Things to Do

Only a short five-minute drive from Forster, the Cape Hawke lookout provides breathtaking coastal views from its dedicated tower, ideal for observing whales.

Bennetts Head Lookout is a viewing platform at the end of Bennetts Head Road in Forster. The lookout is right next to the turning circle and is one of the few lookouts in the region that is wheelchair… accessible. The viewing platform sits out above the rocky headlands giving visitors views south towards The Tanks, Pebbly Beach and the Forster Tuncurry breakwalls. Gazing north and you will see over the headlands towards Cape Hawke and One Mile Beach. Bennetts Head Lookout is one of the best vantage points to spot whales during their migration between May and November.

One Mile Beach, situated within Forster’s residential area, is a beloved destination among both surfers and families. It is closely monitored by lifeguards on holidays and weekends,… offering a safe environment for beachgoers. Adjacent to the beach lies a spacious park featuring barbecue facilities, picnic areas, and playground equipment. At the northern tip of the beach, visitors can access Bennett’s Head lookout, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of the surroundings. This spot is also home to a colossal sandhill, perfect for exhilarating sand sliding and boarding adventures, and offers an excellent vantage point for capturing stunning photos of the beach. Additionally, there’s a picturesque stretch of white sand where dolphins are frequently spotted gracefully riding the waves in the crystal-clear water. Interestingly, the name “One Mile Beach” does not refer to the beach’s length but instead indicates its distance from the Forster post office. It’s important to note that lifeguards patrol this beach diligently, ensuring the safety of beach enthusiasts, especially during the bustling summer holiday season.

Burgess Beach, located along Burgess Road in Forster, is a serene and secluded coastal destination. While it lacks the amenities found on larger beaches, it remains a great choice for families, offering… natural shelter on three sides and numerous small rock caves to explore. It’s important to note that this beach is not patrolled for safety. Nestled between Cape Hawke and Booti Booti National Park, Burgess Beach is renowned for its rocky formations, making it a favored location for thrilling rock hopping adventures.

Discover Booti Booti National Park, located on an 8km stretch of land between the Pacific Ocean and the stunning Wallis Lake, close to Forster. Embark on a day trip to explore its pristine beaches, scenic… walking trails, captivating lookouts, and lush coastal rainforest.

Pebbly Beach is just a brief walk away from Forster’s Main Beach, following the scenic Bicentennial Walk along the coastline. It’s an ideal spot for families, renowned for the captivating Tanks rock formation… that forms a charming inlet, perfect for swimming and relaxation. Despite its name, the beach boasts ample sandy shores, and it features extensive areas of smooth, ocean-polished rocks, making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling. This location is immensely popular among both tourists and locals for swimming. The adjacent park, situated along the Bicentennial Walk, offers amenities such as a playground, picnic shelters, barbecues, and public toilets. It’s important to note that this beach is not patrolled for safety.

The Tanks, a striking rock formation along the Bicentennial Walk, creates a picturesque rock pool perfect for enjoyable family swimming and snorkeling activities. The name “The Tanks” originates from… a group of steel ship tanks that were once situated here during the construction of the Forster breakwall in the 1890s. These tanks supplied water for the steam engine trains, which transported quarried rocks from Bennetts Head to the current breakwall location. During high tide, The Tanks are filled with water, and as the tide recedes, it unveils the sandy base. The majority of the swimming area is shielded from incoming waves by natural rock formations, providing a safe and entertaining environment for children to swim in. To reach The Tanks, it is advisable to park along Head Street and take a stroll through the nearby reserve toward the ocean. Picnic tables and public restrooms are conveniently located, as well as Pebbly Beach, which features a park and BBQ facilities. Please note that this location is not monitored by lifeguards.

Spanning from the Forster break wall to the Ocean Baths, Forster Main Beach is 563 meters of fun. This beach area is shielded from large waves, making it safe for swimming and ideal for families. Lifeguards… are on duty during the swimming season. Its proximity to cafes and shops allows beachgoers to easily take a break from the sand and enjoy refreshments on a hot summer day. Forster Surf Club is situated here, with the picturesque surroundings of Pilot Hill and Second Head, both offering scenic walking trails. During the summer months, Main Beach is patrolled by lifeguards on weekends, and in October and during school holidays, it is patrolled every day. Forster Ocean Baths, a short walk away, provide a protected swimming area and accessible ramps for visitors.

