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Gidgets on Gretel – pet-friendly beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes

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Beach
Terrace/patio
A marina with boats docked, a grassy area with benches, and trees providing shade.
A bedroom with two beds, a bedside table with a plant, a candle, and a magazine.
Smart TV

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Entire apartment

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Nelson Bay, NSW
  • Place, Shoal Bay Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Nelson Head Lighthouse
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, West Nelson Bay
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Nelson Bay

This apartment places you within a 10-minute stroll of Shoal Bay Beach and Tomaree National Park. The apartment includes a private yard, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
View more Apartments in Nelson BayOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Shoal Bay Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Tomaree National Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Nelson Head Lighthouse - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • West Nelson Bay - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • d'Albora Marinas Nelson Bay - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Zenith Cafe, Restaurant and Bar - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Atmos - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Magnolia. - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dolphin Watch Cafe - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Seabreeze Bakery Cafe - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Gidgets on Gretel – pet-friendly beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes

Special Offer – Stay 3 Pay 2 (book for 3 nights and get the 3rd night free) is for bookings staying between 1st May - 30th September 2026 that are booked on or after the 10th of April 2026. Book your getaway now using promo code Stay3Pay2. Please note that Terms and Conditions, as well as Booking Fees, apply. This offer is valid only on selected properties as advertised and is subject to change. Additionally, it excludes school and public holidays.

Holiday Rental Specialists are pleased to present Gidgets on Gretel, which is ideal for small families or couples with pets.

The Property Features
• Pet friendly
• Fully equipped kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, and Nespresso coffee machine
• WiFi, 2 smart TVs
• Work desk and chair, laptop friendly workspace
• Split system air-conditioning
• Additional sofa bed
• Complimentary portable cot – BYO linen
• Complimentary high chair
• Outdoor dining area
• Hammock
• Gas BBQ

Bedroom Configuration
• Bedroom 1: 1 queen
• Bedroom 2: 2 singles
• Living area: 1 single day bed

Holiday Rental Specialists are pleased to present Gidgets on Gretel, a relaxed beachside retreat perfectly positioned between Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay. Ideal for couples, small families, or guests travelling with pets, this charming cottage offers comfort, convenience, and easy access to some of Port Stephens’ best beaches.

Just a short stroll to Shoal Bay Foreshore, this light-filled coastal cottage is designed for easy living. Whether you’re enjoying beach days, exploring local cafés, or simply unwinding in the private outdoor spaces, this property delivers a laid-back seaside experience.

The fully equipped kitchen includes everything you need to prepare meals at home, while the outdoor entertaining area with BBQ is perfect for relaxed evenings. Inside, guests will enjoy modern comforts including air-conditioning, WiFi, and smart TVs.

Sleeping up to 5 guests, the property features two comfortable queen bedrooms plus a day bed in the living area, making it ideal for families or flexible sleeping arrangements.

With cafés, restaurants, and the marina all within easy reach, and stunning beaches just moments away, Gidgets on Gretel is perfectly positioned to enjoy everything Port Stephens has to offer.

Distances to
• 450m to Shoal Bay Foreshore
• 850m to Little Beach Reserve
• 1km to Inner Light Tea Rooms
• 2km to The Little Nel
• 2km to Woolworths
• 2km to restaurants and cafes
• 2km to Nelson Bay Golf Club
• 2km to d’Albora Marina

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.

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 frame of the hammock is outside, and the cloth panel is in the wooden chest in the living area.

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. Please declare at the time of booking and refer to the terms and conditions regarding pets.

The property is fenced.

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.  
The apartment is air-conditioned and features 2 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a private yard, and a microwave.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a carport

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Day bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fully-fenced
  • Yard

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Safety features

  • 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)

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

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
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 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 Nelson Head Lighthouse and Fly Point Marine Reserve less than a mile away.

How much does it cost to stay at Gidgets on Gretel – pet-friendly beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes?

As of Jul 4, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gidgets on Gretel – pet-friendly beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes on Aug 4, 2026 start from $432, 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 beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes?

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 beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes 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 beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes 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 beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes?

No, there aren't any apartments at Gidgets on Gretel – pet-friendly beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes that offer a balcony.

Gidgets on Gretel – pet-friendly beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 8 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 8 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 8 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 8 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

soliman h.

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

Very good stay

Very good stay and very clean property. Manger was very helpful, highly recommended.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Comfortable, convenient, everything you might need
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Chervonne J.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
In the second bedroom wardrobe where people sleep
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Julio H.

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
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Deidre L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Jennifer M.

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

Good location

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Carolyn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rabih M.

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

Mr

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024