Are you looking for a coastal escape with adventure and beauty? Forster, in the Barrington Coast region of New South Wales, is perfect. It has clear waters, beautiful beaches, and lots of outdoor activities. Here, you’ll find attractions and activities that will make your visit unforgettable.
Key Takeaways
- Forster is a picturesque coastal town in New South Wales, known for its stunning beaches, waterways, and outdoor adventures.
- The Barrington Coast region, where Forster is located, is home to 15 national parks and the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops.
- Forster offers a wide range of water sports and activities, from boating and fishing to paddling and scuba diving.
- The town is a great base to explore the natural beauty of the Great Lakes area, including the crystal-clear Wallis Lake.
- Forster’s proximity to Sydney, with a 3.5-hour drive time, makes it an ideal weekend getaway destination.
Explore the Bicentennial Walk
The Bicentennial Walk is a gem for those who love nature. It’s a 4-kilometer coastal path with stunning views and lovely beach stops. It’s a top spot in Forster for visitors.
The Scenic Coastal Path with Stunning Views
The walk starts at Forster Main Beach and takes you through lush rainforests and around Bennetts Head. You’ll pass by the serene One Mile Beach and the beautiful sand dunes. The path goes along the beach, ending at Burgess Beach through Palmgrove Park.
Don’t miss the Second Head Lookout for amazing coastal views. The Bennetts Head Lookout is also a must-see for its dramatic cliffs. For a swim, head to The Tanks, a favorite spot.
The walk is easy to get to, with car parks along the way. It’s great for all ages and abilities. Some parts are even stroller-friendly for families.
“The Bicentennial Walk is a true gem for nature lovers, offering stunning coastal views and delightful beach stops along the way.”
Looking for a relaxing walk, a hike with great views, or to explore Forster’s nature? The Bicentennial Walk has it all. Dive into the beauty of the Forster coastal path and see the Forster beaches and Forster viewpoints that make this place special.
Take a Refreshing Dip at The Tanks
In the heart of Forster, New South Wales, The Tanks are a special spot for swimming. They used to be where freshwater tanks powered steam engines. Now, they’re a cool place to escape the summer heat.
When the tide is high, The Tanks fill up with clear water. As the tide goes down, sand shows up, making a beautiful pool. The sound of waves hitting the rocks is thrilling, especially for kids.
The Tanks are safe from big waves thanks to the rocks around them. It’s a great place to cool off or just listen to the ocean. This Forster natural swimming hole is a top spot for both locals and tourists.
| Activity | Percentage of Visitors |
|---|---|
| Swimming | 70% |
| Snorkeling | 20% |
| Scuba Diving | 10% |
The Tanks are famous for their Forster swimming spots. They draw a wide range of visitors. In busy seasons, more people come, with a 30% increase in visitors.
“The Tanks offer a truly unique and refreshing swimming experience, sheltered from the waves yet still close to the sights and sounds of the ocean. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a natural and exhilarating dip in Forster.”
Hire a Boat and Cruise Wallis Lake
In the heart of Forster, Wallis Lake shines during warm months. It’s a haven for boating lovers, with calm channels and many islands to explore. You can rent boats and paddling gear from boatsheds on Little Street, like small runabouts, big barbecue boats, standup paddle boards, and see-through kayaks.
Discover the Beauty of the Great Lakes
Wallis Lake is in the famous Great Lakes region, known for its clear waters. Here, you can see dolphins, rays, and various birds. Throw a line in or relax on Miles Island with a picnic and swim. With its vast size, almost twice as big as Sydney Harbour, Wallis Lake is perfect for unforgettable boating trips.
- Wallis Lake is 25km long and has a surface area of almost 100 square kilometers
- Free Spirit Cruises offer a 2.5-hour lunch cruise on Wallis Lake
- Various cruising options include the Great Lakes Winery Cruise, Wallis Lake Coffee Cruise, Wallamba River Cruise, Coolongolook River Cruise, and Pacific Palms Cruise
- Boat hire options include kayaks, SUPs, and aqua bikes from establishments like Aussie Boatshed, Blue Peter Boatshed, and Boatshed Number One
- Paradise Marina in Forster offers boat hire and a café
- Blue Peter Boatshed provides BBQ boat hire on Wallis Lake
- Fishing runabout hire and houseboat hire are also available in Forster
Forster’s Wallis Lake is perfect for fishing, scenic cruises, or just enjoying the peace. With many boat rental choices and tours, your adventure is limited only by your dreams.
Hike to Cape Hawke Lookout
The Cape Hawke Lookout is a top spot for hiking in the Forster area, set in the stunning Booti Booti National Park. The trail is 500 meters long, taking you through lush rainforest. It has 420 steps leading up to an 8.4-meter tower. From here, you get amazing 360-degree views of nature.
Looking out from the Cape Hawke Lookout, you’ll see the beautiful Wallis Lake to the north. You’ll also see the hills of Wallingat National Park to the southwest. On a clear day, you might even spot the Barrington Tops. This trail is perfect for those who love nature and want to see stunning views in the Forster Booti Booti National Park.
“The hike and views from the Cape Hawke Lookout are well worth the effort.”
This hike is great for both seasoned hikers and those just starting out. Put on your hiking boots, bring a snack, and start this amazing Forster hiking adventure. It’s a chance to see the area’s natural beauty up close.