This nature trail commences at the Forster Ocean Baths, locally known as the ‘Bull Ring’. The path leads from the bathroom block into the bush, to Second Head, offering two scenic ocean viewpoints. Descend… the stairs to Pebbly Beach, then follow the coastline past the popular ‘Tanks’ swimming spot, progressing to Bennetts Head, an excellent location for spotting dolphins. Continue along the Rotary Walk, reaching the sand dune of One Mile Beach. Walk along the shore until you reach Palmgrove Park, and then ascend to the secluded Burgess Beach. The complete trail spans 4km, but you can pause and resume at your convenience.

Not just the place to launch your boat into the water, but also the spot to see huge groups of pelicans congregate hoping for some fish offcuts. These birds are iconic in Forster and are super friendly.… Definitely come at sunset for some great pics.

Affinity Aviation

Amaroo Cruises  Whale Watching Season – June to November Come and experience an unforgettable Whale Watching Tour aboard the Whale Watching Adventure Cruise vessel the “AMAROO”. It will carry… you into the wonderful world of the majestic Humpback Whales, where dreams can come true. Humpback Whales are the most inquisitive and acrobatic of all the great whales. They love to leap out of the water, smash their huge tails and pectoral fins against the surface, and will often approach the boat for a closer look. Dolphin cruises run most days at 10:00am (weather permitting) from late November to May. There are approximately 250-300 resident inshore Bottle-Nosed Dolphins inhabiting the waters of Forster-Tuncurry. Further offshore we encounter Common Dolphins, sometimes massing in the hundreds all as one pod. Quite a spectacle to say the least! Groups often surface, jump, splash and play together. Often they will porpoise or leap from the water, performing exciting acrobatic displays. They are among the fastest Dolphins in the world, reaching speeds of 40km/h. The third species of Dolphin we may also stumble upon is the Oceanic Dolphin. This species is the largest of all Dolphins we encounter. Oceanic Dolphins can grow to 2.5m and weigh in at a staggering 200kgs! Oceanics are also famous for their aerial acrobatics and freakish speed. We may also encounter a variety of sea birds including Ospreys, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Whistling Kites, Gannets and Albatross to name a few. Also sharks, seals, penguins and turtles are frequently sighted. 0419 333 445    

Enjoy a day at the Races with Tuncurry Forster Jockey Club. The picturesque country track plays host to race meetings throughout the year. If you get up early you might even catch sight of local horse… trainer Terry Evans taking his horses for an early morning swim and ride at the beach. “They seem to love being down there and enjoy splashing through the water as we walk along.” When not playing host to equine athletes located in the centre of the racecourse is Forster Tuncurry Golf Driving Range is a great family activity. You can practice your golf shots, improve your accuracy and better your game and handicap. Join the kids in the Water Golf or Putt Putt challenges and then put on your game face while you go about the serious business of getting that perfect golf shot sorted.  

Horse About Tours are more than just a trail-ride. With experienced local guides who share their love of not just horses but also the love of the local area and a passion for preserving the glorious… surrounds, you are guaranteed an experience to remember. Their horses are their family,  they are trained and nurtured by the experienced team and are rotated through the various grounds so they remain fresh and happy for your ride. They match each new rider to horse through a range of criteria from height, weight and experience ensuring you your most comfortable days riding. Their guides are locals and have a wealth of knowledge about the area, following strict environmental guidelines to preserve it for future generations. They have a range of rides to choose from making the very most of the surrounding beach and bush land setting. To book call 0423 830 738

Catering for  the first time fisho’s to the dedicated seasoned anglers Forster Sport and Game Fishing specialise in deep water jigging and bottom fishing, marlin and pelagic sport fishing charters. With… twenty two years experience locally and have travelled all up and down the east coast for many years, game and sport fishing for many boats and skippers. They utilise their knowledge and experience from the best crews and skippers around. Using the best equipment including Shimano, Tiagrra, Penn International reels and supporting equipment like Black Magic harnesses, Top Shot tag, reelax outriggers and custom teaser rods. They will supply you with refreshments and light snacks on every charter. Full day charters will include lunch also. SHANE CROCKETT Phone: 0413 475 233 Email: marlinshane@hotmail.com

Spice Monkey is a balance of modern and traditional Asian cuisine with a strong Japanese influence with its unique sushi bar. Spice Monkey brings a new vibrancy to Forster restaurants with our large outdoor… share-table overlooking the pristine Wallis Lake or inside at our large or round booth tables seating up to 12 and 6 people.

