conditions: Detailed T&Cs apply for this property, and payment warrants your agreement and that of all other guests staying at the property with you. Please share the T&Cs with your other guests.
Check-in and -out Times: During the busy months of December and January, the check-in time is 4 pm to facilitate peak back-to-back changeovers. Our standard check-in time is 3 pm and check-out time is 10 am. We offer a complimentary early check-in or late check-out time as a gesture of goodwill where booking and housekeeping schedules allow. Note that due to demand and housekeeping pressures, no early check-ins or late check-outs will be granted during the months of December and January. The safest way to secure an early check-in or later check-out is to book the property for an extra night. Contact us for a special rate for this extra night. All Sunday late check outs must be requested and approved prior to 5 pm on the Friday evening prior. All complimentary early check-ins or late check-outs must be confirmed in writing so that our housekeeping team are informed accordingly.
Additional Guests: The guest limits apply at all times during the booking. Any extra guests (this includes day visitors) above those that have been booked and paid for must be approved in writing prior to the stay. Only the guests staying at the property are permitted to be present. If you wish to have visitors in addition to booked guests, you must advise us in writing prior to your stay and ensure you receive written permission. This is not possible at all properties.
No Extras: This property is approved for accommodation only. No mattresses, tents, caravans or more cars than the property accommodates are allowed. Under no circumstances are the following activities permitted at any of our properties: motorbikes, dirt bikes, quad bikes, use of firearms or air rifles, fireworks.
EV Charging: For safety reasons and to comply with insurance requirements, guests are prohibited from charging electric vehicles at any property that does not have a dedicated EV charging station. Charging electric vehicles without proper infrastructure poses a fire hazard, and in the unfortunate event of an incident, insurance cover may be compromised, and the guest held liable. If in doubt, ask our team for the closest EV charging station.
Long Stay Discounts: Some of our properties are well suited to longer stays. For bookings of 30 nights or more, we may be able to offer a reduced rate compared to what’s advertised. Please feel free to get in touch with our team with your preferred dates, and we’ll be happy to look at the best available rate for you.
Property Information: Information during your stay can be found in the Guest Information Folder or by calling our office 24/7.
Security Deposit: For most bookings, completion of our registration process and a valid credit card with a $1000 available limit is sufficient for the security deposit.
For medium-term bookings (21-40 nights) and long-term bookings (41-90 nights), a non-negotiable cash security deposit is required. This deposit is refunded after the departure inspection, with any damage or loss deducted. The minimum cash deposit is $2000, with higher amounts for larger or more expensive properties, or at the owner’s/manager’s discretion.
Peace of Mind: For your added security we will never request payments be made to an overseas bank account and your money is held by us and not disbursed until after your departure.
List with Us: Guest demand across our portfolio remains high, and quality properties continue to perform well. With exposure across all major booking platforms and hands‑on local management, we’re well placed to attract the right guests at the right rate. Speak with us to explore our tailored short‑term rental management options.
The apartment is air-conditioned and features 2 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a private yard, and a microwave.
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
A payment link will be issued after booking. Your card will not be charged automatically. Payment must be received to secure your reservation.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Property Registration Number 2315, PID-STRA-28967
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.
Property is also known as
47_431
Frequently asked questions
What's there to do close to this apartment?
This apartment in Nelson Bay is within a 10-minute walk of Shoal Bay Beach, Tomaree National Park, and West Nelson Bay. You'll also find Fly Point Marine Reserve and Little Beach less than a mile away.
How much does it cost to stay at Gidgets on Gretel - pet-friendly coastal cottage near Shoal Bay?
As of Sep 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gidgets on Gretel - pet-friendly coastal cottage near Shoal Bay on Sep 14, 2026 start from $555, 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.
Will I be able to park at Gidgets on Gretel - pet-friendly coastal cottage near Shoal Bay?
Yes, there is a carport.
Is this apartment adjacent to a casino?
No, this apartment is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this apartment?
No, there is no indoor pool at this apartment.
Does Gidgets on Gretel - pet-friendly coastal cottage near Shoal Bay have a hot tub?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this apartment.
Does this apartment include breakfast service?
No, this apartment doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this apartment allow pets to stay for free?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this apartment.
Does Gidgets on Gretel - pet-friendly coastal cottage near Shoal Bay have connecting rooms available?
No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this apartment.
How far is the airport from this apartment?
The closest major airport to this apartment is Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown), which is 22.7 mi away (33 minutes by car).
Can I book a room with a balcony at Gidgets on Gretel - pet-friendly coastal cottage near Shoal Bay?
No, there aren't any apartments at Gidgets on Gretel - pet-friendly coastal cottage near Shoal Bay that offer a balcony.
Gidgets on Gretel - pet-friendly coastal cottage near Shoal Bay Reviews
Reviews
7.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The property wasn’t worth 800 a night and it was more like a 30 min walk to shoal bay beach and not 3 mins like advertised. It was the only reason I booked it. Nothing vintage about the property more like old and wore. The bathroom door is rusty and it’s definitely not a two bedroom apartment. The second bedroom has a hot water service in the cupboards second bedroom.
Chervonne J.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Julio H.
Oct 19, 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
No as expected
The place is good but wasn't clean with carpets with so many dirty spots, the sofa is well overdue for replacement, no extractor in the bathroom, and needed to keep the blinds down as we could not have privacy. The parking and entrance were dirty, full of leaves and dust
The property was as described. Location is great, walking distance to beaches and both towns which we loved. The trees shaded the yard which was lovely to sit under in the heat, outdoor chairs and table making this easy.
There were a few disappointing things, the yard had grass but there were bindis all through it making it difficult to use. We took our dog and the yard is definitely secure but there’s no adequate outdoor light to view or use the garden at night, this would’ve been helpful. Re cleanliness, the bathroom was all wet with soapy water when we arrived, I don’t think under the beds has ever been vacuumed and some pillows had an odour (bring your own!).
There’s no dishwasher, which isn’t a problem, it just meant that most of the kitchen items didn’t have the washing up love by previous people that maybe they should have.
Expensive to take your dog. Stayed in a lot of dog friendly places and never had to pay this much so that was disappointing but overall it was fine. But would recommend tiles instead of carpet. Lots of old spills for which we were not responsible.