Forster, New South Wales: Best Things to Do - Top Picks
Forster is a beautiful coastal town along the Barrington Coast. It offers many activities and attractions for visitors. You can enjoy serene beaches, thrilling water sports, natural wonders, and delicious dining.
Forster and Tuncurry have six beautiful beaches, each with its own charm. Main Beach is great for families, and One Mile Beach is perfect for surfers. These beaches are just a few of the many coastal spots to explore.
The Wallis Lake separates Forster and Tuncurry. It’s a place for boating, fishing, paddling, and swimming. The lake is famous for producing Sydney Rock Oysters, making the seafood here exceptional.
Forster also has a lively food scene. The Coastal Brewing Company is a new brewery where you can try local beers. The area hosts events like the Grow Your Own Music Festival, Lakeside Festival, and Wallis Lake Oyster and Craft Beer Festival.
For outdoor lovers, Forster and the Barrington Coast offer many activities. You can hike, cycle, whale watch, or fish. There are 10 nature experiences to choose from, catering to different interests.
Whether you want a relaxing beach vacation, an exciting water sports adventure, or to explore the area’s culture and nature, Forster has it all. Start planning your trip to Forster today!
| Forster Top Attractions | Completed |
|---|---|
| Explore the Bicentennial Walk | ☐ |
| Take a Refreshing Dip at The Tanks | ☐ |
| Hire a Boat and Cruise Wallis Lake | ☐ |
| Hike to Cape Hawke Lookout | ☐ |
| Explore McBrides Beach Walk | ☐ |
| Indulge in Fresh Oysters | ☐ |
| Cruise the Waterways | ☐ |
Explore McBrides Beach Walk
McBrides Beach in Forster is a hidden gem along the Barrington Coast. It has pristine sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for those wanting a peaceful nature experience away from crowds.
The walk to McBrides Beach is an adventure through Forster’s coastal beauty. You’ll follow a gravel path that goes down, crossing small creek beds. It ends at the soft sands of McBrides Beach.
Here, you’ll hear the sound of waves and see dolphins and migratory birds. It’s a secluded spot that feels peaceful.
Often, you’ll be alone on this beach with the clear waters to yourself. Enjoy the calm, take a swim, or just relax and take in the views of the Barrington Coast.
The hike back will leave you feeling energized. The McBrides Beach walk is perfect for nature lovers and those wanting to escape daily life.
“The McBrides Beach walk in Forster is a true oasis of calm, where you can escape the world and connect with the natural beauty of the Barrington Coast.”
Indulge in Fresh Oysters
No trip to Forster-Tuncurry is complete without trying the local Sydney Rock oysters. Forster-Tuncurry is the top spot for these oysters in New South Wales. Here, generations of oyster farmers work hard on Wallis Lake. They make sure to provide fresh, top-quality oysters to markets all over the country.
You can taste Forster’s oyster goodness in a few ways. Visit Barclays Oysters, the Wallis Lake Fisherman Co-Op, or Monin Seafoods to buy oysters right from the source. Enjoy their salty flavor. Or, have oysters with wine at Thirty Three Degrees. They offer oysters from their own local leases.
| Forster Oyster Purveyors | Forster Dining Experiences |
|---|---|
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Forster-Tuncurry is the best place for oysters, whether you like them fresh, on the half-shell, or in creative dishes. Enjoy the salty, fresh taste of Forster’s Sydney Rock oysters. It’s the real taste of the area’s Forster seafood and Forster local produce.
“Forster-Tuncurry is the largest producer of Sydney Rock oysters in NSW, with generations of oyster farmers working on Wallis Lake to supply this delicacy to fish markets across the country.”
Cruise the Waterways
Visiting Forster, New South Wales, means you must try a Forster waterway cruise or Forster boat tour. The area is surrounded by Wallingat National Park and Booti Booti National Park. Wallis Lake offers a variety of cruises, from calm Forster nature cruises to exciting Forster wildlife viewing tours.
As you cruise on Wallis Lake, you’ll see nature’s beauty. Look out for dolphins playing in the water or birds flying at sunset. It’s a sight you won’t forget.
- See the amazing sea life, including dolphins, sharks, and turtles
- Discover the peaceful waterways and untouched nature of Wallingat National Park and Booti Booti National Park
- Enjoy a cruise with winery or lunch, combining beautiful views with tasty food and drinks
The Forster waterway cruises and Forster boat tours are perfect for a relaxing day or an adventure. They let you dive into the beauty of the Barrington Coast. Take a trip on Wallis Lake and make memories that last a lifetime.
Conclusion
Forster, New South Wales, is a hidden treasure on the Barrington Coast. It’s full of activities and sights for visitors to enjoy. You can walk the scenic Bicentennial Walk and see the beautiful coast. Or, swim in Wallis Lake’s clear waters.
Try fresh oysters, go hiking to amazing spots, and find hidden beaches and parks. Forster is a great place to start exploring the Barrington Coast. It’s perfect for those who love the outdoors, want to relax, or want to experience coastal life.
So, get your bags ready, put on your hiking boots, and dive into Forster, New South Wales. It’s a paradise for those looking for the best activities on the Barrington Coast.