Smiths Lake is a coastal saltwater lake located within the Barrington Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, and is part of the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. The lake is a beautiful coastal lake with crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings. It is noted for being the smallest of the Great Lakes and is popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Key public access points for paddlers include the Brambles Reserve Boat Ramp on The Lakes Way at Tarbuck Bay and the De Bert Reserve Boat Ramp on Amaroo Drive. Some private holiday accommodations also offer direct waterfront access and provide kayaks and SUPs for guest use. The lake's connection to the ocean is managed mechanically; council announcements indicate the lake is periodically opened to the sea when water levels reach a trigger point. During these managed openings, all boat ramps and vehicular access to the beach are closed for safety, and vessels must be removed from the lake to avoid being stranded by rapidly changing water levels. The lake remained open to the ocean for most of the summer in 2023, and its water quality retained a good grade. The surrounding area features the village of Smiths Lake, with amenities like cafes and stores nearby, and is within a short drive of Pacific Palms and Seal Rocks beaches.