Discover Forster NSW: A Coastal Gem on the Mid North Coast
- Deb Carr
- Jun 10, 2018
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Forster is a picturesque town located approximately 3.5 hours north of Sydney. Although it's spelled "Forster," it's pronounced "Foster." This town is a favored destination for holidays and retirement. There are numerous activities to enjoy in Forster and its nearby regions. Summer brings a bustling yet thrilling atmosphere as tourists gather here for their summer vacations, and it's easy to see why!
There are plenty of places to camp and caravan as well short term rentals such as motels and units.
Shopping in Forster
Shopping is primarily centred around the vibrant main street, which serves as a delightful hub for both locals and visitors alike. This charming thoroughfare is lined with an array of lovely boutique stores, each offering unique and carefully curated selections of clothing, accessories, and handmade goods. The boutiques often feature local artisans and designers, providing a personal touch that adds to the shopping experience. Strolling down the main street, one can discover everything from fashionable apparel to one-of-a-kind gifts, making it a perfect destination for those seeking something special.
In addition to the boutique stores, the main street is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you are in the mood for a cozy brunch, a quick coffee break, or a leisurely dinner, there is something to satisfy every palate. The outdoor seating areas of these eateries create a warm and inviting atmosphere, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals while soaking in the lively ambiance of the street. Many of these establishments pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients, further enhancing the community feel and supporting local farmers and producers.
For those looking for a more extensive shopping experience, the larger shopping centre known as Stocklands. This retail complex features a wide range of well-known national and international brands, providing shoppers with an extensive selection of products. However, this website prefers to promote small regional business in NSW.
Tuncurry, located just across the bridge from Forster, is a wonderful spot for swimming at the Tuncurry Rockpool. The town also boasts a horse racing track and a top-notch golf course. Meanwhile, Forster has its own golf course as well.
Things to do in Forster and surrounding areas
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.
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 at Wallis Lake
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 Forster
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 Forster 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 in Forster NSW
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
The Bicentennial walk (Coastal walk Forster) 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 Foster
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 in Forster
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.
