Wallis Lake

Wallis Lake is a shimmering coastal lagoon on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, just north of Forster. Its calm, oyster-rich waters and sandy shores make it a serene escape for boating, fishing, and kayaking, with a strong local seafood culture centred on the famous Wallis Lake oysters.

Highlights & What to See

• Taste the oysters – Sample freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters straight from the lake at waterfront shacks or local markets; they are among Australia's finest.
• Cruise the lake – Hire a tinnie, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard to explore the labyrinth of islands, mangrove creeks, and secluded beaches. The water is glassy calm most mornings.
• Visit Forster Main Beach – A patrolled surf beach on the ocean side of the narrow peninsula, perfect for a swim after a lake paddle.
• Walk the Wallis Lake Foreshore – A scenic path from Forster to the Tuncurry bridge offers views across the lake, with picnic spots and birdlife.
• Spot wildlife – Pelicans, black swans, and sea eagles are common; dolphins sometimes enter the lake through the channel.

Suggested Time to Spend

Wallis Lake is ideal for a half-day to full-day outing. Most visitors combine a morning kayak or boat hire with a leisurely oyster lunch. If you're self-driving along the coast, it's a perfect stop for a few hours, but you could easily spend a full day exploring the lake's nooks and crannies. For a deeper experience, stay overnight in Forster or Tuncurry.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Forster – The lively town on the lake's edge, with great cafés, restaurants, and the stunning One Mile Beach.
• Tuncurry – Across the bridge, known for its fishing fleet and the historic Tuncurry Rockpool.
• Booti Booti National Park – A coastal park with rainforest walks and the dramatic Cape Hawke lookout.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A vast system of freshwater lakes and forests, 30 minutes north, ideal for canoeing and camping.
• Pacific Palms – A cluster of pristine beaches (Blueys, Boomerang, Elizabeth) about 20 minutes south, famous for surf and coastal walks.

Please check official sources for current details.