tourist information centre forster tuncurry

• MyServiceNSW
• Manage account
• Logout of MyServiceNSW

Forster Visitor Centre

Forster Visitor Centre provides local information to visitors and travellers about the Great Lakes region of the Barrington Coast.

About this location

4 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428

• Welcomes people with access needs
• Booking/Tour Desk
• Picnic Area
• Public Toilet
• Shop / Gift Shop

Contact details

Image gallery.

Pop-up Visitor Information Centre on Miles Island in Forster

This website contains information about products and services supplied by third parties and links to other websites. The information on this website and the links to other websites are provided as a general reference source only. All information on this website and links to other websites are provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness, fitness for purpose or of the results obtained from using this information. The information on this website and the links to other websites do not constitute or imply any endorsement or approval by the State of New South Wales of the information or the material at those websites, or any associated organisation, product or service. The information on this website and the links to other websites are provided on the understanding that the State of New South Wales is not providing professional advice on a particular matter.

Please see https://www.nsw.gov.au/disclaimer for more information.

• Accommodation
• Travel Inspiration

• destinations
• north coast
• forster and taree area

Set on a land spit between Wallis Lake and the Pacific Ocean, Forster presents the best of the life aquatic, with boating, fishing, paddling and surfing all part of its laid-back charm. Famed for stunning beaches and lakes, access to many national parks and plentiful aquatic experiences, Forster is the idyllic spot for a coastal getaway.   

Beautiful beaches  

The coastline between Forster and  Booti Booti National Park  features 40km of sand, perfect for escaping the crowds and finding quietude. In the heart of Forster is  Main Beach , stretching from the breakwall to the ocean baths. The patrolled beach is protected from large swells and is great for families, as well as being close to cafes and shops. 

It’s also the starting point for the 4km Bicentennial Walk, which leads to the rocky inlet of  Pebbly Beach  before continuing to the dunes of  One Mile Beach . The remote  Seven Mile Beach  stretches from Cape Hawke to Tiona, and backs onto Booti Booti National Park. 

Forster Main Beach , Forster - Credit: East Coast Photography/Destination Barrington Coast

Aquatic experiences  

During the migration season between May and November, humpback and southern right whales travel up and down the coastline. Enjoy a close-up view on a whale-watching cruise with  Gadhu Dreamland  or spot the whales from one of the many vantage points along the coast. Bennett’s Head offers fantastic 360-degree views of Forster and the surrounding beaches and is a great spot to see whales along with  Cape Hawke Lookout .  

Cape Hawke lookout  walk in Booti Booti National Park, Forster - Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW

Take a sunset boat trip with  Free Spirit Cruises  and you might spot dolphins, as well as enjoying an impressive seafood dinner of oysters, prawns and fish pie on board.   

Forster has some excellent dive sites, including several spots where you are likely to see grey nurse sharks. Dive Forster and  Forster Dive Centre  both operate trips and also offer snorkelling tours and whale-watching tours during the migration season.

Whale watching, Forster

Fishing haven 

Whether casting a line from the breakwall, heading out into the deep sea, or meandering around the lake in a tinny, Forster is a mecca for fisherfolk. Self-drive by hiring a boat from  Blue Peter Boatshed  or  Waterline Boathouse  (no boating license required); or join a charter tour such as  Reel Ocean Adventures  for deep sea, reef and game fishing excursions with expert advice. 

Wallis Lake , Forster - Credit: Dog Whistle

Food & drink 

The Coastal Brewing Company  is a family-owned microbrewery inspired by the natural beauty of the Barrington Coast. Sample the beers or take a tour of the brewery. Meanwhile, seafood lovers can relax over a lazy lunch of freshly shucked oysters on the sunny deck at  Thirty Three Degrees , just one of several oyster farmers growing Sydney Rock Oysters in Wallis Lake. Other lakeside dining spots include  Spice Monkey , a Japanese-influenced Asian restaurant, and Mexican restaurant  Si Senorita Forster . 

Spice Monkey , Forster

Where to stay 

You’ll find plenty of accommodation options in Forster to suit various budgets.  Lakeside Forster Holiday Park  and  Reflections Forster Beach  are great for families, with self-contained cabins on the shores of Lake Wallis, as well as caravan and camping pitches. There are a number of hotels and motels, including Hotel Forster,  Sevan Apartments ,  Forster Motor Inn  and  Forster Beach Motel . Or go for something completely different and  rent a houseboat  and sleep on the water. 

Reflections Forster Beach  - Holiday Park, Forster - Credit: Reflections Holiday Parks

Getting there  

Forster is just over a 3.5-hour drive north from Sydney and one hour and 45 minutes from Newcastle Airport, which services all the major Australian cities. Coaches and trains also run from Sydney, via Newcastle. You can make this a memorable stop on a North Coast road trip . 

Travel inspiration

Discover the best beaches in the Forster region

10 spectacular nature experiences in Forster

8 restaurants, bars & cafes in Forster you must try

Plan your trip, explore forster & taree.

Tea Gardens

Pacific Palms

Accommodation Activities Events

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay connected to Visit NSW for all the latest news, stories, upcoming events and travel inspiration.

Discover Somewhere New

All the insider news, tips and inspiration you need to plan your next trip, delivered straight to your inbox.

Destination NSW acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state’s first people and nations and recognises Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and occupants of New South Wales land and water.

• NSW Government
• Destination New South Wales (Corporate site)

VisitNSW.com is the official tourism site for Destination NSW. © Copyright 2024 Destination NSW. All rights reserved

• Work With Me

13 Best Things to Do in Forster, NSW

by Lisa Bull | Last updated Dec 7, 2021 | North Coast

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details.

Tucked between tranquil waterways, beautiful beaches and lush national parks, the twin towns of Forster Tuncurry lie at the centre of the Great Lakes area of Mid North Coast NSW. Things to do in Forster include coastal hikes, kayaking, beach days and visiting great cafes and restaurants.

Forster is a 3.5-hour drive north from Sydney, situated on the Barrington Coast between Myall Lakes and Port Macquarie. It’s a great area for a Sydney weekend getaway or a drive stop on a Sydney to Brisbane road trip .

I recently spent a brilliant weekend up in the Great Lakes, so read on to find out what to do in Forster, including outdoor activities, top attractions and places to eat! Scroll to the bottom to read my recommended Forster accommodation options too.

1. Have Fun at Forster Beach

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Forster with kids, Forster’s Main Beach is patrolled during swimming season and also protected from large swells. There’s also ocean baths with a little park. The beach is right in the town centre too, so easily reached.

2. Eat Italian at Cafe Toscano

There are plenty of places to eat in Forster, but Cafe Toscano really caught my eye, with the beautiful flowers adorning the front! Open from early morning until late, you can grab a traditional Italian breakfast, lunch or dinner, or just sit in for a coffee or cocktail.

3. Grab a Coffee by the Beach in Forster

Forster has plenty of places to grab lunch or a coffee, including Beach Bums Cafe, which is right on the beachfront at Main Beach, with outdoor seating.

4. Kayak on Wallis Lake

Just a short walk from Foster’s Main Beach is beautiful Wallis Lake. If you’re looking for water activities in Forster, you kayak, canoe or SUP to your heart’s content!

5. Do the Bicentennial Walk

The Bicentennial walk is a picturesque track starting in Forster town. The 4km coastal path stretches from Forster Ocean Baths all the way to Burgess Beach, and passes some phenomenal views on the way.

You can do as much or as little of the Bicentennial walk as you like. We parked at Bennetts Head lookout just to see the views. Then we noticed the track and walked to Bennetts Head and One Mile Beach.

6. Take a Scenic Drive along The Lakes Way

Stretching 8km along a narrow peninsula between the ocean and Wallis Lake is gorgeous Booti Booti National Park. Jump onto The Lakes Way, heading south from Forster, and you’ll soon find yourself winding through the forest.

Along The Lakes Way scenic drive, you can stop at beautiful beaches, walking tracks, camping spots and lookouts, or continue inland past Smiths Lake and Myall Lake. Read on to find out some of the top attractions in Booti Booti National Park.

7. Watch the Sunset at Green Point

Detour off the northern end of The Lakes Way, and you’ll find pretty Green Point village. There’s a little picnic area here, on the shores of Wallis Lake, that faces west and would be perfect for sunset.

8. Stop at Seven Mile Beach

Stretching along the eastern edge of Booti Booti National Park is vast and beautiful Seven Mile Beach. We stopped off at Santa Barbara picnic area to check out this stunner!

9. Visit The Green Cathedral in Tiona

If you’d like to see a really unique attraction near Forster, continue further south along The Lakes Way and stop off at The Green Cathedral in Tiona.

This open-air church is set on the tranquil banks of Wallis Lake underneath a canopy of palm trees. The pews are made from logs, and the stone altar has the gorgeous lake view behind it! What a place to get married!

10. Relax on Elizabeth Beach

Beautiful Elizabeth Beach is at the southern end of Booti Booti National Park and makes a great location for a day out. The beach has fantastic views, a picnic area and is even patrolled during summer.

11. Brunch at Blueys Beach

We made a detour to Blueys Beach, as I’d heard a lot about it and wanted to know what all the fuss was about. I can confirm that this area of North Coast NSW is well worth visiting!

Blueys Beach itself is absolutely lovely, with turquoise water and lots of surrounding greenery. It almost reminded me of the English coastline, with a backdrop of rolling green hills!

The Blueys Beach shops and restaurants have a very bohemian feel too; the area is like a mini Byron Bay! We had a lovely lunch at Kembali Cafe . While Blueys Beach village is much smaller than Forster, it’s much prettier in my opinion.

Thigs to do at Blueys Beach include surfing, eating at a choice of restaurants and cafes on Boomerang Drive, boutique shopping and yoga, meditation and more at Blueys Beach Natural Health Centre .

12. Relax on Boomerang Beach

Just north of Blueys Beach, above Boomerang Point, is huge and beautiful Boomerang Beach. This is is meant to be the best surfing beach in the Pacific Palms region!

Boomerang Beach is dog friendly (on leash at specific times) and is also home to well-known Moby’s Beachside Retreat, a resort with a swimming pool and beachfront bar and restaurant. You can easily get to Blueys Beach restaurants from Boomerang Beach too.

13. Camp at Seal Rocks

Seal Rocks is a coastal village in NSW with a real hippy vibe, similar to Blueys Beach or Byron Bay, but on a much smaller scale. It was another New South Wales holiday destination that I’d heard good things about.

You can go glamping, camping or stay in cabins at Reflections Holiday and Caravan Park in Seal Rocks, which is right by the beach. It would be the perfect spot to stay in a van for a while, if you’re looking for somewhere rural.

The only shops in Seal Rocks are a tiny post office and a coffee van, so the area is only for those who are self sufficient or don’t mind driving around. I would stay in Blueys Beach instead if you prefer more facilities.

Forster NSW Accommodation

If you’re looking for accommodation in Forster Tuncurry or surrounding Mid North Coast NSW, here are some of your best options, including caravan parks, motels and the amazing B&B that I stayed in.

