Gidgets on Gretel - pet-friendly coastal cottage near Shoal Bay

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 11th of May 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 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

Bedroom Configuration
· Bedroom 1: 1 queen
· Bedroom 2: 1 queen
· Living area: 1 single day bed

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 AUD 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.

If you bring a pet, a surcharge will be added after the booking is placed.

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.

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 terms and conditions apply for this property and payment warrants your agreement and that of all other guests staying at the property with you. Please share the terms and conditions 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.

Guest Registration: Guest registration is mandatory for all bookings and replaces the need for a cash bond for short term bookings (up to 20 nights). It is essential for fraud prevention, damage claims, safety, and emergency purposes. The process varies depending on the online travel agent used. Direct bookings require the booker to upload a copy of their driver’s licence and credit card through our encrypted online process.

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.

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.