- Deb Carr
Forster NSW Mid North Coast
Forster is a beautiful scenic town about 3.5 hours north of Sydney. Even though the spelling is Forster it is pronounced Foster. Forster is a popular holiday resort and retirement area. There is plenty to do in Forster and the surrounding areas. Summer is chaos but exciting as the tourists flock to spend the summer holidays up here, and who can blame them?
There are plenty of places to camp and caravan as well short term rentals such as motels and units.
Shopping is in the main street which is home to lovely boutique stores and restaurants and cafes. The bigger shopping centre is Stocklands.
Tuncurry is just across the bridge from Forster and it is a delightful place to swim at the Tuncurry Rockpool. Tuncurry also has a horse racing track and excellent golf course. Forster also has its own golf course.
Things to do in Forster and surrounding areas
Note: I have written in more detail on many of the following things to do in Forster so you will find hyperlinks throughout to these stories.
One Mile Beach and Rainforest Walk
One Mile Beach is a stunning beach with a magnificent sand dune at one end. The dune is a great area for children to play, and a great way to test your fitness climbing up it! The beach is patrolled in summer and has its own Surf Life Saving Club. Adjacent to the beach is a beautiful rainforest boardwalk. It's an absolute hidden treasure!
Booti Booti National Park
This writer finds it very hard to stay out of Booti Booti National Park. If you are a nature lover like myself then you will probably enjoy the walks and scenery of Booti Booti. The National Park is home to lakes and beaches including Blueys Beach, Boomerang Beach, Elizabeth Beach and Seven Mile Beach.
BOOK ACCOMMODATION IN FORSTER
The Hike from Seven Mile Beach to Elizabeth Beach requires a good level of fitness as it is steep but the views and tranquility is amazing. I came across a couple of mating pythons on one of my walks in Booti Booti National Park.
Cape Hawke
For whale watching you can't find a better spot than Cape Hawke. The track is around 450 metres up, and quite steep. In summer it is a haven for mosquitoes so be prepared with plenty of repellant.
McBrides Beach for Four Wheel Driving
The track to McBrides Beach is an extremely challenging one for both 4W drivers and walkers but the journey is fantastic and the reward at the end when you arrive at McBrides Beach is priceless.
Hire a Kayak or Paddle Board
Along the foreshore on Wallis Lake there are a number of Mariners that have boat hire and paddle board hire, many of these marinas also have a takeaway of cafe.
Walk along the Break Wall and Main Beach
This is a delightful walk both in summer and winter. If you love a beautiful sunrise then the Forster side of the break wall is a great place to come and watch it. The breakwall is a wonderful walk with views of Wallis Lake, Tuncurry, and Forster Main Beach as well as up the coast to Blackhead and over to Cape Hawke.
Forster Ocean Baths
The Forster Ocean Baths are safe and clean. The local council takes good care of the baths and they close for cleaning during the year. The baths have toilet and shower facilities as well as picnic area. Right next to the baths is a delightful bush walk up to a lookout and to Pebbly Beach.
Beaches in the Area
So many to choose from! Explore Blueys, Boomerang, Elizabeth, Burgess, McBrides, Nine Mile, One Mile, Seven Mile, Blackhead, Diamond and Seal Rocks.
For the Kids
During the school holidays the kids can enjoy trampolining and mini golf which is run by the Lions Club. Across the bridge, The Carnival operates during the summer school holidays during the evenings. The Trampoline centre is just on the right as you come over the bridge heading into Forster.
Bicentennial Walk and Frewins Walk
This delightful walk will take you across the coastline taking in Pebbly Beach, Frewins Walk and up to Bennetts Head. If you continue you will end up at One Mile Beach and witness breathtaking views of the Ocean. The walk up to Bennetts is quite steep but worth it! Alternatively you can drive up.
The Tanks
The tanks is where you can frolic in the ocean safely. When the tide is low this is a very popular swimming area with a path down to the rocks and chairs for watchful parents at the top.
Whales and Dolphins
Take a cruise on the Amaroo or one of the other dolphin and whale watching cruises.
Fishing and Boating
Forster Tuncurry is a fishing destination so there are plenty of places to fish such as rocks, the breakwalls, from the beach and of course on a boat on Wallis Lake or out through the bar to the ocean. A fishing licence can be purchased at bait shops. Don't risk not purchasing a licence because the rangers do inspect. Of course there is always the fish co-op if you don't catch anything.