Forster NSW Bed and Breakfast Accommodation

We stayed in the beautiful Palmyra B&B , which is a traditional bed and breakfast in a picturesque setting just a ten-minute drive north of Forster. I was absolutely blown away by how lovely this accommodation was, particularly as we booked very last minute and only had about three options!

We paid $120 per night for a twin room, which was the same price as a very basic motel in town. If you’re looking for pet friendly accommodation near Forster, you can even bring your dog!

We had a beautiful shared bathroom (there are en suite rooms available though) and shared living room with a TV, sofa and wrap-around balcony facing onto the lovely grounds.

There was a fully-equipped kitchen, where you help yourself to the free breakfast (hot or cold). You can also store your food in the fridge and cook your own meals if preferred. This was great when we had an evening of torrential rain and didn’t want to go out!

There was also a beautiful newly built swimming pool with a large patio area and barbecue. I’d actually forgotten about that until I arrived! We had a lovely swim before the rain set in.

The best part about Palmyra B&B was the huge grounds that the house is set in. The property is well set back from the main road with a lawn, gardens and even a big pond!

With the shared kitchen and balcony, the accommodation had a nice social atmosphere. It was like having the benefits of a hostel but with much nicer facilities and a small number of guests. The owners were absolutely lovely too.

Hotel Accommodation in Forster Town Centre

If you would like to stay in the heart of Forster and have easy access to shops and restaurants, 3* Hotel Forster has a rating of 8.9/10 on HotelsCombined. The accommodation is situated near the shores of Wallis Lake and has a beautiful swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, parking and shuttle around the area.

Holiday Park at Seal Rocks

For beachside camping or cabins in a peaceful setting, try Reflections Holiday Parks Seal Rocks . The site has powered and unpowered camping sites, glamping options and beach bungalows with amazing views!

Blueys Beach Luxury Retreat

If you’re on a higher budget, 4* Blueys Retreat offers luxury accommodation in self-contained, 2-storey townhouses in Blueys Beach. The site has a swimming pool, heated spa, tennis court, Wi-Fi and is just a three-minute walk to the village shops and cafes.

I hope that’s helped you discover the best activities and attractions in Forster! Happy travels!

Lisa Bull, founder of Dreaming of Down Under, has been living in Australia as a British expat since 2015. After travelling to every state and territory in Australia and living in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, Lisa knows from first-hand experience the best destinations to visit in Australia and the best budget travel tips. Her guides on this blog have been read by over 700k readers and helped thousands of people achieve their dream of living in or travelling Australia.

Thankyou for your Review. We had a day trip last weekend to Forster where it rained all day but we still managed to get out & look around between showers. We walked through Toscana’s restaurant & had brunch at Beach Bums Cafe on the beach. We were so impressed with the area we have booked a weekend stay on the 11th & 12th of March. Thankyou so much for your reviews We look forward to following up on your tips

Thanks Owenn! Sounds like you had a great time!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Hi, I'm Lisa, a British expat living in Sydney. I've travelled almost the whole Australian coastline and love sharing detailed travel and migration guides to inspire other adventurous souls to travel or move to Australia. Read more about me!

Forster Family Holidays – Where To Stay And Things To Do

Looking for things to do in Forster with kids? You have hit the jackpot! Forster family holidays are super popular with NSW families, and there are many great reasons why.

You’ll find a comprehensive list of all the best Forster attractions for families here, plus great ideas for Forster accommodation.

A huge thank you to blog reader Sonja Screpsis who shares her passion for Forster on the NSW North Coast with us here. 

Table of Contents

Holidays with kids in Forster

I have been holidaying in Forster for most of my life as we were lucky enough to own a holiday house there since 1972. I often joke that I am a part time resident. Now that I am older, with children of my own, I often rediscover the many wonderful features of Forster when we go there on holidays.

Forster – Tuncurry is a bit over 300 kms from Sydney or 3 ½ hours drive. Since the freeway has been upgraded all the way through Bulahdelah, the trip has become much easier.

The Forster area has a lot of natural highlights. You have the ocean on one side and Wallis Lake on the other. You are also surrounded by other lakes and rivers that provide the setting for an ideal holiday. The lakes are also perfect for kids – shallow, clean, clear water.

Forster Accommodation

Forster caravan parks/ camping.

There are a few caravan parks around Forster, some of which are directly on the lake or near the beach:

• Tiona Park is between Forster and Pacific Palms. More of a bushland experience. There is also a National Park campaign ground nearby. Check availability and prices at Tiona Palms here.
• NorthCoast Holiday Park is just around the corner from Forster Beach and therefore close to everything. Great for watching the fireworks on New Years Eve. Check dates and costs at NorthCoast Holiday Park here.
• Lakeside Resort Forster is about 5 minutes drive outside of Forster close to Forster Keys. I have friends who have stayed here with kids and loved it. Right on Wallis Lake with lots of amenities for the families. Check dates and prices at Lakeside here.
• Smugglers Cove is on The Lakes Way as you drive into Forster and is also situated on the lake. Check availability and pricing at Smugglers Cove here.
• Lani’s Holiday Island is also on the lake, with a natural camping experience on their island. Find prices and check dates at Lani’s Holiday Island here. 

Forster Holiday Units/ Houses

There are some lovely holiday homes and units for rent. When selecting the area you would like to stay, think about whether you want to be really close to town (Forster/ Tuncurry) which might get a bit hectic during the holiday season.

Or if you would like to stay a bit outside of Forster, closer to some of the other beaches/ lakes that are around (Blueys & Boomerang Beach/ Pacific Palms/ Greenpoint/ Diamond Beach/ Cape Hawke) 

Forster Accommodation Deals + Specials Here

For more fantastic accommodation around NSW, see our list of the best holiday parks in the state.

Foster: Things To Do 

If you’re looking for outdoors things to do, Foster has many to chose from.

Best Kids Activities Forster

• Ricardoes Strawberry & Tomato picking – a fab kids activity in Forster is picking strawberries, not to be missed!
• Timbertown – if you have boys that love trains, then this is the place to visit
• Billabong Koala Park – get up close to koalas and other animals. Really lovely small scale park.
• Westport Park Playground – inclusive playground by the water in Port Macquarie town centre

Forster Activities Outdoors

You can try fishing, swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, water skiing, sailing, bushwalking, boating, snorkelling and looking at the rock pools.

Here are some of the things we enjoy:

One Mile Beach – this beach is patrolled, it has a playground and grassed area, a kiosk and toilets, rockpools and awesome sand dunes that you can slide down.

Hire a boat on Wallis Lake – at Forster Marina, there are many different boat hire places where you can hire a dinghy or a BBQ party boat, paddle boards and kayaks. This is a great way to explore the lake close to town. As you chug past the oyster leases you can make your way around so that you are under the bridge between Forster and Tuncurry. There are some small sand islands here where you can hang out for the day and enjoy the crystal clear water. I often think that we go overseas for such beautiful clear water when we have it right here on our doorstep.

Snorkelling at “The Tanks ” –“The Tanks” are a natural rock formation next to Pebbly Beach, which is not far from Forster main beach. The rocks create a pool on the beach side which is quite calm and great to learn snorkelling. You can also walk up along Bicentennial Walk up to Bennetts Head for a fantastic lookout where you are sure to spot some dolphins (or whales during whale migration season.)

The Breakwall and Tuncurry Rockpool – the rock wall that separates Forster Main Beach and Tuncurry Main Beach from the inlet to the lake is a great place for dolphin watching. On the Tuncurry side of the inlet, you have the Tuncurry Rockpool which is an enclosed, netted swimming area. Great for families with a kiosk, toilets and a BBQ area.

Fishing Charter – my 11 year old loved going deep sea fishing during our last holiday. We went with Forster Fishing Charters and they really knew which spots to go to and how to cater for kids. I would suggest 8+ would be the best age range.

Have recently come across an Estuary Charter on the lake. As our family aren’t the best fishing people, this might be a good way to experience things like crabbing and estuary fishing with locals.

Dolphin Watching

Possible the most popular of all the Forster Tuncurry things to do is dolphin watching! You can see dolphins at the breakwall and many places along the coast. You will often see them surfing the waves. If you want an up close and personal perspective, you can take a dolphin cruise. We went on a cruise where you could swim with the dolphins. Don’t think this sort of cruise would suit younger kids, but it was lots of fun when we went.

Dolphin Cruises that would cater for younger children would be in bigger boats and include Amaroo Cruises. This is only a 2 hour cruise and runs daily at 10am.

Markets Around Forster

Pacific Palms Markets – these markets are pretty laid back and low key and you are sure to find something unusual here. Generally they are on the last Sunday of the month, but during holidays, they are on more often. Check their website

Indigenous Art

Tobwabba Art – for one of the truly unique Forster attractions, visit Tobwabba Art. Tobwabba Art is an 100 per cent Aboriginal owned artist collective providing employment and income for local Aboriginal artists and staff. When you visit, there may be an artist on-site and you are welcome to watch them work in the studio.

Christmas holidays in Forster

December/ January usually sees the carnival come to town. They always set up carnival rides at John Wright Park, Tuncurry in Tuncurry next to the bridge.

The fireworks on New Years Eve are also quite good as you get quite a good view and they really cater for kids with face painting and entertainment. We get our fish ‘n’ chips or pizza and sit by the water and watch the fireworks. You can find a list of activities in the holidays here

Check out the Barrington Coast Events page here.

Good Coffee

If you are from Sydney, you will probably be looking for a good coffee in Forster. Must say that the cafes have come a long way over the years. Here are some suggestions, which you may incorporate into a day trip too.

Tartt – Located in the centre of Forster this cafe has delicious pizza and seriously good coffee.

Sotos Cafe – In Forster, overlooking the inlet to the lake, good coffee and light meals

Beach Bums Cafe – right on Forster Main Beach, this cafe has great food and great coffee. Wonderful place for a yummy breakfast –

Country Palings – Greenpoint – for the best iced coffee – ever – you need to come here. Cathy and Ken take their coffee seriously. They also have homemade cakes and desserts. It is also a quaint gift shop where you can find something lovely to take home.

Things to do in Forster when it’s raining

Great Lakes Cinema in Tuncurry

Tenpin Bowling

Forster YMCA Indoor Swimming Pool –  Also has a gym for any of those healthy parent who want a work out whilst on holidays.

Forster Kids Spot – indoor play centre

Day Trips from Forster 

Smiths Lake and Myall Lake – just south of Forster, you will find another couple of lakes. There are some lovely spots to visit along these lakes and they need their own list of things to do. Myall Lake is fresh water. To swim in this water is truly magical.

The Grandis – the largest tree in NSW. South of Forster, this tree is about 400 years old and huge. It used to be much more impressive when I was a kid as you could walk right up next to the tree. Now there is a viewing platform and you can’t get too close. But still one hell of an impressive tree.

Seal Rocks – beautiful untouched beach with a lighthouse.

