Things to do in Forster Tuncurry

Just four hours north of Sydney lies the lakeside haven of . This twin town connected by the Forster-Tuncurry bridge sits on Wallis Lake and is a mecca for water sports, marine exploration and fresh seafood, especially Sydney Rock oysters. It’s the perfect spot for a laidback lakeside holiday.

When you’re not lazing by the pool, splashing in the waterpark or having bouncing competitions on the bouncing pillow, here are our top 15 things to see and do in Forster Tuncurry.

With the lake on one side and the ocean on the other, there is an abundance of fresh seafood in the area. Head to one of the many restaurants to indulge in the catch of the day. And be sure to try what are arguably the best Sydney Rock oysters in Australia at one of the oyster bars or farms like Hamilton’s Oyster Bar, Barclay Oysters, Colin Wren Oysters or Thirty Three Degrees.

With the lake on one side and the ocean on the other, there is an abundance of fresh seafood in the area. Head to one of the many restaurants to indulge in the catch of the day. And be sure to try what are arguably the best Sydney Rock oysters in Australia at one of the oyster bars or farms like Hamilton’s Oyster Bar, Barclay Oysters, Colin Wren Oysters or Thirty Three Degrees.

Forster and Seal Rocks have plenty of marine life to see, but the main attraction is the Grey Nurse sharks that patrol the area. There are many dive sites to choose from including Breaker and Jimmys Cave, Big Seal Rock, Bennetts Head Bommie Rock, The Barge Forster and more. Good snorkel spots are Hayden’s Reef and The Tanks off Pebbly Beach, Burgess Beach and Shelly Beach, where you’ll likely see wobbegongs, Grey Nurse sharks, rays and turtles.

If you’re a fan of getting on or in the water, you’ll be in seventh heaven in Forster Tuncurry. Take out a kayak, SUP board or launch a boat on the lake to explore its many tributaries and admire the turquoise water and plentiful wildlife. Spend a day floating and fishing, or just relax by the lakeside and take a dip when you feel the urge. Otherwise, head to one of the pristine beaches with a surfboard to catch a wave or enjoy an afternoon of sunbathing.

Fully immerse yourself in nature, head out on one of the many walking trails through the coastal hills to idyllic beaches. Take a relaxed stroll and head to Main Beach, then follow the Bicentennial Walkway all the way to Bennetts Head Lookout. For the best view of the area, follow the Cape Hawke walk through littoral rainforest to Cape Hawke Lookout – an observatory tower with 360° views of the surrounding canopy, beaches and lakes. A stroll through Booti Booti National Park will give you a chance to see some of its 650 plant species as well as flourishing birdlife.

At Forster Tuncurry Golf Club, choose between two courses or play both. Located alongside the Pacific coastline, you can enjoy a seaside game on either course and then have a relaxed meal or a drink at one of the lively clubhouses.

For beer lovers, the family-owned Coastal Brewing Company microbrewery has a 1,200 L brewhouse and tasting room where you can try a range of boutique beers and a snack or two to go with them. You can also buy some beers to enjoy back at your accommodation or with a BBQ by the lake.

From June to late October, the humpback highway is in full swing as these gentle giants pass by on their annual migration. You can try to spot them from One Mile Beach and Bennetts Head lookout or take a whale watching cruise with Amaroo Cruises. If you happen to be visiting out of whale season, you can also take a cruise to see the many bottlenose and common dolphins frolicking in the waves. For birdwatchers, head to Booti Booti National Park to spot some of the 210 bird species that call it home. And if you’re heading past Forster-Tuncurry bridge, take a moment to look for bullnose stingrays gliding past in the water below.

This one deserves its own mention as it’s the largest lake in the area and is a mix of lively activity and complete tranquility. The clear water of Wallis Lake is perfect for water sports, snorkeling, swimming and floating. You may even spot dolphins in its depths. And a fantastic way to spend a day is to kayak or boat between the oyster farms dotted on the shores and try freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters.

Explore your options for a beach day in Forster Tuncurry. Main Beach is the spot to be in summer and is a great beach for swimming, with its gentle waves and lifeguards keeping an eye out during school holidays. Pebbly Beach is where you’ll find The Tanks – rock walls that create a natural swimming pool, surrounded by rock pools to explore. One Mile Beach is the most popular surf spot, and its rolling dunes are also great for sandboarding. For a hidden gem, head to Burgess Beach for sunrise or to marvel at the creatures in its rock pools. On Tuncurry side, you’ll find Nine Mile Beach. As the name suggests, this beach is perfect for a long stroll along the water’s edge.

To keep the young ones entertained, head to this family-friendly complex in downtown Forster for a game of tenpin bowling, laser tag or mini-golf. There are also plenty of arcade games and an onsite café, making this the perfect spot for a family outing on a rainy day.

Besides One Mile Beach, you can surf at various spots along the Barrington Coast. Haydon’s Rock just at the bottom of Main Beach is good when the swell is big. Nine Mile Beach usually has a few nice spots on offer. Otherwise, head to Boomerang Beach and Blueys Beach at Pacific Palms, or Sandbar, Seven Mile Beach and Cellitos Beach.

On the third Saturday of each month, you can get fresh produce right from the source at the Farmer’s Market in Forster. Here, you’ll also find arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, plants, books, gifts and trinkets.

If your idea of bliss is casting a line and watching the world go by, head to the Forster-Tuncurry breakwall – a picturesque spot to catch bream and mulloway. Or, set yourself up on one of the jetties dotted around Wallis Lake. The lake is home to black kingfish, bonito, mackerel, cobia, yellowfin, bluefin tuna and more. You can also take a boat out to the center of the lake or head out to sea, if you have the right vessel.

Many events are held throughout the year in Forster Tuncurry. Some major ones include the Great Lakes Food Trail (March), Grow Your Own Music Festival (September), Forster Running Festival (September), Fred Williams Boating Classic (October), Wallis Lake Oyster and Craft Beer Festival (October) and the Lakeside Festival (November). Be sure to check if any fun things are happening during your stay.

Besides the beautiful and lively Wallis Lake, there are a few other lakes in the region worth exploring to see coastal rainforests and wetlands teeming with wildlife. In Myall Lakes National Park, you’ll find the freshwater Myall, Two Mile and Boolambayte lakes. Head slightly north for the saltwater Smiths Lake, off Sandbar and Twenty by Twelve beaches.