The Mac Shak - Bushland Retreat (Pet Friendly)

Photo gallery for The Mac Shak - Bushland Retreat (Pet Friendly)

A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a refrigerator, a stove, and a glass dining table with chairs.
A wood-burning stove in a grassy outdoor area with a wooden fence and trees in the background.
A wooden gate with a sign above it.
A small, single-story house with a corrugated metal roof, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and a wooden fence.
A living room with a leather sofa, a flat-screen TV, a wooden cabinet, and a fireplace.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Bring your furry friends
    Top-rated for creating memorable stays with your pets.
  • Firepit available
    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Copacabana Beach

Popular amenities

  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Dog-friendly
  • On-site fitness centre
  • Toys
  • Internet access
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Macmasters Beach, NSW
  • Place, Bouddi National Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Copacabana Beach
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Terrigal Beach
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Shower only

Bathroom 2/Laundry

Toilet · Shower only

Separate Toilet

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Macmasters Beach

Located in Macmasters Beach, this holiday home is near the beach. Ettalong Beach and Ken Duncan Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Henry Kendall Cottage & Historical Museum and Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Travelling with kids? Consider Peninsula Leisure Center and Umina Recreation Centre. Jet skiing and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking nearby.
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Map
Macmasters Beach, NSW

What's nearby

  • Bouddi National Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Copacabana Beach - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Avoca Beach - 11 min drive - 11.1 km
  • Terrigal Beach - 12 min drive - 12.7 km
  • Lake Macquarie - 50 min drive - 69.3 km

Getting around

  • Woy Woy Station - 21 min drive
  • Sydney Airport (SYD) - 101 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Therapy Coffee Roasters - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Avoca farmer's market - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Bottletree Kitchen - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Kincumber Pub - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Becker & Co. - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Mac Shak - Bushland Retreat (Pet Friendly) pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 999 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at The Mac Shak - Bushland Retreat (Pet Friendly)?

As of 12 Nov, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Mac Shak - Bushland Retreat (Pet Friendly) on 16 Nov, 2026 start from S$670, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Mac Shak - Bushland Retreat (Pet Friendly)?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Mac Shak - Bushland Retreat (Pet Friendly)?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Mac Shak - Bushland Retreat (Pet Friendly)?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Mac Shak - Bushland Retreat (Pet Friendly) located?

This family-friendly Macmasters Beach holiday home is located by the sea, within a 15-minute walk of Bouddi National Park and Copacabana Beach. Little Beach is 1.1 mi (1.7 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 57 out of 68 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 68 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 68 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 68 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 68 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing time, Mcmasters Beach is a fantastic place and the Mack shack has a great vibe very welcoming.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jan, 2026
Thanks Mel I glad you loved the place like we do. Cheers Scott
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our host was very accommodating. The location is wonderful. More than enough amenities and utilities, maybe too many..... Had a great time at The Mac Shak with the kookaburras.We would love to come back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jan, 2026
Thanks Patrick We look forward to hosting you again. All the best. Scott
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Slice of heaven

Great location, great property. Loved all the amenities! Will book again!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May, 2022
Thanks Lisa We look forward to hosting you again when the opportunity arises. Cheers Scott
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house and area

We had a great stay at the Mac Shack, thanks Scott. The house was clean and has lots of character and is close to the beautiful Macmasters Beach. We all felt so relaxed in the house and our dog, Evie, enjoyed her stay too.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan, 2023
Hi Nicole We are glad you enjoyed your stay and want to thank you for the way you left the house. The cleaner was very happy. Cheers Scott
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was perfect for our Easter family weekend, it's peaceful yet close to the beach. The house has absolutely everything you need and more, it's the best stocked kitchen we've ever seen in holiday accommodation. Our dog loved the big fenced front and back gardens and the fireplace was a big hit for us! It got chilly in the evening so we lit a fire and the house heated quickly and was so cosy. There's lots of books, games, literally everything you can think of is there, it's a real home away from home. The beds are very comfortable too.All in all, we would love to come back to The Mac Shak, it's lovely!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Sept, 2026
Sorry for the delayed response TJank you for your response We are so glad you enjoyed your stay. We do try to meet expectations Cheers Scott
Verified review