Diamond Beach – north of Forster before you reach the highway. Another set of idyllic beaches in a tiny hamlet. Really laid back. About 40 minutes drive from Forster.

Port Macquarie – about 1 ½ hrs North of Forster. Port Macquarie is a larger town and has most of the larger shops and hospital facilities. We have visited:

Forster Visitor Information Centre

Find the Visitor Information Centre at:

Address: 12 Little St, Forster NSW 2428

Phone: (02) 6554 8799

You can also check out the website here.

There you go, no need to wonder what to do in Forster it’s all here listed out for you!

Thank you Sonja! 

Sonja Screpis is an inner west mother of 3 + a dog, freelance marketeer, and full time activity coordinator (for her family). Passionate about exploring more of Oz with hubby and kids, Sonja hopes that you find this post helpful and that it inspires you to explore a little more.

Find other terrific ideas for weekends away from Sydney or week-long family holidays on these posts:

25 Fantastic Weekends Away With Kids

Lennox Head With Kids

South West Rocks: Things To Do With Kids

15 Things To Do In Canberra With Kids

Share with a friend

You may also like

Dangar Island On The Hawkesbury: Where To Stay + Things To Do

A Morning in Millthorpe, NSW

Planning A Trip To Jamberoo Action Park

Just back from a week at Forster. aw the New Year’s Eve fireworks, went to Forster bowling (skirmish, bowling and putt putt), when to Pinks carnival, canoed on the lake, spotted dolphins, swam at the beach every day and also spent a day at big buzz (water slides, taboggans etc) which is 15 mins north of Forster and the only thing missing from your list.

To save anyone a wasted trip, Honeycomb Valley is fantastic for farmstays but no longer has day visits.

Thank you! Appreciate you letting us know and I have changed the post.

Ripples on the lake has burnt down .

Thanks, I will make changes. Sorry to hear that.

Can you recommend places to eat that have play areas for our 3 year old please

Oh I am sorry, I do not know any places off hand. If you find one, it wold be great to hear about it.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More Stories

Lennox Head With Kids + Teenagers: A Northern NSW Family Holiday

Forster-Tuncurry, NSW

Twin towns separated by a bridge across Wallis Lake.

Forster and Tuncurry are two coastal towns which are separated by a very large concrete bridge across Wallis Lake. The twin towns sit to the north and south of Cape Hawke Harbour, the entrance to Wallis Lake which stretches for 26 km down the coast. Forster-Tuncurry is a typical holiday resort with lots of accommodation; plenty of takeaway food and local seafood cafes; pleasant fishing, surfing and swimming areas; and a seductive and lazy holiday ambience. The coast and the Booti Booti National Park, which lies to the south of the town, are ideal for birdwatching and bushwalking. The endangered bird species, the little tern, breeds on two of Wallis Lake's many islands.

Forster-Tuncurry is located 306 km north of Sydney via the Pacific Highway and The Lakes Way.

Origin of Name

The town was known as "Minimbah" until it was surveyed in 1869 when it was renamed after William Forster, the then Secretary of Lands (1868-1870). Tuncurry was known as North Forster until 1875 when John Wright set up camp there. He adopted the local Worimi Aboriginal place name "Tuncurry" which probably meant "plenty fish".

Things to See and Do

The Beaches From the centre of the Forster central business district there are four beaches stretching east from Cape Hawke Harbour. The gloriously peaceful Nine Mile Beach lies north of the breakwater. Each has its own appeal and the southern beaches are all linked by the excellent Bicentennial Walk.

Nine Mile Beach Nine Mile Beach, the Tuncurry Rockpool and the northern breakwater can all be accessed on the northern side of the bridge that joins Forster and Tuncurry. Take the first right into Wharf Street, then turn right again at Beach Street and right again into Rockpool Road. There is a rock pool, grassed areas, a walking track beside the entrance to the lake, a kiosk, showers, toilets, a childrens' playground, and a pleasant bathing and picnic area with barbecue facilities. It is possible to walk out to the end of the breakwater where dolphins can sometimes be seen at play. Nine Mile Beach extends up to Black Head and Hallidays Point.

Forster Beach Forster Beach stretches from the southern breakwater to the headland overlooking the rock pool at the eastern end of the beach. It is patrolled in season, is popular all the year round with swimmers, has showers, toilets, a kiosk, picnic facilities and ocean baths at its eastern edge. Over the road the local council has permitted high rise buildings so it has a marginally more salubrious feel than the beaches on the Gold Coast. Just off North Street is the start of the Bicentennial Walk along the coastline. Above the baths is Second Head and on the eastern side of the headland is Pebbly Beach which is recognised as a superior surfing spot.

The Bicentennial Walk The Bicentennial Walk starts near the ocean baths at the eastern end of Forster Beach. It heads all the way to Bennett Head and on to One Mile Beach. This is the perfect introduction to the charm of the area.

The Tanks Beyond Pebbly Beach are The Tanks, an unusual parallel rock formation which protects swimmers from the the waves. The parallel rocks have produced a natural, safe swimming area.

Bennetts Head It is possible to walk up to Bennetts Head on the Bicentennial Walk or drive on Bennett Head Road and Marine Drive. At the top is an impressive lookout over sheer cliffs and a path down to the dunes at the northern end of One Mile Beach. Bennetts Head was named after the family who built a home at the foot of the headland in 1864.

One Mile Beach Immediately south of Bennetts Head is One Mile Beach which is an unusual combination of attractions. At the northern end, blown by the southerlies, are huge sand dunes. The beach is a good surfing location with grassed picnic-barbecue areas at the southern end. It has a surf club, a kiosk, showers and toilets. It is patrolled is season. Perhaps the most impressive attraction on the beach is Collendina Reserve.

John Ward Rainforest Walk and Collendina Reserve One of the hidden wonders of Forster is the John Ward Rainforest Walk, a short walk on a boardwalk which is a wonderland of tropical species including many rare examples of bush tucker which was once eaten by the local Aborigines. Collendina Reserve and the John Ward Rainforest Walk behind One Mile Beach south of Forster-Tuncurry are artlessly simple. A short boardwalk through a “reserve that contains a number of different structural vegetation types including coastal dunes, coast banksia scrub and littoral rainforest. Littoral rainforest (they are rainforests which grow on sand dunes, are over 70% shade trees which can grow up to 30 metres tall, and are now endangered because, decades ago, they were ruined by sand mining) is of particular importance. It is a highly diverse, closed canopy system that provides habitat for a range of dependent flora and fauna species.” The visitor walks, for no more than 200-300 metres on boardwalks, through dense rainforest and is amazed at the names (every tree and bush is clearly marked) which they have never heard before. There are such exotics as Hairy Clerodendrum (night flying moths pollinate the sweetly fragrant flowers), Black Apple, Mangrove Boobialla, Ribbonwood, Spiny-Headed Mat Rush, Veiny Wilkiea, Rusty Fig (a popular fruit for the Worimi people), Beach Birds Eye, Tuckeroo, Brush Bloodwood and Plum Pine. The tiny reserve, which runs in a narrow strip behind One Mile Beach and can be accessed from the Car Park in Strand Street, contains a staggering 130 native plant species.

Burgess Point and Burgess Beach At the southern end of One Mile Beach, beyond the Cape Hawke SLSC is Burgess Point and on its southern side is Burgess Beach, a small and quiet beach accessed by a steep path which runs off Burgess Street. It is a good spot for families with shelter on three sides and plenty of small rock cave formations which can be explored.

Other Attractions in the Area

The Lakes Way The main route south from Forster is the delightful The Lakes Way which travels south to Pacific Palms and then continues on the Bulahdelah. There are a number of attractions along the way including Cape Hawke, Santa Barbara, Green Point, the Booti Booti National Park and Pacific Palms.

Cape Hawke Lookout Five kilometres south along The Lakes Way is a roundabout with an easterly road, Cape Hawke Drive, which heads to Cape Hawke Lookout. 3.5 km on this road is the pathway up to Cape Hawke lookout, one of the most northerly points of the Booti Booti National Park. There is a steep 440 m path to the lookout at the summit of the hill. As you ascend the headland the views are increasingly spectacular. At the top (233 m above sea-level) is a cairn noting that Captain Cook sighted and named Cape Hawke on May 12, 1770. A raised viewing platform provides panoramic views north along the coast over Forster to Hallidays Point, north-west to the meeting of the Wang Wauk River and Wallis Lake, west to the Great Dividing Range and south along the Booti Booti spit and Pacific Palms. To the north is the very secluded McBrides Beach.

Green Point Located 12 km south of Forster on Wallis Lake - take Green Point Drive off The Lakes Way - is a small, sleepy settlement of Green Point. It is typical of the quietness that settles over Wallis Lake outside of the main towns.

* Prior to the arrival of Europeans the area was home to the Worimi Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years.

* Captain Cook sailed along the coast and passed the area on 12 May, 1770..

* In 1799 Matthew Flinders sailed past the area.

* Two ships were wrecked off Cape Hawke in 1816. The captain of one of the ships, his wife, child and two crew reached Newcastle. The rest were presumed drowned.

* In 1818, John Oxley and his party, en route to Sydney after an inland expedition, carried a boat from Booti Booti to Boomerang Beach where they spent the night. Oxley named Wallis Lake after the commandant of the penal settlement at Newcastle.

* The area was part of the million-acre land grant given to the Australian Agricultural Company (AAC) in 1825. They found the soils poor and the grant reverted to the crown.

* By 1831 timber cutters were around Cape Hawke. They scoured the rainforests for cedar and pine using the Wang Wauk River and Wallis Lake to float logs to the coast.

* By the 1850s Chinese shepherds hired by the AAC were fishing off the coast and drying their wares for sale in Sydney, on the goldfields and overseas.

* The Godwin family took up land at Cape Hawke in 1863. They had arrived from Gosford in 1856. George Garlick Godwin sent wild honey and Cape Hawke oysters to Sydney. One of his daughters was the first white person to be born in the area.

* The townsite, then known as 'Minimbah', was first surveyed in 1869 and renamed in 1870 after William Forster.

* A school opened in 1870

* A pilot station was operating at the entrance to Wallis Lake in 1872.

* John Breckenridge established a saw mill (and a store) on the townsite in 1871 and engaged in shipbuilding as the waterways were virtually the sole means of transport at the time.

* In the 1880s Breckenridge built the biggest sawmill in the district 15 km north at Failford where he also built a store (which doubled as a post office) and a hall.

* The first hotel in Forster was built in 1874

* Tuncurry was known as North Forster until 1875 when John Wright set up camp and adopted the Aboriginal place-name of 'Tuncurry' which is thought to mean 'good fishing place'.

* The first church (Methodist) in Forster was built in 1876, the year the first constable arrived.

* A school of arts was built in 1878 and a second store was opened the following year.

* By 1878 Wright had established a sawmill, a store, a shipbuilding yard and houses for his employees at Tuncurry

* Timber cutting, milling, shipbuilding and fishing were the principal industries in the early days with sailing ships carrying fortnightly cargoes to Sydney.

