Forster

Forster sits where the large, sheltered Wallis Lake meets the ocean, giving it both surf beaches and calm lake waters — an ideal mix for family holidays. There is a large selection of accommodation and many spots for safe swimming, paddle boating and the like, and the town swells with visitors over the summer school holidays. Tuncurry, its twin town on the northern side of the inlet, is connected by a long, scenic causeway and bridge.

The traditional owners of the area are the Worimi people. The town is the main centre of the Great Lakes district, a string of lakes, beaches and forests that draws holidaymakers and anglers throughout the warmer months.

The climate is mild and subtropical, with warm summers (the peak season) and gentle winters. The Christmas–January holidays are by far the busiest and most expensive time; spring and autumn are quieter and very pleasant.

By Car / Road

Forster is on the coastal diversion that leaves the Pacific Highway between Bulahdelah and Taree. Taking the diversion via Forster adds 30–45 minutes to a through trip, making it about 2.5 hours from Sydney and 1 hour from Newcastle. A car is the most practical way to reach and explore the town and the surrounding Great Lakes district.

The town centre and beachfront are walkable, and the causeway links Forster with Tuncurry. A car is useful for reaching the surrounding beaches, lake foreshores and nearby national parks. Boats and kayaks are a popular way to get around on Wallis Lake itself.

• Wallis Lake — The vast, sheltered lake at the heart of the district, famous for its oysters and ideal for boating, fishing and calm-water swimming.

• Forster and Tuncurry beaches — A run of patrolled surf beaches, with rock pools and headland walks.

• Bicentennial Walk / Cape Hawke — Coastal and headland walks, including the lookout atop Cape Hawke with sweeping ocean and lake views.

• Booti Booti National Park — A coastal park just south of town with beaches, lake frontage and bushwalks.

• Swimming and surfing — Patrolled ocean beaches and calm lake swimming spots suit all ages.

• Boating, kayaking and fishing — Wallis Lake is a paradise for water-based activities; Forster is renowned for its oysters and fishing.

• Dolphin and whale watching — Cruises operate from the inlet, and whales pass offshore in season.

• Walks and lookouts — Coastal tracks and the Cape Hawke lookout reward easy effort with big views.

Forster's dining leans toward fresh seafood and relaxed holiday fare, with cafés, fish-and-chip shops, pub bistros and casual restaurants clustered around the waterfront and town centre. Wallis Lake oysters and local fish are the highlights.

The town's clubs, pubs and waterfront cafés cover the social scene, from a cold beer with a view to good coffee by the water. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget — Caravan parks and holiday units around the beaches and lake.
• Mid-range — Motels and holiday apartments near the waterfront.
• Upscale — Waterfront resorts and apartment hotels overlooking the lake or ocean.

The town centre covers everyday shopping and holiday supplies. Fresh local seafood — Wallis Lake oysters above all — is the signature buy, sold at co-ops and seafood outlets around the inlet, along with crafts at seasonal markets.

• Tuncurry (across the causeway) — Forster's quieter twin town on the north side of the inlet.
• Pacific Palms / Booti Booti (around 20 km / 20 min) — Beautiful beaches and lakeside hamlets to the south.
• Seal Rocks (around 50 km / 50 min) — Remote, pristine beach and lighthouse village.
• Taree (around 40 km / 40 min) — Manning Valley service town to the north.
• Port Stephens (around 90 km / 1 hr 15 min) — Major coastal playground with sand dunes and dolphins to the south.
• Myall Lakes National Park (around 60 km / 1 hr) — Vast network of coastal lakes and forest.