5:45am coffee, boards on the roof and we're on the road by 6am with an estimated arrival time at 9:13am. It’s an early start but the upside is a full day of fun, the beginning of a long weekend out of town. Smiths Lake is an easy three hours north of Sydney nestled between National Parks, expanses of State Forrest and a fine selection of pristine beaches and quality surf breaks. Our accommodations for two nights in Smiths Lake is Palm House , a colonial style house set on a large bush block with palm fringed pool, kitchen on the deck with outdoor living at its heart and ample space for our crew of 5 mates and an inquisitive kelpie.

After a day surfing Boomerang Beach, a deep hunger set in matched only by the excitement of lighting a fire and cooking on the South African style Braai built into the outdoor kitchen deck made of timber milled from trees from the property. Cooking with coal takes time and time spent tending a fire with friends is just the pace needed after a full day. After gathering fresh tomatoes and herbs from an abundant veggie patch, we slow-roasted whole snapper (dropped over by a neighbour), a leg of lamb and veggies over hot coals while the sun faded from the overstory of towering eucalypt’s. Rain set in as we were about to serve dinner so we set a table under the raised deck outside, protected from the rain and warmed by residual cooking coals.

Smiths Lake is the perfect staging ground for tapping into the coastal and bushland offerings that make the area a favourite weekend escape for Sydneysiders. Palm House is the perfect set up for larger families or a group of friends with an emphasis on keeping the outdoors-vibes throughout the escape. It’s good livin’ and we’ll be back with mates again for sure.