Start the day the with salt water, breakfast & a sunrise, overlooking Forster’s Main Beach & the Pacific Ocean. Our seasonal breakfast & lunch menu includes healthy & gluten-free options… as well as sweet treats & great coffee. Enjoy fabulous ocean views and a friendly atmosphere all year round, 7 days.

A café passionate about local produce and superior coffee. This is a must.

Offers you a variety of the freshest seafood for your eating pleasure. Nothing is pre-cooked.

A selection of beautifully plated, Asian Inspired Street Foods served in a YUM CHA style.

Fish and Chips, Burgers, local fresh seafood, prawns, oysters. Something for everyone!

Forster’s number one Pub, Sports Bar, Bistro Dining Restaurant with live music and a view of the lake from the verandah.

Enchanted garden, meets Parisian cafe, meets chic modern sophistication, that about sums up Café Toscano. With a Mediterranean-inspired menu.

Local authentic Mexican in the heart of Forster. Happy Hour everyday from 4-5pm. $6 Beers   $11 Margaritas   $11 Wings  $10 Taquitos Taco Tuesday $6 Tacos Burrito Wednesday Burrito… and Drink $26 Quesadilla Thursday Quesadilla and drink $21

The Coastal Brewing Company is an award winning family-owned microbrewery based in the coastal town of Forster Tuncurry, NSW. Being based in Forster-Tuncurry and part of the wonderful Barrington Coast,… community is playing a big role in the brewery’s strategy and operations. For The Coastal Brewing Company, it’s all about enjoying L.I.F.E – that’s local, independent, fresh, everytime.  Building on its enjoying L.I.F.E focus, all of the Coastal Brewing Company beer names link to the natural beauty of the Barrington Coast area in NSW. Using all natural ingredients on a 1,200 litre brewhouse, the brewery produces fresh, craft beer for sale in kegs to restaurants, bars, clubs and pubs. Beer is also canned onsite and sold through bottlestores, restaurants and bars.

Great Lakes Paddocks is a destination offering delicious wine, pasture raised angus beef, local produce, music events and private functions. Nestled in the stunning hinterland of the Great Lakes region… on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, we are a part of the magical natural landscape that surrounds us. Nearby are legendary coastal areas such as Forster Tuncurry, Seal Rocks and Pacific Palms.

Discover Booti Booti National Park, located on an 8km stretch of land between the Pacific Ocean and the stunning Wallis Lake, close to Forster. Embark on a day trip to explore its pristine beaches, scenic… walking trails, captivating lookouts, and lush coastal rainforest.

This nature trail commences at the Forster Ocean Baths, locally known as the ‘Bull Ring’. The path leads from the bathroom block into the bush, to Second Head, offering two scenic ocean viewpoints. Descend… the stairs to Pebbly Beach, then follow the coastline past the popular ‘Tanks’ swimming spot, progressing to Bennetts Head, an excellent location for spotting dolphins. Continue along the Rotary Walk, reaching the sand dune of One Mile Beach. Walk along the shore until you reach Palmgrove Park, and then ascend to the secluded Burgess Beach. The complete trail spans 4km, but you can pause and resume at your convenience.

A great round of golf on the Barrington Coast! This is two courses in one with one course located in Forster and the other in Tuncurry. The Tuncurry course is ranked in the Australian Top 100 Public Access… Golf Courses. There is also a World Class Golf Museum. Visitors and new members are welcome.

