Things to do:

Forster

kristel-hayes--BcnpZHZJx4-unsplash.jpg

Think water sports, brilliant blue waterways, beautiful beaches, and great food. Welcome to Forster.

Presenting the best of life with water activities at every angle, Forster is a haven for beach lovers and sports enthusiasts. Surrounded by national and marine parks, this is a place to enjoy nature.

With 6 local beaches to choose from, there is never an excuse not to get out and enjoy the surf or just enjoy a leisurely walk along the sand. And if surfing isn’t your thing, there is always the clear waters of Wallis Lake offering boating, paddle boarding, fishing, and endless fun.

You don’t even have to get out on the water to enjoy it. Other activities could include a lovely walk along the boardwalk around Wallis Lake, a stroll down Main Street, or dining at one of the many superb restaurants.

Wallis Lake

With picture perfect turquoise waters, Wallis lakes separates the towns of Forster and Tuncurry. An iconic landmark, Wallis Lake comes alive in the summer months with boaters, fishers, paddlers and swimmers joining the dolphins, rays and turtles that call this lake home.

Head to Forster Marina to hire a boat or paddle board or kayak and then off to Redspot for a bucket of prawns and some Wallis Lake oysters after a morning on the water. You definitely would have worked up an appetite!

Beaches

Visit one of the following local beaches:

  • One Mile - located in the residential area of Forster and is extremely popular with surfers and families. Patrolled during the holidays and on weekends, the beach is bordered by a large park with barbecue, picnic facilities and playground equipment. The north end also boasts a giant sand dune and is popular for sandboarding.

  • Pebbly Beach - Pebbly Beach is a popular camping area with great surfing beach and bush walks within Murramarang National Park. It also is known for great snorkelling.

  • Main Beach (Patrolled in summer) - Forster's Main Beach stretches 563 metres from the Forster breakwall to the ocean baths. The beach position is protected from large swells and is patrolled during the swimming season, making it ideal for families.

  • Nine Mile – Located over the bridge in Tuncurry. It's well known for its good surfing but on the southern end you'll find Tuncurry Rockpool, an enclosed swimming area nestled into the breakwall. Great for families. The beach itself is not patrolled.

  • McBrides Beach - McBrides Beach is on the north side of Cape Hawke, an area known for its outstanding beauty, rugged cliffs and offshore reefs.

  • Burgess Beach – Stunning natural beauty. Amazing rock formations on the beach and also a quiet beach for families.

Dining

There are many restaurants worth visiting whilst in town but one of the things Forster is known for is its Oysters. Home to quite possibly the best oysters on the East Coast, Wallis Lakes oysters can be enjoyed at many different establishments in the town. Or head to Redspot, the fish shop on the water, grab them here and sit along the water and enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for fish, Mexican, Asian or just a good burger, the restaurants in Forster will have you covered. Here are our top picks in the area:

Fine Dining

  • East 33 (Seafood)

  • The Wharf (Australian)

Casual dining

  • Dragons Den (Asian influence)

  • Spice Monkeys (Asian Fusion)

  • Si Senorita (Mexico)

  • Belle Bellisomo (Italian)

  • Verde (Italian)

  • Manyana (Mexican)

  • Pezellas (Pizza)

  • Toscanos (Italian)

  • The Sicilian (Italian)

  • The Lakes and Ocean (pub)

Coffee Shops

Tartt

  • Wingman

  • Plunge

  • Let’s get Baked

Activities

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in and out of the water.

  • Horse riding – Horse About Trails.

  • Horseabout Tours is more than just a trail-ride. With experienced local guides who share their love of not just horses but also the love of the local area and a passion for preserving the glorious surrounds, you are guaranteed an experience to remember.

  • Fishing, boating, SUP boarding and Kayaking

  • Head to Forster Marina to hire a boat, fishing gear or boards. The perfect way to enjoy time on Wallis Lake. From Tinnies to luxury boats, Forster Marina is bound to have you covered.

Surfing

Enjoy surfing at many of the local beaches. There is always a beach in the area facing a different direction so if there is no surf at one, just drive onto the next.

Walking trails

Just five minutes from Forster, the Cape Hawke lookout offers spectacular views along the coast from the top of a dedicated tower, perfect for whale watching. Positioned right at the northern end of the national park, this superb lookout is 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 stunning views of the surrounding area.

Head over the bridge into Tuncurry. A lovely walk over the water with spectacular views and great coffee at the other end at The Deck.

Further walks in the surrounding national parks are also worth exploring. Head to the National Parks website for further information.

Diving

Forster is known for its grey nurse aggregation sites on its shores, amongst a whole lot of other critters! Learn to SCUBA Dive with Dive Forster, or continue your diving education and join them on one of their day charters at Forster or Seal Rocks.

Movies

Head over the bridge to Tuncurry to Great Lakes Cinema to catch one of the latest flicks. Perfect option on a rainy day.