Sandy Shores, 1/3 Messines Street  

On Shoal Bay's shoreline, minutes from Zenith Beach and Box Beach. A 5-minute walk gets you to Myall Lakes National Park and Tomaree National Park. Point Stephens Lighthouse and West Nelson Bay are a short drive away.

Air-conditioned rooms feature kitchens with refrigerators and microwaves, plus private balconies or patios. In-room entertainment includes cable TV and DVD players. The place leans toward a relaxed beach-house vibe with practical comforts for longer stays.

On-site bar/lounge for evening drinks, a BBQ area for cookouts, guest laundry and free self parking. Pets are allowed, so it’s a genuinely pet-friendly pick for beach visits.

Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge, cook in your room’s kitchen or fire up the shared BBQ for casual meals.