Forster Tuncurry

Straddling the shimmering waters of the Wallis Lake and the Pacific Ocean, the twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry are a classic NSW coastal escape. Connected by a graceful bridge, this laid-back destination offers pristine beaches, a thriving water-sports scene, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere that feels a world away from city life. Here, you can spend your days kayaking on calm lake waters, surfing at world-class breaks, or simply soaking up the sun on some of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the Mid North Coast.

Highlights & What to See

• One Mile Beach – A stunning, patrolled beach with gentle waves perfect for swimming and learning to surf; the adjacent headland offers a scenic walking track with whale-watching vantage points in season.
• Wallis Lake – This vast, pristine lake is the heart of the region. Hire a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or take a cruise to explore its secluded bays, oyster leases, and abundant birdlife.
• Forster Main Beach – Right in town, this patrolled beach is ideal for a quick dip, with a grassy foreshore perfect for picnics and people-watching.
• Cape Hawke Lookout – A short but steep walk rewards you with panoramic views over the lakes, beaches, and hinterland – especially magical at sunrise.
• The Great Lakes Museum – Housed in a historic timber building, this small museum tells the story of the region’s maritime heritage, including shipwrecks and the early timber industry.
• Booti Booti National Park – A coastal gem just south of town, with walking trails through littoral rainforest leading to secluded beaches like Elizabeth Beach.

Suggested Time to Spend

A weekend (two to three days) gives you enough time to hit the highlights: one day exploring the beaches and national park, another on the lake with a kayak or paddleboard, and a leisurely morning for a coastal walk and a final swim. If you’re a keen surfer or want to truly unwind, stretch it to four days. Forster Tuncurry also works well as a relaxing stopover on a road trip between Sydney and points north.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Myall Lakes National Park – A vast system of lakes and waterways just south, perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and bushwalking.
• Seal Rocks – A tiny coastal village with stunning beaches, a historic lighthouse, and opportunities for dolphin and seal spotting.
• Pacific Palms – A collection of beautiful beaches (including the famous Blueys Beach) and the Booti Booti National Park, ideal for a day trip.
• Port Stephens – About an hour south, offering dolphin cruises, sand dunes, and the Tomaree National Park coastal walk.
• Barrington Tops National Park – A World Heritage-listed wilderness area inland, with ancient rainforests, waterfalls, and excellent bushwalking – a striking contrast to the coast.

Please check official sources for current details.