* A government school was built at Tuncurry in 1881 and the settlement's first church (the Latter Day Saints) opened in the old school room the same year.

* The first oyster lease at Forster was granted in 1884, the year of a typhoid outbreak at the settlement.

* Tuncurry's Catholic Church was built in 1888 and a post office opened at Tuncurry in 1889.

* A rowboat to transport people and goods from Forster to Tuncurry started operating in 1890.

* Tuncurry was proclaimed a village in 1893.

* Tuncurry's first hotel and hall were built in 1894 an an ice-works in 1895.

* Two Italian immigrants transformed the fishing industry of Tuncurry in the 1890s.

* A breakwater was built on the southern side of the Wallis Lake entrance between 1900 and 1903.

* A butter factory was built at Tuncurry in 1917.

* The first vehicular ferry from Forster to Tuncurry started operating in 1922.

* In 1959 the bridge across Wallis Lake joined the two towns. It meant that traffic passed easily from one centre to the other.

* Today fishing and oyster leases and tourism are the mainstays of the local economy.

Visitor Information

Great Lakes Visitors' Centre, Little Street, Forster, tel: (02) 6554 8799 or 1800 802 692. It is open seven days a week.

Useful Websites

There is an excellent local website. Check out http://greatlakes.org.au/places/forster-tuncurry for accommodation in the area. A new and photo-rich website is https://barringtoncoast.com.au/destinations/forster-and-tuncurry .

Got something to add?

Have we missed something or got a top tip for this town? Have your say below.

You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

12 suggestions

Is a roundabout going to be built at end of the bridge on the Tuncurry side?

Whoota Whoota Lookout offers incredible views of the lake/area – check with the Tourist Information Centre before going because the road is not sealed and can become inaccessible after rain. 45 min south of Forster off the Lakes Way with about 15 km of unsealed road through national park. No toilets but take the thermos and enjoy a cuppa at the only picnic table for miles.

Coomba Park has a different view of Wallis Lake. A quiet village with no shops. But, beautiful views with picnic tables and toilets in the park beside the lake. 45 min drive south of Forster on sealed roads. Or 20 min by boat from Forster.

Bennetts Head, Crowdy Head, Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse are great for whale watching between April and October. Also great spots for dolphin watching.

Tuncurry means “plenty fish” in the Worimi language

Thanks for that Katrina.

Hi would you have any information on the company that built the Sunliner caravan. Photos or history. Cheers Maria

For the last 200 years, since Oxley mistakenly recorded the name of a member of his expedition, the error was perpetrated until I corrected it in my publication “+20 Remembering the Forgotten” Unfortunately the error still remains in some areas. I should produce commemorative documents/monuments etc. I authorise you to correctly record “JAMES BLAKE”

Was there ever a hospital in Tuncurry?

Love your work!

no there was never a hospital

The bridge JOINS the towns, not separates them.

I think it does both.

I was wondering the origins of Coomba Park and where the name comes from ?

Who said the rainforest was endangered because of historic sand mining. What a load of rubbish. Sand mining only damaged a small part of the forests. By far, the most damage is by residential development.

Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Things to Do in Tuncurry (Australia)

15 Best Things to Do in Tuncurry (Australia)

At the tip of the Great Lakes of New South Wales , Tuncurry is one of a pair of twin towns, and is joined to its sibling Forster by a record-breaking bridge.

When it comes to sheer variety of things to do, Tuncurry is hard to match.

There’s the pure waters of Wallis Lake, abounding with fish and producing the freshest oysters you could hope to taste.

There are beaches of all shapes and sizes, all set up for tourists or traced by nothing more than boundless coastal rainforest.

And minutes away you’ll come to lofty cliffs capped by lookouts with distant views where you can spot humpback whales breaching and blowing plumes of mist in winter.

1. Wallis Lake

Tuncurry and Forster face off across the inlet for a massive body of water, filled by several rivers and bounded by large stands of littoral rainforest.

Wallis Lake is treasured for its high level of purity, and the waterways feeding the lake are laden with oyster farms.

Recreational fishing is big business here, and a whole catalogue of species have a habitat in these waters, changing by the season.

To name a small handful there’s grouper, bonito, bream, black kingfish, black drummer, bluefin tuna, yellowfin, tailor and drummer.

In paces Wallis Lake is swept by ocean breezes, and so is ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while on a paddling adventure by canoe or kayak you may come into contact with bottlenose dolphins.

On land, the Booti Booti and Wallingat National Parks frame the lake, blessed with rainforest-covered hills and nature-rich wetlands for birdwatching and hikes.

2. Nine Mile Beach

Beginning at the breakwater on the Tuncurry side is a magnificent, unpatrolled beach uncurling on a gentle arc for 11.7 kilometres (eight miles, despite the name). Sitting on Nine Mile Beach you’ll notice few signs of development, save for the breakwater.

The southern end is the easiest access point, and 4WD vehicles are allowed if you’d like to travel further up the beach where the waves are more suitable for surfing.

And given the enormous dimensions of Nine Mile Beach, it’s no shock that it should be dog-friendly.

Puppers are allowed off-leash north of the 4WD access track, and are allowed on-leash early and late in the day at the southernmost section.

3. Tuncurry Rock Pool

Nestled inside the northern breakwater where Wallis Lake enters the ocean is a cherished swimming spot.

The Tuncurry Rock Pool has perfect white sands, and is lapped by Wallis Lake’s clear waters.

The 100-metre beach is unpatrolled but the entrance to this manmade cove is protected by a safety net to stop swimmers getting into difficulty, as the drop-off into the inlet is sharp.

Now, although the waters at the Rock Pool are generally calm, they are affected by Wallis Lake’s tidal activity, and currents can be strong.

For those who want to hang out on the shore, this is just the place to cool your feet and lie back on the sand, while the Tuncurry Rock Pool Cafe is on hand among the lawns to the rear.

4. Whale and Dolphin Watching

June to August humpback whales depart their feeding grounds in the Antarctic for a long journey up Australia’s east coast to breed and calve.

Then later in the winter/early spring these giants make the return journey with their newborns in tow.

Despite growing to 16 metres long, and weighing up to 30 tons, humpbacks are famed for their acrobatics and are known to swim close to land.

Forster-Tuncurry is up there with the best places in Australia if you want to spot humpbacks from land.

To see them on the water there’s Amaroo Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises, which skippers a state-of-the-art vessel with spacious observation decks, and guarantees that you’ll see a whale between June and November.

A 300-strong pod of playful and inquisitive bottlenose dolphins also resides in these waters, and can be sighted on expeditions throughout the year.

5. Cape Hawke Lookout

One of many superb whale watching locations on land in Forster-Tuncurry, is this 8.5-metre tower high above the Pacific Ocean at Cape Hawke.

The cape lies just within the northern boundaries of Booti Booti National Park and affords a complete panorama over the park’s distinctive hills, far inland to the Barrington Tops and over Wallis Lake to Wallingat National Park.

The trail to the lookout is memorable too, wending its way through dense rainforest.

Bring binoculars and a camera, not just for the whales, but to spot the seabirds like terns and pelicans inhabiting the coastline.

6. Colin Wren Oysters

Oyster farming is a lucrative trade in Forster-Tuncurry, second only to tourism.

So it’s definitely worth your while seeing this industry close up, and you can do this at Colin Wren Oysters from September to May.

The farm, now in its second generation, has a scenic setting, facing the islands in the estuary, and can be reached on foot from the centre of Tuncurry.

Colin Wren himself will show you around the beds, explaining everything what goes into harvesting oysters, “from seed to shuck”. Naturally you’ll get to taste the fruits of this knowhow, trying mature oysters plucked straight from the water.

Colin will even teach you how to shuck if you need some pointers, and it will be hard to resist returning with a bag full of ultra-fresh, plump oysters.

7. John Wright Park

This park on the estuary in Tuncurry is named after John Wright (1835-1910), the town’s first European settler.

Wright showed up in 1875 and soon set up a timber and shipbuilding business.

The park is on the site of the shipyard and sawmill that he founded – the plot was allocated for public recreation and named after Wright in 1962. Year round, it’s a picturesque place where you can take in the bridge and gaze across to Forster.

There’s a barbecue area and picnic shelters, as well as a bandstand that hosts a variety of public events.

At Christmas a carnival sets up at the park, and during the festive season you can also catch Carols by Candlelight and the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

8. Great Lakes Museum

At the northern gateway to NSW’s Great Lakes you can learn a little more about these bodies of water, their culture and the changing settlements on their shores.

You’ll find out about the Biripi and Worimi people, whose links to the Great Lakes go back millennia, and who trapped fish and left piles of shells (middens) behind on these shores.

Their descendants still reside in the Forster-Tuncurry area.

There’s information and artefacts covering the timber and shipbuilding industries that took off on the north shore of Wallis Lake at the end of the 19th century, as well as the construction of the distinctive bridge linking the twin towns, completed in 1959. The Great Lakes Museum is run by volunteers and opens Tuesday to Thursday and weekends.

9. Bicentennial Walk

One of the most rewarding things you can do in Forster-Tuncurry is put on a pair of walking shoes and hike the paved path that follows the rugged coastline around to the bottom of One Mile Beach.

You can start your journey from the shore of the estuary in Tuncurry, and crossing the longest pre-stressed concrete bridge in the Southern Hemisphere to savour Wallis Lake.

From the east end of Forster Main Beach the Bicentennial Walk ushers you through deep rainforest to lookouts and a series of other beauty spots.

On the way to Bennetts Head, there’s a stairway down to the Tanks, a set of rock-enclosed pools for safe swimming at low tide.

All along the trail there are endless opportunities for Instagram-able photos, and moments of hushed awe.

10. Bennetts Head Lookout

Maybe the walk’s standout section is when you climb to this headland at the top of One Mile Beach.

Served by a car park and picnic area, Bennetts Head Lookout has three different platforms, the most impressive of which takes you out over the cliff top to look straight down a ravine.

There you can behold the vastness of the pacific ocean, and in the winter you stand a good chance of sighting a humpback whale.

If there’s an ideal time to come, it’s first thing when you can start a new day watching the sun come up over the Pacific Ocean.

11. One Mile Beach

The destination for the Bicentennial Coastal Walk is as close as it gets to beach perfection.

One Mile Beach is patrolled during the summer holidays, and takes its name from its distance to the post office in Tuncurry, and faces east, bearing the full brunt of the pacific surf.

At the north end is Bennetts Head, and lining the sharp slope down to the beach is a sand hill, attracting sand boarders and casual sand sliders.

The view of the beach’s white sands from the top is spectacular, and from here you’ll often see Forster-Tuncurry’s resident dolphins playing in the emerald-green surf.

12. Forster Main Beach

On the Forster side of the breakwater is a welcoming resort beach, traced by apartment blocks and blessed with lots of amenities.

Depending on the conditions Forster Main Beach has a healthy break for surfers, but at other times has little more than a ripple.