8/10 Good

Wonderfully restful

We had a lovely time at the Mac Shack. It had everything we needed and our little dog especially enjoyed the yard. Thank you for a restful week.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing getaway

Lovely cosy property. Communication was easy and everything we needed was there. Dog and kids loved it. Hoping we can stay again sometime! Very peaceful.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jul, 2023
Thanks Ali Glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to host you in the future. Cheers Scott
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Beach Holiday

Very peaceful, tranquil setting. Loved the bird life and the bush setting. Great position - close to beaches and other entertainment. Owners have thought of everything to make your stay as homely and comfortable as possible. Highly recommend 😀
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Feb, 2023
Thanks Di And thank you for the great way you left the house All the best Cheers Scott
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place

Great place with everything you’d want on holiday and more! We had a wonderful stay - dogs had plenty of room and our son appreciated some drinks available! We loved the beach and ability to take dogs for walks, many walks. Everyone we met was easy going and friendly. Thanks Scott!
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jan, 2023
Cheers James Hope to host you again some time Cheers Scott
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just what we needed

Everything a family and their fur babies could possibly need for a comfortable home away from home… and then some… all with a lovely quiet bush outlook, but still close to the beach.
Stayed 21 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our Christmas / New Year Break

Our second stay at this property. Close enough yet far enough away, well maintained, well appointed and very comfortable. We will be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jan, 2024
Thanks Chris Look forward to hosting you again. Cheers Scott
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Central Coast Escape.

The Mac Shack is clean, comfortable and quirky. It has a great kitchen, and is very well equipped. The view from the deck is fantastic and the extra touches such as chocolates on arrival are lovely. Thank you Scott.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Nov, 2021
Thank you Zoe We have tried to provide a different experience and I’m glad you enjoyed it Please come back anytime Cheers Scott
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time at The Mac Shak. The house is really well appointed, with lots of helpful information for guests, plus games, dvds, books. The garden is completely enclosed and safe for dogs, our pup loved sniffing around and exploring, and our kids loved toasting marshmallows around the fire. I loved sitting on the deck in the morning, looking out at the trees and listening to the birds. It's a charming little place with lots of character. We would stay here again if we're in the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Oct, 2025
Thank you for your kind review, we loved hosting you and would be thrilled to have you stay with us again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful dog friendly house

We loved our stay at Macmasters. The house is beautiful and comfortable with a well appointed kitchen and a deck overlooking the garden and the bush beyond. 10min walk down the hill to the beach. The garden is fully fenced and was great for our dogs. We spent 3 weeks and feel refreshed and relaxed.
Stayed 21 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jan, 2024
Thank you Ursula for your review. We are really happy you enjoyed your stay and thank you for the fantastic way you left the house. Cheers Scott
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Lovely bushland setting. Comfortable beds and good quality linen and towels. Lots of extras provided including essentials in the kitchen, tea and coffee, wine, shampoo/ conditioner and soap, aero guard, suncream. Plenty of dvds and games. Close to beach. Great property manager with good communication.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jan, 2025
Thank you for your kind review Fiona And FYI we will be doing renovations during the year which should enhance the experience. Hope to see you back. Cheers Scott
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Bursting with love and personality

Can't speak highly enough about this fantastic place. From the rustic kitchen and ample yard, to the quirky sombreros and nods to leisurely beers; the vast library of DVDs and board games; the crisp sheets and fluffy towels, and the cheeky visiting Kookaburra, there is just nothing that isn't completely special about this place. We enjoyed every minute of our stay and we wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else when we visit Macs.
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar, 2020
Thank you so much Sarah. Look forward to having you back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer holiday at MacMasters

