Smiths Creek is a tidal waterway winding through the sandstone terrain and dense native bushland of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, north of Sydney. The creek snakes through sandstone precipices and scrubby rises characteristic of the park, and despite being called a creek, it carries a substantial volume of water — tidal flows can run fast, and paddlers should plan their trips with the tide in mind. The waterway is deep enough that even deep-draft vessels can navigate its full length.

The standard paddling route is a return trip beginning at Bobbin Head, heading upstream through the bushland setting of the national park. The total distance is approximately 13 to 15 kilometres return, typically taking two to three hours. The creek is joined by two major tributaries that can be explored along the way, adding variety to the route. The surrounding landscape is characterised by steep hills covered in dense native vegetation, giving the paddle a genuine sense of wildness. Development has been largely kept out of the area, allowing the environment to remain in a largely natural state.

Because Smiths Creek is tidal, timing matters. Strong tidal currents can make crossing the creek's mouth challenging, and at least one paddler has noted that going up into the creek a short distance before turning around allows you to work with the tide rather than against it on the return. Houseboats and larger motorised vessels are present in the lower reaches near the creek's junction with Cowan Creek, so paddlers should be prepared for boat wake in that section. On a previous occasion, a fallen log was encountered approximately six kilometres upstream, which may affect how far paddlers can progress depending on conditions.

Bobbin Head serves as the primary access point. Parking is available at Bobbin Head within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park; a day parking fee applies for those without a Parks pass. The park can be accessed via Bobbin Head Road or via Ku-ring-gai Chase Road off the M1 at Asquith. There is no overnight camping at Bobbin Head. The Ku-ring-gai Motor Yacht Club is based at Cottage Point, near the lower reaches of the creek, and fuel and food are available at marinas in the area, though public wharf access at those facilities is limited.