Forster-Tuncurry’s dolphin pod is regularly sighted here, and while the open surf is usually safe for swimming, there’s always the added safety of the Forster Ocean Baths, tucked into the east side under the rocks at Second Head.

At the opposite end is the Forster Surf Lifesaving Club and accompanying cafe, while a few steps from the beach is a multitude of local shops, restaurants, bars and ice cream parlours.

13. Booti Booti National Park

Touching the south-east side of Forster, and encompassing Cape Hawke is more than 15 square kilometres of protected coastal scenery on a peninsula between the ocean and Wallis Lake.

Booti Booti National Park has abrupt hills, big swathes of coastal rainforest, dunes, cliffs, exquisite beaches and perched lookouts for whale watching.

The natural diversity is incredible, with more than 650 plant species and 210 recorded bird species.

One sensational spot is Elizabeth Beach, at the foot of the park’s peninsula, where you can bathe in tranquil waters and set your gaze on the rounded outline of Booti Hill to the north, cloaked in rainforest and reachable from the beach via a walking trail.

14. Horseabout Tours

The wealth of littoral rainforest and untouched coastline around Tuncurry means you have to consider an adventure on horseback.

A ranch based right on the edge of town, Horseabout Tours puts you in the hands of experienced local guides, steeped in knowledge about the area.

You’ll ride on horses that have been carefully trained and nurtured, and are regularly rotated to keep them fresh.

There’s a wide choice of experiences available, among them beach and rainforest rides of varying lengths, as well as overnight campouts, riding camps for kids, wine and cheese tasting tours and special sunrise, twilight and moonlight rides.

15. Tuncurry Markets

On the fourth Saturday of the month possibly the largest market in the Great Lakes area trades at John Wright Park in Tuncurry.

Running from 07:00 to 13:00, this event is organised by Marine Rescue Forster-Tuncurry and hosts more than 100 stalls.

There will be something for all tastes, including arts and crafts, plants, jewellery, fashion, tools, fabrics and much more.

Local musicians put on some live entertainment as you shop, and Marine Rescue members light a barbecue, cooking up delicious breakfast food.

15 Best Things to Do in Tuncurry (Australia):

• Wallis Lake
• Nine Mile Beach
• Tuncurry Rock Pool
• Whale and Dolphin Watching
• Cape Hawke Lookout
• Colin Wren Oysters
• John Wright Park
• Great Lakes Museum
• Bicentennial Walk
• Bennetts Head Lookout
• One Mile Beach
• Forster Main Beach
• Booti Booti National Park
• Horseabout Tours
• Tuncurry Markets

Share Story

Getaway to forster-tuncurry & the great lakes region.

Lovers of the great outdoors will find themselves very much at home in the Forster- Tuncurry and Pacific Palms region. The destination, now part of the Barrington Coast , is known for its white sand beaches, endless turquoise waters and ancient forests.

Coastbeat chatted to some long-time locals who shared their suggestions on making the most of this unique wonderland. So, pack your adventure gear and settle in for a weekend (or better still – a week) of reconnecting with nature.

For nature lovers  

Outdoor enthusiasts are truly spoiled for choice in the Great Lakes region – named for the three adjoining lakes that create snake-like waterways, providing endless opportunities for exploration.

Wallis Lake is hard to beat when it comes to nature on show, with plenty of locals (and their pooches) spending their weekends SUPing on its calm waters. Kids can also play in the wide expanse of safe, shallow water – great for parents who want to relax! Wallis Lake also consists of many islands, shoals and bays; one local family said they love to swim or paddle to the islands near the Forster-Tuncurry Bridge at low-tide to spend the day playing in the shallows and exploring.

If your kids are a little more energetic, visit One Mile Beach, where they can burn some energy bodyboarding down the steep sand dunes.

At Booti Booti National Park you’ll find one of Coastbeat ’ s favourite walking trails (read our review of the walk here ), a loop of several kms which begins at the Ruins Campground. The walk takes you up the northern side of Booti Hill, along the ridge and then down to Elizabeth Beach. It’s a gorgeous trail, with the ocean on your left and bushland to your right. Booti Booti National Park is also home to over 200 bird species so twitchers best pack the binos for this outing.

Just along from the Ruins Campground you’ll find The Green Cathedral . It’s a unique outdoor cathedral and wedding venue under a canopy of green with Wallis Lake views. If there’s no wedding party in sight, it’s the perfect place to soak up the serenity.

Boasting pristine beaches just begging to be explored and a tiny cluster of fibro beach shacks, Seal Rocks has managed to retain its village feel. Boat Beach is still a working bay so grab a sandy spot and watch the fishermen returning with their catch. This tucked away little paradise is about 40 minutes south of Forster.

The Sugarloaf Point / Seal Rocks Lighthouse walk is another one to consider. It’s short (about 700m) and steep but all huffing and puffing is rewarded by the spectacular views from the top. If you really like the lighthouse, you can even sleep there, with accommodation available in the three keepers’ cottages.

Surfers have waves a-plenty to choose from and locals say you can’t go too wrong from Tuncurry Beach all the way to Boomerang Beach. Janie’s Corner , accessed from Seven Mile Beach , also rates a special mention. Fishing enthusiasts will love Elizabeth Beach and Smith s Lake.

For adventurers

There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy in the Forster / Great Lakes region. Tuncurry’s Horseabout Tours offer sunrise and sunset beach rides – a once-in-a-lifetime experience (read the reviews on TripAdvisor!)

Another recommended activity is a whale watching tour with Amaroo Cruises . The season runs from early June to late November. Last year, one guest was overheard saying her humpback whale trip in Forster was better than the Antarctic experience! Out of whale season, enjoy a top day out and plenty of dolphin sightings. Amaroo even offers a 100% dolphin guarantee!

For those who want to get a little deeper, a dive trip with Forster Dive at Fisherman’s Wharf can have you up close and personal with the endangered grey nurse shark. Gabby from Forster Dive tells us that these sharks are placid, non-threatening and aggregate in the same spots in the ocean, so they’re a very reliable shark to dive with. After more bonding with marine creatures? Forster Dive also has a Swimming with Dolphins cruise which offers in-water dolphin interaction in the open ocean and lake environment.

If you’re keen to while away in the waterways of Forster and its surrounds, why not rent a BBQ boat for a day or even better, a houseboat? Find out more at Forster Marina .

For foodies

No weekend away is complete without some local food recommendations. Sample the region’s famous seafood at Hamilton Oysters in Tuncurry where you can sit back and take in the wonderful waterfront position as you dine on something delightful. Dolphin sightings, fantastic cocktails and live music all make for a pretty unbeatable experience.

The Reef Bar is another waterside pick. Their pizzas come highly recommended by those in the know. Next door to Reef Bar is the must-try Spice Monkey which specialises in Japanese fusion cuisine.

If you’re after something a little more low-key but with yet another jaw-dropping view, finish your day with a meal and sundowner as you gaze across the lake at the Pacific Palms Recreations Club, better known as ‘ The Recky’ .

Close by, at Blueys Beach you’ll find Kembali Cafe. At Kembali, the atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, and the food is absolutely delicious. It’s a favourite with locals for its tasty Indonesian fare (menu hint: start with the Asian squid salad or Nasi Goreng). Word is the coffee’s great, too.

For hinterland explorers

While the Forster area is known for its famous turquoise coastline, the hinterland contains some hidden treasures of its own.

No excursion into the hinterland is complete without a visit to the historic town of Wingham , where you’ll be faced with the tough decision between lunching at the deliciously healthy Garden Grub Café or coffee-lover’s favourite, Bent on Food.

While you’re there, take a walk on the Wingham Brush Boardwalk to look for numerous rare birds and see hundreds of flying foxes sleeping in the treetops. The beautiful Moreton Bay fig trees provide a magical environment for the imagination to run wild.

From Wingham, venture out to Potoroo Falls , where you’ll find a 900m walking trail leading to a fantastic swimming hole that kids will love. Potaroo Falls is also home to the largest recorded watergum in NSW.

‘Ancient’ – is the only word to describe Alum Mountain, which is located an hour’s drive from Forster. With its imposing rocky outcrops, lookouts, trails, a quarry tunnel from old mining days and picnic areas overlooking Bulahdelah and the Myall River Valley, this place is well worth a visit.

For more information see www.greatlakes.org.au or call the Forster based Visitor Information Centre on Ph) 1800 802 692.

SIMILAR POSTS

Adventure | Travel

A Kaleidoscope of Creativity

words by Coastbeat 31 Mar 2022

Summer Bucket List

words by Elize Strydom 29 Nov 2021

‘Very Own’ Opens at Culture Hub

words by Elize Strydom 8 Jun 2021

A Great Aussie Getaway with Travel Associates

words by Elize Strydom 4 May 2021

• Visual Arts
• Bushwalking
• Mental Health
• Physical Health
• Healthy Eating
• Love & Relationship
• Local Produce
• Life on the Coast
• Conservation
• Marine Life
• Our Mountains
• Our Rainforests
• Local Business
• Local People
• Local Issues
• Art Exhibition
• Port Macquarie

3 great reasons to subscribe to Coastbeat: 1. You'll receive the Coastbeat e-zine for free as soon as you register; 2. You'll get a regular email from us letting you know what's happening on the NSW north coast; 3. We'll put you in the draw to win one of 3 $250 Kathmandu vouchers! Terms & Conditions    Privacy Policy

Subscribe (it's free) and you'll get a regular email from us with the best bits of North coast life, plus a link to the latest magazine.

Must-Sees and Things to do in Forster NSW +Map

There are so many great things to do in Forster that you can quickly fill a weekend or, for that matter a week without digging too deep. Our list will get you off to a great start and includes a map you can save for your next road trip north.

Forster is renowned for its natural beauty and has been a popular holiday destination for decades. A charming seaside town nestled amongst a region brimming with things to explore, here are five reasons why you should visit Forster this year!

Where is Forster NSW?

5 reasons we think you should you visit forster, forster main beach, pebbly beach, one mile beach forster, burgess beach, forster bicentennial walk/ frewins walk, whale and dolphin watching with amaroo cruises, rent a boat, diving and snorkelling, booti booti naitonal park, pacific palms, smith’s lake, where to eat seafood in forster, mediterranean options, everybody loves chinese, pubs and clubs, try the local craft beer, download and save our map of things to do in forster nsw, so what are you waiting for.

This page contains affiliate links. You can find our full disclosure policy here .

Forster is located on the north coast around 300km north of Sydney via the Pacific Highway: about three and a half hours’ drive on a good day.

Situated in between Newcastle and Port Macquarie, Forster (and its twin Tuncurry) are the biggest towns in the Great Lakes area, a system of three freshwater lakes in the lower part of the New South Wales Mid North Coast region.

With its unique position between the Pacific Ocean and the lakes, Forster is a paradise for beachgoers and the outdoorsy, a great place for young families and solo travellers alike. Not convinced? Here are five reasons you should visit this year and a bunch of the best things to do in Forster while you are there.