One Mile Beach, situated within Forster’s residential area, is a beloved destination among both surfers and families. It is closely monitored by lifeguards on holidays and weekends,… offering a safe environment for beachgoers. Adjacent to the beach lies a spacious park featuring barbecue facilities, picnic areas, and playground equipment. At the northern tip of the beach, visitors can access Bennett’s Head lookout, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of the surroundings. This spot is also home to a colossal sandhill, perfect for exhilarating sand sliding and boarding adventures, and offers an excellent vantage point for capturing stunning photos of the beach. Additionally, there’s a picturesque stretch of white sand where dolphins are frequently spotted gracefully riding the waves in the crystal-clear water. Interestingly, the name “One Mile Beach” does not refer to the beach’s length but instead indicates its distance from the Forster post office. It’s important to note that lifeguards patrol this beach diligently, ensuring the safety of beach enthusiasts, especially during the bustling summer holiday season.

Burgess Beach, located along Burgess Road in Forster, is a serene and secluded coastal destination. While it lacks the amenities found on larger beaches, it remains a great choice for families, offering… natural shelter on three sides and numerous small rock caves to explore. It’s important to note that this beach is not patrolled for safety. Nestled between Cape Hawke and Booti Booti National Park, Burgess Beach is renowned for its rocky formations, making it a favored location for thrilling rock hopping adventures.

Pebbly Beach is just a brief walk away from Forster’s Main Beach, following the scenic Bicentennial Walk along the coastline. It’s an ideal spot for families, renowned for the captivating Tanks rock formation… that forms a charming inlet, perfect for swimming and relaxation. Despite its name, the beach boasts ample sandy shores, and it features extensive areas of smooth, ocean-polished rocks, making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling. This location is immensely popular among both tourists and locals for swimming. The adjacent park, situated along the Bicentennial Walk, offers amenities such as a playground, picnic shelters, barbecues, and public toilets. It’s important to note that this beach is not patrolled for safety.

The Tanks, a striking rock formation along the Bicentennial Walk, creates a picturesque rock pool perfect for enjoyable family swimming and snorkeling activities. The name “The Tanks” originates from… a group of steel ship tanks that were once situated here during the construction of the Forster breakwall in the 1890s. These tanks supplied water for the steam engine trains, which transported quarried rocks from Bennetts Head to the current breakwall location. During high tide, The Tanks are filled with water, and as the tide recedes, it unveils the sandy base. The majority of the swimming area is shielded from incoming waves by natural rock formations, providing a safe and entertaining environment for children to swim in. To reach The Tanks, it is advisable to park along Head Street and take a stroll through the nearby reserve toward the ocean. Picnic tables and public restrooms are conveniently located, as well as Pebbly Beach, which features a park and BBQ facilities. Please note that this location is not monitored by lifeguards.

Spanning from the Forster break wall to the Ocean Baths, Forster Main Beach is 563 meters of fun. This beach area is shielded from large waves, making it safe for swimming and ideal for families. Lifeguards… are on duty during the swimming season. Its proximity to cafes and shops allows beachgoers to easily take a break from the sand and enjoy refreshments on a hot summer day. Forster Surf Club is situated here, with the picturesque surroundings of Pilot Hill and Second Head, both offering scenic walking trails. During the summer months, Main Beach is patrolled by lifeguards on weekends, and in October and during school holidays, it is patrolled every day. Forster Ocean Baths, a short walk away, provide a protected swimming area and accessible ramps for visitors.

Forster Ocean Baths is located on North Street, next to Forster Main Beach. It’s a popular swimming spot, particularly for the littlies and young families. The large pool has an infinity edge, making it… feel like you’re floating in the ocean, without any of the waves. The Forster Ocean Baths, commonly known as The Bull Ring, was officially inaugurated on January 18, 1936. Remarkably, the pool’s physical structure has remained largely unchanged since its opening. The pool spans 56 meters along the northern wall, 50 meters along the eastern wall, and 69 meters along the western wall. During high tide, seawater flows into the pool through an inlet valve positioned on the eastern side of the wall, aided by gravity. This water, along with debris, travels through a pipe to a sediment well where sand, rocks, seaweed, and shells settle at the bottom. From there, the water is pumped into the swimming pool.

Not just the place to launch your boat into the water, but also the spot to see huge groups of pelicans congregate hoping for some fish offcuts. These birds are iconic in Forster and are super friendly.… Definitely come at sunset for some great pics.

Forster Marina is one of the last boat sheds from Main St Forster. The marina is home to long-term large boats and a range of powered and unpowered watercraft for hire.