One of the few properties with a fully fenced outdoor space.
Discover nearby landmarks
Close to Shoal Bay Beach
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Pet-friendly
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Barbecue
Fenced yard
Explore the area
Nelson Bay, NSW
Shoal Bay Beach
Place, Shoal Bay Beach
3 min walk
Nelson Head Lighthouse
Place, Nelson Head Lighthouse
9 min walk
West Nelson Bay
Place, West Nelson Bay
10 min walk
Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown)
Airport, Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown)
35 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Living Area
1 Single Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom
Toilet · Shower only
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.
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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
About the area
Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay is home to this apartment. D'Albora Marinas Nelson Bay and Nelson Bay Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Tomaree National Park and Fly Point Marine Reserve. Toboggan Hill Park and Salamander Super Strike are also worth visiting.
d'Albora Marinas Nelson Bay - 2 min drive - 1.6 km
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
Frequently asked questions
Is Gidgets on Gretel – pet-friendly beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Gidgets on Gretel – pet-friendly beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes?
As of 1 July 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 4 Oct 2026 start from AU$484, 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 Gidgets on Gretel – pet-friendly beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Gidgets on Gretel – pet-friendly beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Gidgets on Gretel – pet-friendly beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Gidgets on Gretel – pet-friendly beach cottage near Shoal Bay, walk to cafes located?
Situated in Nelson Bay, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Shoal Bay Beach, Tomaree National Park and West Nelson Bay. Nelson Head Lighthouse and Fly Point Marine Reserve are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
7.6
Good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very good stay and very clean property.
Manger was very helpful, highly recommended.
soliman h.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug 2023
Good Morning Soliman - HRS are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Gidgets on Gretel. We have very high standards for our cleaning processes so we are glad that you found the properties cleanliness to be standout feature. We hope to see you again in the future!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Gary
30 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Comfortable, convenient, everything you might need
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
6/10 Okay
Julio H.
19 Oct 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
Julio H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Nov 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. We are happy overall you thought your stay was good and are sorry to hear about the other issues mentioned. Our property management team have confirmed the carpets have been cleaned for our future guests and even though there was no bathroom fan it is possible to open the window for fresh air and to allow any steam to escape. We hope to have an opportunity to host you again in the future for a better experience.
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.
Jennifer M.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug 2023
Thank you for leaving your feedback Jennifer. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the location of the property and overall had a good stay. We will pass on your comments to our property management team to address any issues with the carpets. We hope to be able to host you again in the future.