The Beaches in Forster are magic

Forster NSW is a town most known for its beaches, and so there’s no place better to begin our little exploration of the town. Here are a few of the main ones that a visitor shouldn’t miss.

Situated right in the heart of town, Forster Main Beach is the most popular place to be on a hot summer’s day. It’s also the safest beach in town, with typically gentle surf and lifeguards present throughout the holidays; it’s great for young families and novice swimmers alike.

If you’re not in the mood for waves, an enclosed ocean bath known as the Bull Ring sits right next door, complete with a newly renovated barbecue, toilet and changing facilities.

Tip : Locals flock to Beach Bums right on Main Beach for breakfast – plenty of choices here; you can stay healthy with the Acai Berry Bowl or fuel up for your morning walk with a Mexican Breakfast Wrap

A short walk away, and you’ll find yourself at Pebbly Beach. Pebbly is a super place for a walk (more on them later), but it’s probably best known for being home to the Tanks.

The Tanks are a formation of straight rock walls that form a long natural pool much loved by residents. Come high tide, waves crash over the rocks, sending waterfalls cascading down into the placid section on the other side. Apart from this great swimming spot, there are plenty of nooks and crannies in the rocks for you to explore, with their own wide range of marine life. Kids will love the rock pools.

Tip : Grab yourself a snorkel and see what you can spot in the water by the Tanks.

Related: Check out our guide to the best beaches in NSW

A little further away from the town centre, facing outwards into the Pacific Ocean, is One Mile Beach: possibly THE jewel in Forster’s crown. Favoured by local surfers, this long stretch of sand culminates at the beach’s north headland in one of Australia’s biggest single dunes.

Thrill-seekers can grab a board and fly down the mountain before taking straight to the waves. A small café and amenities are located at the beach’s south side for those looking for something a little more placid.

Tip : There is a nice easy boardwalk running behind the beach if you fancy some time in the shade.

The last of our Forster beaches we will share today is also one of the most interesting. Burgess Beach is off the main tourist trail, and its location on the edge of town means many visitors miss it altogether.

There are few facilities here, and the beach is not patrolled, but it is a fantastic spot to watch the sunrise or have a quiet picnic.

There are some great walks and lookouts in Forster

Forster is a great place for a hike, with a range of tracks of varying difficulty winding up to lookouts that offer awesome views of the surrounding areas.

The best place to start is the Forster Bicentennial Walk. Beginning at Main Beach near the Bull Ring, it’s just a short burst up the headland to Second Head Lookout.

Beneath the lookout is Pebbly Beach, where the path meanders past the Tanks to the section known as Frewin’s Walk.

Things get a little steeper here, but the scenery makes the effort worthwhile. Frewins Walk runs through a patch of littoral rainforest, with the canopy above blocking out the harsh midday sun.

You emerge from this track onto Bennetts Head proper. Here you walk up the bare hill, with the wide expanse of Cape Hawke Bay to your left and the town of Forster below you on your right.

Finally, the Bennetts Head Lookout juts out from the headland at the road’s end. If you’re in the right season (between about May and November), this is one of the best places in town for whale watching.

Towards the southern outskirts of Forster sits the area’s highest point, Cape Hawke, another great walk for the intrepid traveller. It’s best to make your way here via car, through a neighbourhood of semi-rural properties and up steep forested hills, until you come to the end of the road. Here there’s a place to park your car before setting out.

Related: Forster makes a great stop on the Sydney to Brisbane drive

The Cape Hawke walk isn’t very long, but it is steep and continuously so. If you aren’t in good physical condition, you might be in for some difficulty, but keep in mind what stands at the top. The Cape Hawke Lookout is a steel observation tower that pushes up above the surrounding canopy with the best view in the area. Stretching from Tiona and the Ruins Caravan Park in the south all the way up towards Taree in the north, this lookout is like no other, offering an eagle’s eye view of the whole region. And, if it’s any consolation, the walk back down is much easier.

Forster is a mecca for water lovers

The town of Forster is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and Wallis Lake on the other, meaning that it’s a fantastic place to get out on the water.

Fishing spots are many, along both the coast and among the lakes. Favourite fishing areas include both sides of the Forster-Tuncurry Breakwall and from the various wharves and jetties around the town centre. For lesser-known spots, you’ll have to speak to local fishers. These places are often hard to get to but well worth the reward.

Additionally, the whale and dolphin watching boat the Amaroo leaves from Wallis Lake near Wharf Street most days at around 10am, taking visitors out into the open ocean searching for the ocean’s most majestic creatures.

Following the lake down from here, you can find plenty of places to hire small watercraft. These range from canoes and kayaks to flat bottomed party boats and even aquatic bicycles. A warning on the last one of these, though: pedalling against the fast currents towards the bridge is hardly like riding a bike. Charter one of these at your own caution.

Alternatively, you’ve got businesses like Dive Forster, which rents diving and snorkelling lessons and equipment. Here you can learn to snorkel and dive in the calm serenity of Wallis Lake or take it all the way out into the open ocean if you’re brave enough. Dive Forster offers a range of options for all levels of experience.

It’s surrounded by natural beauty and attractions

When you come to stay in Forster, it’d be a crime to limit yourself simply to the town itself. Forster is not just a destination; it’s a gateway and launching pad to a whole region of natural wonders.

Heading south of Forster, you come on to a narrow isthmus called Tiona, with the ocean on one side and Wallis Lake close by on the other. Along this road are the sleepy town of Green Point and several secluded caravan parks and camping grounds that run the length of peaceful Wallis Lake.

Hidden in among the towering palms is the Green Cathedral . This outdoor church looks out to Wallis Lake. There are occasional services, and you can also get married, christened or have a funeral here.

Towards the end of the isthmus, the land rises up, and those who’ve made it to this point can try out the rugged Booti Booti walking track, a 7km loop through the Booti Booti National Park that should last you a good three hours.

Over the hills lies the holiday town of Pacific Palms and its three beaches: Elizabeth Beach, Boomerang Beach and Bluey’s Beach. All three are patrolled during the holiday season, with Boomerang favoured by surfers and Elizabeth by families.

Make sure you steer clear of the stormwater runoff at Elizabeth Beach’s east end, and (if you’re not keen to catch an eyeful) the nudist Shelly Beach just over the headland.

Related: Why not spend a weekend in Newcastle on your way nor th

Heading south out of Pacific Palms (making sure to stop at the Bluey’s Beach shopping strip and nearby information centre), you’ll quickly run into Smiths Lake. The smallest of the Great Lakes, a town of the same name, juts out into the water, filled with holiday houses and AirBNBs (along with a tight-knit community of locals). The Frothy Coffee Café is a key attraction of this little town, while outdoorsy types are drawn to near Celito Beach, where the Lake drains into the ocean, with plenty of fishing opportunities, swimming and four-wheel driving.

By now, you’re already about half an hour’s drive south of Forster, but it would be remiss of us not to press on a little further towards Seals Rocks.

Rated as one of Australia’s best surfing beaches, Seals Rocks were named after the colony of seals that once lived nearby. However, wildlife still abounds here, most notably a population of relatively peaceable grey nurse sharks that you can meet up close and personal should you wish to go for a snorkel.

The nearby Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, constructed in the 19th century, is also a great visit for history buffs, not to mention those of us who love a good view.

There is plenty of great food and drinks

As a holiday destination, Forster has plenty of places for tourists to eat and drink and (in this day and age) a wide range of options to boot. Here are just a few.

Unsurprisingly, a town so closely tied to things maritime has plenty of great seafood options available. Ranging from great quality (albeit a little grungy) takeaways like Lobby’s to award-winning establishments like Beach Street seafood, you’ll find many of these shops in and around the town.

For great oysters, head over the bridge to Tuncurry for oyster platters and fine wines at Hamilton’s, situated right on Wallis Lake.

Italians, mostly involved in the fishing industry, have long called Forster home and have left their mark in the area. Bella Bellisimo on Wharf Street and The Sicilian down by Main Beach have generated great reputations as the place for fine Italian food, served with a casual Forster flair.

If you’re looking for something a little more to the east of Brindisi, there’s Anatolia, a bold new addition to the Forster culinary scene, serving take away Turkish food as it attempts to expand and break its way into traditional dining.

A new Egyptian restaurant, King’s Valley has also opened recently, situated on the top floor of the Wharf Street shops heading towards the bridge, its balcony showcases lovely views over the lake.

Like every Australian country town, Forster is also filled with Chinese restaurants. Happy Garden, on the bridge end of Wharf Street, has a good reputation as a clean and modern restaurant, much loved by locals. A little way back, on Wallis Street, sits Gold Medal Chinese Restaurant, a little more formal and dated, but with a certain charm of its very own. And if you’re a little more adventurous, try Dragon’s Den, a hip, fusion outlet in the arcade.

Forster is a sleepy and serene town not known for its nightlife (especially in the age of corona). That said there are still plenty of places to grab a quiet beer. Head down to the Lakes and Ocean in the heart of town for a pub lunch overlooking the water or over to the recently refurbished RSL, Club Forster. The grungy and classic Lakeside Tavern, with its built in Chinese Restaurant, is also much beloved by locals, although a little out of the way of Forster’s major tourist precincts.

Beer connoisseurs should make sure they check out the Coastal Brewing Company, located in the industrial estate behind Stocklands shopping centre. This family-owned microbrewery specialises in making unique brews, named after and catered to the local area. Test some boutique beer along with some lovely appetisers before taking home a little bit of the local drop yourself.

Where to stay in Forster

From hotels and waterfront apartments to family homes by the beach. There are also several caravan parks and a couple of motels. You will find something for all tastes and budgets here. Generally, the summer season, particularly between Christmas and New Year, book out very quickly.

Hotels in Forster

• Hotel Forster  – right on the Lakes Way offers deluxe studios, family units and 2 bedroom apartments with a stunning pool area.
• The Dorsal Boutique Hotel – Fabulous water views this boutique hotel is 5 minutes walk to the beach

Serviced apartments

• Beaches International – These 2-3 bedroom serviced apartments are 100m from Forster Main Beach and have a swimming pool, hot tub and gym.
• Astina Suites – with luxury apartments sleeping up to 6 guests and a couple of penthouses this is a great choice for families
• Sails Apartments – 1-3 bedroom apartments the property offers an onsite swimming pool, spa pool and tennis court.

Holiday Homes

• Lorikeet – a three bedroom holiday house on One Mile Beach just minutes from water
• The Beach House at One Mile – a four bedroom property that sleeps 10 guests
• Chill out Beach House – a pet friendly property on One Mile Beach with 3 bedrooms and water views

On our most recent visit, we stayed in our motorhome at Smugglers Cove Caravan Park . It’s well located on the lake just opposite the local shopping plaza and within walking distance to the pub.

Once we parked, we walked everywhere for most of our visit. Forster is relatively flat and very walkable. This park is a great choice for kids with a fantastic playground and water slides. Right next door is

We explored travelled from Sydney to Forster in a Let’s Go 6 berth motorhome that was insanely comfortable. It was our first time in an RV and we loved it!