We stayed at MacShak for a second time after we had such a great time last January. We love MacMasters Beach and the house is great. We enjoyed the well appointed kitchen and the fact that our dogs were welcome. We spent a lot of time on the veranda overlooking the bush with large gumtrees. Cockatoos, kookaburras and king parrots came to visit every day. You can walk to a spot on the cliff top for an ocean sunrise. The beach is a stroll down the hill away. We had a fabulous time!
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach and Bush

The Mac Shak is a lovely place that invites you to enjoy the owners 'memories' with its eclectic mix of old and new. photos of family members, art work, books and comfy beds. Beaches close by and bush in the backyard. The sun streaming through the trees in the morning lifts the spirit as you feed the 'family of Kookaburras' that came back each day, not to mention the 'scrub turkey' who wandered around like he didnt have a care in the world.......
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Apr, 2020
Hi Kathy I’m glad you had the opportunity to get away from the crazy times we are going thru Thank u for your comments It helps explain what we are offering Not the typical holiday accommodation but n escape from the hussle and bustle All the best and stay healthy Scott
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

January 2023

The Mac Shack had everything we need for a family holiday. The kitchen is very well equipped (except a garlic press!) and there are lots of books and games. It was very comfortable and easy to live in. We loved that our little cavoodle could enjoy our beach holiday with us. The walk back up from the beach is quite steep but its not far to drive. We have already re-booked - thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jan, 2023
Thanks Gillian and we look forward to having you back at the end of the year. All the best for 2023. Cheers Scott PS Will get a garlic press before you return.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We could live here.

We’re so keen to come back to this place. It was wonderfully well equipped in every way. We loved the layout of the place. It’s got a wonderful relaxed holiday vibe which was just what the doctor ordered. Cooking dinner on the back deck as the kookaburras entertained us was divine. We have two boisterous kelpies. They had heaps of room to move and after wearing them out on the beach we felt very comfortable leaving them for hours during the day in the most secure yard. The beds are comfortable. And the TV is a ripper. We couldn’t figure out the DVD and FOXTEL, so we just drank some more, played Cluedo and watched the bird life.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar, 2020
Thanks Mark We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and it would be a pleasure to have you back. The cleaner also thanks you for the way you left the house. All the best Scott
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

lovely stay at MacMasters

We loved our stay at Mac Shack. It is a rustic home with eclectic touches. The kitchen was stocked with a range of basic spices. I loved that we could help ourselves to the spices and basic food and we were just asked to replace what we finished for the next guests. The kitchen was well equipped and the large oven and stove top was amazing. The air conditioner was most welcome on the hot days. There is no ceiling fans in two of the bedrooms but we took pedestal fans with us and slept well (there is one pedestal fan in the house already). The loft has a ceiling fan. We loved the bush outlook. The yard is dog friendly and fully fenced (beware of the small pond if your dog loves water!) Our dogs loved exploring the yard and laying on the deck. The beach is about a 15 minute walk or a 3 minute drive.
Stayed 13 nights in Jan 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home, close to bush and sea

We had a fabulous family stay here, comfortable well equipped house, lovely deck among the trees and short walk to the beach. It had everything we needed, with great open plan kitchen and sitting area which flowed onto the deck. Nice touches on arrival were appreciated- chocolates, wine and beer. Would love to stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jan, 2023
Thank you Jane for your kind comments and, more particularly, the way you left the house. The Cleaners were very happy. Have a great 2023. Cheers Scott
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing break

We had a lovely relaxing time. The house was very well equipped and the location was perfect. We’d definitely book again
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bush Beach Gem

Cute quirky property which gives you the best of the tranquil bush but only a short walk (through the bush) to the beach . Wonderful fireplace in winter; great kitchen and deck and a huge backyard for the dog to run. Scott is easily contacted and very helpful. Enjoy!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, comfortable house

Lovely house, has everything you could possibly need, walking distance to the beach
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022
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