Disclosure: We rented and paid for our vehicle as private customers and can’t fault the vehicle or the service.

Even after all this, we haven’t covered all the delight of Forster and its surroundings, but if that’s not enough to send you packing, I’m not sure what is. Get in there and get amongst while the hours are long and swimming weather is great. You’ll be sure to love every minute in this gorgeous town.

Want more coastal getaways from Sydney?

• Two Days in Newcastle
• A Weekend in Mollymook and Milton
• A Central Coast Getaway
• Our favourite things to do in Kiama
• Three Great Sydney Weekend Escapes

1 thought on “Must-Sees and Things to do in Forster NSW +Map”

As a local, this is a great and accurate write-up. Add a few more eateries now available. Pezella’s behind the main street. For the insta-worthy there is Isola, over the water in Little St.

Leave a comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Forster Visitor Information Centre

Contact and address, opening hours:, location & routing.

There are no reviews yet! You can review this Business and help others by leaving a comment. If you want to share your thoughts about Forster Visitor Information Centre, use the form below and your opinion, advice or comment will appear in this space.

Photos of Forster Visitor Information Centre

Forster Visitor Information Centre On the Web

Forster visitor information centre - 12 little st ... - australia247.

Forster Visitor Information Centre is located in MidCoast Council of New South Wales state. On the street of Little Street and street number is 12. To communicate or ask something with the place, the Phone number is (02) 6554 8799 .

Forster Visitor Centre | Barrington Coast

Open today, 9am - 12pm, 1 - 4:30pm. Forster Visitor Information Centre is open 364 days of the year providing local information to visitors and travellers about the Barrington Coast region and its variety of coastal and hinterland destinations. Drop in and speak to one of our staff or volunteers to assist you with any of your travel or ...

Forster Visitor Information Centre - Forster, New South Wales - (02 ...

Forster Visitor Information Centre Forster, New South Wales. See 5 social pages including Facebook and Twitter, Hours, Phone, Website and more for this business. 3.5 Cybo Score. ... Phone (02) 6554 8799 (02) 6554 8799 +1. Website barringtoncoast.com.au. Social Media . Address 12 Little St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia. City: Forster ...

Forster Visitor Information Centre - Home - facebook.com

Forster Visitor Information Centre . 3 likes. Tourist Information Center

Prom Country Visitor Information Centre - Foster - Visit Victoria home

Corner McDonald and Main Street, Foster<br />Ph 1800 630 704 (freecall within Australia)

Forster Tuncurry Tourist Attractions - Forster Tourist Information ...

National Motorcycle Museum. Address: 33 Clarkson St, Nabiac 2312 Telephone: 02 6554 1333

Forster Tourist Information, Forster Tuncurry visitors directory ...

Welcome to our Forster - Tuncurry & Great Lakes Tourist Information Guide. With so many things to do and see we aim to be your ultimate resource for planning that perfect trip to the Forster, Tuncurry and Great Lakes region with hundreds of attractions, events and places for you and your family to visit.

Forster - Tuncurry - North Coast NSW - Local Guide Signs

Forster Visitor Information Centre . Open 7 days. Monday-Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm; Saturday-Sunday 9.00am to 4.00pm. Little Street. Forster NSW 2428.

Getting Here - Forster Accommodation, Forster Visitor Centre, Tea ...

Tickets can also be purchased from Forster Visitor Information Centre . Forster Coaches ... For Forster Coach information visit www.forsterbus.com.au or call 02 6554 6431. Greyhound Australia operate daily coach ... Airport Shuttle Services are provided by Newcastle Transfer Services 02 4928 9822 & Raymond Terrace Airport Bus 02 4956 9299 / 0425 ...

Volunteers - Forster Accommodation, Forster Visitor Centre, Tea Gardens ...

Forster Accommodation, Forster Visitor Centre, Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest, Myall Lakes, Pacific Palms, Great Lakes New South Wales, Great Events, Family Holiday, Adventure

SIMILAR IN THE AREA

• Forster Houseboat Hire Boatshed Number One, Little St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia Travel agency
• iTravel Forster 16 Wallis St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia Travel agency
• Quest Tours 1 Little St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia Travel agency
• Jamaica Holiday Units 4 Bruce St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia Real estate agency | Travel agency
• The Marina 2 Little St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia Travel agency
• Dive Forster at Fisherman's Wharf Cnr of Memorial Dr &, Little St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia Travel agency | School | Store
• Amaroo Cruises Memorial Dr, Forster NSW 2428, Australia Travel agency
• Adam Pope Travel Partners Lake St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia Travel agency
• Property Plus Forster Tuncurry 3/58 Wharf St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia Real estate agency | Travel agency | Lodging
• Forster Holiday Rentals 65 Wharf St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia Real estate agency | Travel agency

Most Recent

• Sage Pilates Brunswick West [Gym]
• Tile Power Gregory Hills [Home goods store]
• My Goodness - Melbourne [Food]
• LouvreElite [General contractor]
• Esteem Constructions - Sydney's Home Renovation [Home goods store]
• Wahroonga Family Dental Centre [Dentist]
• My Goodness - Southbank [Restaurant]
• Southern Smiles - Dentist Miranda [Dentist]
• EBS Entrance Solutions [Subpremise]
• Covesmore Solutions Upholstery [Furniture store]

Today most viewed

• Australia Post
• Pace Kitchens - Kitchen Renovations & Designer Kitchens
• Self Service Car Wash
• Odyssey Vein Clinic
• AIA: Melbourne Secondary Campus
• Everlong Joinery
• Vickery Kitchens & Joinery
• Edanbrook Consultancy Services

Home page   .   + Add listing   .   About   .   Privacy Policy   .   Terms of Service   .   Contact Us   .  

© 2024 Australia247.info All Rights reserved.

Lakes to lookouts - a scenic drive

Scout along the lakes way, from tuncurry to the beaches and lakes of forster, pacific palms, seal rocks and bulahdelah..

Download the Scenic Drives map here.

View this Lakes to lookouts scenic drive online here.

Take a journey along The Lakes Way, a winding coastal road past lakes, forests, headlands and lookouts.

There are so many beautiful stops along this journey that you may need more than a full day to see the best of the best.

This scenic drive follows The Lakes Way, a winding coastal road that takes you from the holiday hotspots of Tuncurry and Forster to the mountains around Bulahdelah. These towns are worth exploring so leave plenty of time to visit their local shops, cafes, galleries and parks before continuing your journey on this extraordinary route.

The Great Lakes region of the Barrington Coast is famous for the coastal lakes and headlands of our treasured national parks that are matched with picture perfect beaches of white and gold. Inland near Bulahdelah you’ll discover forests of deep green including the tallest of the tall: The Grandis.

And if you like the quiet contemplation of lookouts then don’t miss Whoota Whoota, Cape Hawke and Sugarloaf Point, all worthy stops on this sensational journey.

Wallis Lake

Wallis Lake is the sparkling jewel in the crown of the Great Lakes. With a surface area of 99 square km, this aqua blue waterway is famous for white sands, fishing, boating and delicious Sydney rock oysters that are the finest in the country.

Forster and Tuncurry are the twin towns that sit where Wallis Lake meets the ocean, as the Coolongolook River flows into the Tasman Sea. Surrounded by Wallingat National Park on the west and Booti Booti National Park on the east, the pristine waters of Wallis Lake are fed by the Wallamba River, Coolongolook River and Pipers Creek. The lake is 25 km long and nine kilometres wide.

Myall Lakes

The beautiful and remote Myall Lakes National Park offers countless opportunities for adventures, nature based escapes and exploring. The park boasts more than 40 km of beaches, forests, rugged escarpments, endless tracks and trails and spectacular Broughton Island.

The centrepiece of the park is the triple lakes system of Myall Lake, Boolambyte Lake and The Broadwater. This is the state's largest coastal lake systems and is protected by the 1975 Ramsar Convention as being a Ramsar Wetland of International Significance.

Myall Lakes is the state's largest coastal lake system and is protected as as wetland of international significance.

Points of interest

Known for its natural beauty located on the shores of pristine Wallis Lake, Tuncurry is also a thriving business centre, bustling harbour and tourist mecca offering shopping, recreation and lifestyle opportunities. The town is renowned for its friendly customer service and has ample parking and easy access for locals and visitors alike.

Tuncurry Rockpool: This swimming enclosure is a favourite with locals and tourists. Located at the start of the breakwall with access to Nine Mile Beach, this spot has it all. Follow up a swim or splash about in the rockpool, with a leisurely stroll along the beach or breakwall. Head to the adjacent park and enjoy a picnic or cook up a storm on the barbecue whilst the kids burn off energy on the park's play equipment. Or simply relax and enjoy the view of the dolphins frolicking in the channel.

Forster is the jewel of the Barrington Coast and the beating heart of the Great Lakes region. Drive over the bridge to Forster and you will instantly see why people love coming back: nestled between Wallis Lake and the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by National and Marine Parks. Just perfect! Within the town there is mainstream and boutique shopping, a huge range of accommodation from private ocean view houses to apartments to motels to lake side camping, award winning restaurants and clubs, a wide variety of experiences and activities and crystal clear water everywhere.

1. Forster Main Beach and Ocean Baths: The beachfront extends 560m from Forster Breakwall to the Forster Ocean Baths. It'a protected beach, making it ideal for families. There is generally not large surf, but if it does get big it has adjacent Ocean Baths. Forster Surf Club is located here and it is framed by Pilot Hill and Second Head, both of which offer nice walking trails.

2. Forster Visitor Information Centre: Your first stop when visiting any country town should the visitor information centre, you'll find helpful volunteers who can give you much more information than you'll find online. And some local tips and secrets too.

3. Pebbly Beach: Pebbly Beach can be found via a short walk along Second Head at Forster Main Beach or you can park your car at the Pebbly Park carpark on Head Street. Pebbly Beach is a good spot for families and despite its name does possess some sand! Either side of the beach are long stretches of round ocean-polished rocks offering great snorkelling.

4. The Tanks: Named after the giant water tanks which once occupied the space, The Tanks swimming hole is a family favourite! Cool off in the crystal clear water and bust out the goggles and flippers for some snorkeling action. Safe in most weather and ideal for small children to explore the rocks and waters.

5. Bennetts Head Lookou t

6. One Mile Beach and sand dune

7. Cape Hawke Lookout: Cape Hawke Lookout is a superb lookout that's worth every step of the 500m hike through regenerating littoral rainforest. Pull on your walking shoes and bring some binoculars and a camera – after approximately 420 steps you’ll reach an 8.4m tower with 360-degree views of the surrounding area. There’s Booti Booti to the south, Wallingat to the west, and on a clear day you can even see as far as Barrington Tops and Crowdy Bay National Park.

Booti Booti National Park

1. Great Lakes Sailing Club : Great Lakes Sailing Club is one of Australia's premier sailing venues on the eastern shore of Wallis Lake within Booti Booti National Park. The Sailing Club picnic area faces away from the ocean and its lakeside beach is just as sandy, the water just as refreshing. Families love this area for safe shallow swimming and shady paperbark trees. Sailing Club picnic area can get busy in summer, but nearby picnic alternatives like Santa Barbara and Elizabeth Beach mean there’s enough room for everyone.

2. Santa Barbara Park: At the northern tip of Seven Mile Beach you'll find a rough dirt track which takes you out to secluded Janies Corner, a good spot for fishing and surfing. At the southern end of Seven Mile you'll also find Bulls Paddock, a right hand point break which on a good day will bring a lot of surfers just to catch it. And in between these two points is a long stretch of remote beach. Even in the height of summer you are guaranteed a quiet patch of sand – but be careful as this beach is not patrolled

3. Green Cathedral at Tiona: his majestic open-air sanctuary is a special feature of the region. A beautifully unique place with rough timbered pews and wooden lectern situated under a canopy of rainforest on the shores of the Wallis Lake, this alfresco cathedral is used for weddings, worship, baptisms and funeral services. The Green Cathedral was constructed for public worship and private devotion back in 1922 by the Church of Latter Day Saints.

4. Sunset Park: Relax and enjoy sunset by the lake, you'll see a palate of crimson colours as you share a picnic dinner with your family by the lake at Sunset Park picnic area. The kids will love the knee deep water while you enjoy your dinner and the sunset.

Pacific Palms

Encompassing Blueys Beach, Boomerang Beach, Elizabeth Beach, Tiona and Smiths Lake, there is a special charm that draws people to 'the Palms'. Blessed with sparkling blue waters of the Tasman Sea, Wallis Lake and Smiths Lake and surrounded by lush rainforest, the area is a place of natural beauty. Named after the majestic cabbage tree palms, Pacific Palms blends with the magnificent Booti Booti and Wallingat National Parks and the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park. Scenic lookouts, secluded coves, hidden beaches, famous surfing, coffee shops, galleries and rainforest walks characterise this amazing wonderland.

1. Elizabeth Beach: Elizabeth Beach is the only beach in Pacific Palms which is patrolled in summer. It's part of the Booti Booti National Park and being north-facing makes this beach calmer, so its suitable for families. The beach has a beautiful aspect looking towards Cape Hawke and 7 Mile Beach. There is a cliff track that joins it to Tiona.

2. Shelly Beach: Shelly Beach is a secluded and clothing optional beach. You can reach the beach via a short bush track walk from the road. It faces south west and is completely protected. The swimming and snorkelling here is first class and its aspect creates a sense of remoteness.

3. Boomerang Beach: Boomerang Beach is Pacific Palms' best surfing beach with rock ledges helping to form great waves. The beach is ideal for swimming with protection from prevailing winds at either end. It is balanced at each end with headlands and faces east capturing the best swell from the Pacific and offering brilliant sunrises. The rocky headlands have some great rock pool rambles at low tide.

4. Blueys Beach: Blueys Beach is another renowned beach with great surfing and swimming plus stunning views across to Seal Rocks in the south. Legend has it the beach gained its name from a misadventure by a local cow. Cows can still be spotted on the southern headland.

5. Pacific Palms Visitor Information Centre: Your first stop when visiting any country town should the visitor information centre, you'll find helpful volunteers who can give you much more information than you'll find online. And some local tips and secrets too.

Smiths Lake

Smiths Lakes is the smaller of the region's lakes, but just as majestic. The lake offers warm calm waters, dotted with islands and bounded by national park and the tree-studded township of Smiths Lake. The lake is separated from the ocean by an impressive sandbar formation on Cellito Beach.

1. Cellito Beach : Cellito Beach offers great views south towards Seal Rocks as well as challenging surfing. The timber boardwalk through a rare stand of littoral rainforest ends at the viewing area where you'll often meet surfers checking the break. Behind the beach is Smiths Lake which has great family friendly swimming options.

2. Sandbar Beach: Sandbar is where the 4WD beach access road meets the dunes. The sea entrance to Smiths Lake is often opened up with a grader to lower the water level in Smiths Lake after heavy rainfall so take care on the beach. Take extreme care on the beach during such times.

3. Brambles Reserve Picnic Area: Brambles Reserve is another lakeside gem with a picnic area & direct access to the waters of Smiths Lake.

4. Tarbuck Bay: With lakes, countless mini beaches and plenty of exciting attractions nearby, Tarbuck Bay on Smiths Lake couldn't be more perfectly located for the ideal holiday.

Coomba is located on the western shores of Wallis Lake bordering Wallingat National Park and includes Coomba Bay and Coomba Park. This friendly village offers peace and tranquility and has a large resident kangaroo population. It's actually closer to Forster-Tuncurry by boat that it is by car. Coomba celebrates Australia Day each year with its famous raft race and is also a transition for the Forster Adventure Race.

Whoota Whoota Lookout: Whoota Whoota Lookout is one of the best natural viewing platforms on the mid north coast. It provides magnificent views of the Wallingat forests and 190 km of our coastline from Port Macquarie to Port Stephens. Here you will have scenic views of Wallis Lake, Seven Mile Beach, inland to Wallingat River and the Great Dividing Range, and southwards to Seal Rocks.

Seal Rocks is a delightful holiday village. It's famous the unspoilt surfing beache plus the spectacularly beautiful Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. Don't miss the wildness of Treachery Beach and Lighthouse Beach.

1. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse: Completed in 1875, Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is the first lighthouse designed by colonial architect James Barnet and one of only two towers in Australia with an external stairway. It was built after a number of incidents, including the shipwrecking of the SS Catterthun and the Rainbow. Despite the coast being illuminated by the lighthouse, 20 wrecks have occurred since the lighthouse was built. Below the lighthouse are the Lighthouse Keepers quarters and outbuildings that have been refurbished to offer holiday accommodation for visitors. On the grassy slopes next to the lookout point and cliff edge, you’ll see three memorials dedicated to people associated with the lighthouse. Sugarloaf Point is a top spot for watching whales as they migrate on their journey along the coast. You might also be lucky enough to see dolphins, down on lighthouse beach.

2. Number One Beach: Many people think that Number One Beach (yes, its real name) at Seal Rocks is one of the best beaches in Australia and maybe even the number one beach! Come judge for yourself... the beach, water and views are just beautiful. This beach faces north providing sweeping views back towards Pacific Palms and offering protected swimming. It is also a good surf beach with a rocky headland walk.

3. Boat Beach: Boat Beach is framed by headlands and spectacular rocky outcrops. The steep dropoff makes this beach perfect for landing boats hence its name. The beach here is nearly always quite flat and suitable for families but be careful of those boats coming and going. Snorkelling is good along the rocks and the island off shore called Statis Rock. It is also a haven for divers. When you are there check out the huge shells for sale by the local fishermen and take the gravel road straight up to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.

Neranie: Neranie campground and picnic area is a picturesque spot that caters for caravan and tent camping in Myall Lakes National Park. The nearby sandy beaches and shallow water, with a designated swimming zone, make it ideal for little children. The older adventurers will love liloing, canoeing and boating on the calm waters. If you fancy a stroll, try the easy Neranie Headland walking track to the historic cemetery.

The Grandis: The Grandis is a 400-year-old Flooded Gum that pierces the canopy on the western edge of Myall Lakes National Park. At 76.2m high and with an enormous 11.5m circumference at its base, the Grandis rates as one of, if not the tallest tree in NSW. Spared by loggers who extensively harvested the area in the late 1970s, this ancient gum might be matched by taller trees hidden elsewhere in this national park, but nothing detracts from the humbling experience of standing beneath such a giant.

Bulahdelah is a country town on the banks of the Myall River near its junction with the Crawford River, named from an Aboriginal word thought to mean "the meeting of the waters". The town is the gateway to the major attractions of Myall Lakes National Park, Bombah Broadwater, Myall River, Bulahdelah Mountain, The Grandis and Bulahdelah Court House.

1. Bulahdelah Visitor Information Centre: Your first stop when visiting any country town should the visitor information centre, you'll find helpful volunteers who can give you much more information than you'll find online. And some local tips and secrets too.

2. Court House Museum

3. Wade Park: Wade Park is the perfect stopover when traveling with kids, they'll love the playground while you set up on the picnic tables.

4. Bulahdelah Mountain Aboriginal Place : This place has cultural, spiritual and historical significance to the Worimi people of the Barrington Coast. It includes walking tracks and lookouts to respectfully explore and enjoy, including traditional tree carvings, a cultural space with seating and fire-pit, and visitor facilities. There are several tracks to explore:

• Boolah-Dillah Track from the car park is a steep walk to the Worimi cultural area where you can rest or picnic.
• Mountain Track from the cultural area leads to the Mountain Lookout for spectacular views over Bulahdelah.
• Ted Baker Track follows the old tramline south to Ted Baker Lookout, which gives panoramic views across the Myall River and coast.

A thriving coastal fishing village, Tuncurry is a summer holiday delight

A summer holiday delight, Forster is a thriving coastal fishing village.

Cape Hawke Lookout

Just five minutes from Forster, the Cape Hawke lookout offers spectacular 360-degree views along the coast from the top of a dedicated tower, perfect for whale watching.

Great Lakes Sailing Club

On the edge of Wallis Lake in Booti Booti National Park lies a family friendly oasis

Santa Barbara Park

Nestled behind the sand dunes of Seven Mile Beach near Forster, Santa Barbara picnic area is a grassy spot that’s popular with surfers, families and day trippers visiting Booti Booti National Park.

The Green Cathedral

The Green Cathedral is an outdoor church with natural wooden pews enclosed by a beautiful palm forest on the shores of Wallis Lake

Booti Booti is a Worimi Aboriginal word meaning “plenty of honey.”

Sunset Park

Watch the colour explosion as the sun sets over Wallis Lake at the aptly named Sunset Park

A place of natural beauty, surrounded by sparkling blue waters and lush rainforest

Coomba Park

On the shores of the Wallis Lake and bordering Wallingat National Park sits Coomba Park

Cellito Beach

Cellito Beach, also known as Sandbar, is a great surf beach, just south of Pacific Palms.

A coastal village surround by coastal lakes and nestled amongst tall gum trees.

Brambles Reserve

Brambles Reserve offers beautiful views of Smiths Lakes and respite for those wishing to park their caravan or launch a boat

Tarbuck Bay

Access Smiths Lake via the shallow shores of Tarbuck Bay

Whoota Whoota Lookout

Whoota Whoota lookout has one of the best view in NSW

Seal Rocks is a quintessential Barrington Coast village surrounded by the greens of Myall Lakes National Park and blues of the Pacific Ocean.

Neranie campground and picnic area is ideal for young families with swimming, liloing, boating, paddling and easy walks on the edge of Myall Lakes, north of Bulahdelah.

The Grandis

The Grandis, the tallest known tree in NSW

Bulahdelah is a country town on the banks of the Myall River near its junction with the Crawford River

Instagram: For the curious