Forster Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and where to stay in Forster. Read our travel guide for insider tips and recommendations.


Introduction to Forster

Forster is a charming coastal town located in Mid-North Coast, New South Wales, Australia. It is an ideal holiday destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Surrounded by pristine beaches, national parks, and waterways, Forster offers a wide range of attractions and activities for travelers of all ages and interests. Whether you prefer hiking, fishing, surfing, or simply relaxing on the beach, Forster has something to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Forster

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Forster’s rich history and culture are evident in its numerous museums and historical sites. Some of the must-visit places in this category include:

  • Great Lakes Museum: showcases the history and culture of the Great Lakes region, including Aboriginal artifacts, maritime displays, and a pioneer cottage.
  • Cape Hawke Lighthouse: an iconic lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the coast and the hinterland.
  • Forster Courthouse Museum: a heritage-listed courthouse that now serves as a museum, exhibiting the legal and social history of the Mid-North Coast.
  • The Glasshouse: a contemporary art space that hosts exhibitions, performances, and events throughout the year.

Natural Attractions of Forster: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Forster’s natural beauty is incomparable, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a variety of outdoor adventures. Here are just a few top natural attractions:

  • Wallis Lake: a stunning waterway that is perfect for fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddling.
  • Booti Booti National Park: a picturesque park that boasts sweeping views of the coast and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
  • Seven Mile Beach National Park: a pristine beach that offers excellent swimming, surfing, and picnicking opportunities.
  • Whoota Whoota Lookout: a scenic lookout that offers breathtaking views of the hinterland, the Great Dividing Range, and the coastline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Forster

Forster is an excellent destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts, with a range of trails to suit different abilities. Here are a few popular routes:

  • Bennetts Head Lookout Walk: a short but steep walk that leads to a scenic lookout with panoramic views of the coast.
  • Cape Hawke Summit Walk: a challenging hike that takes you to the summit of Cape Hawke, offering stunning views of Forster and the coastline.
  • Booti Hill/Lake Walk: a moderate hike that takes you through the picturesque Booti Booti National Park, past the tranquil Wallis Lake, and through lush rainforest.
  • Coastal Biking Trail: a 22km trail that takes you along the magnificent coastline, passing through the charming towns of Forster, Tuncurry, and Pacific Palms.

Best Things to Do in Forster: Activities and Tours

From surfing to fishing to whale watching, there is no shortage of activities to do in Forster. Here are a few of the best things to do:

  • Surfing and Watersports: Forster is known for its excellent surf breaks, making it an ideal destination for surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers. You can also go paddleboarding, kayaking, or jet skiing in the many waterways around Forster.
  • Fishing: Forster is a paradise for anglers, with an abundance of fish species to catch, including bream, flathead, and tailor. You can go on a fishing charter or hire your own boat and gear.
  • Whale Watching: from June to November, you can go on a whale watching tour to see the majestic humpback whales as they migrate along the coast.
  • Dolphin Cruises: Forster is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, and you can take a dolphin watching cruise to see them up close.
  • Seaplane Adventure: take a seaplane ride and experience the stunning views of the coastline and hinterland from above.

Week-Long Itinerary for Forster

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for Forster:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Forster and explore the town’s shops and restaurants
2 Visit the Great Lakes Museum and Forster Courthouse Museum
3 Go on a fishing charter or rent a boat and fishing gear
4 Hike the Cape Hawke Summit Walk and enjoy the views
5 Take a dolphin watching cruise and go paddleboarding at Wallis Lake
6 Visit Booti Booti National Park and go for a swim at Seven Mile Beach
7 Relax on Forster’s scenic beaches and enjoy a sunset dinner at a local restaurant

Food and Drink Scene of Forster

Forster has a vibrant food and drink scene, with options ranging from seafood, pub fare, and local wines. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fresh seafood: Forster is known for its excellent seafood, including oysters, prawns, and fish. Try the local barramundi or lobster at one of the many seafood restaurants.
  • Barrington Bangers: a delicious pork sausage made with local ingredients and served with a variety of sauces.
  • Pies: the Aussie classic is also popular in Forster, with many bakeries selling savory pies filled with steak, chicken, or vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Great Lakes Wine: a local winery that produces a range of red, white, and fortified wines. Try the Shiraz or the Muscat.
  • Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club: a popular spot for drinks and live music, with a good selection of craft beers and local wines.
  • The Sicilian Restaurant: serves authentic Italian cocktails and wines.

Where to Stay in Forster: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Forster has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are a few popular choices:

  • Forster Motor Inn: centrally located motel with clean and comfortable rooms and a pool.
  • The Dorsal Boutique Hotel: a modern hotel with stunning views of Forster Beach and an excellent restaurant.
  • Backpackers @ Forster: a budget-friendly hostel that offers dorms and private rooms, with a shared kitchen and outdoor area.
  • Lakes and Ocean Hotel: a beachside hotel with clean and spacious rooms and an onsite restaurant.

What to Buy in Forster: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Forster has a variety of souvenir shops and local markets where you can buy unique gifts and products to bring home. Here are a few ideas:

  • Aboriginal Art: Forster has a strong cultural heritage, and you can buy authentic Aboriginal art and crafts at the Great Lakes Art Gallery.
  • Fresh Seafood: pack some local oysters or prawns in a cooler bag and take them home to cook.
  • Local Wines: Buy a bottle of wine from the Great Lakes Winery or Manning Valley.

Local Culture and Customs of Forster

Forster has a relaxed and friendly culture, with locals known for their hospitality and laid-back lifestyle. Respect the environment and wildlife, always observe beach safety guidelines, and be courteous to other tourists and locals.

Best Time to Visit Forster

The best time to visit Forster is between September and May, when the weather is mild and dry, and the ocean is ideal for swimming and watersports. June to August is winter season in Forster, and while it is still pleasant with cooler temperatures, the water may be too cold for swimming.

Do’s and Don’ts of Forster

Do:

  • Do take advantage of the stunning natural beauty and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and surfing.
  • Do respect the local culture and customs and be considerate of other tourists and locals.
  • Do stay safe on the beaches by observing warning signs and swimming only between the flags.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or harm the environment or wildlife.
  • Don’t feed the dolphins or any other marine animals.
  • Don’t swim outside the designated areas or in dangerous conditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Forster

Forster is a safe destination, with a low crime rate. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, lock your vehicles when parked, and take care of your personal belongings.

Health in Forster

Forster has a range of medical facilities, including a hospital and several clinics. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers emergencies and pack prescribed medications.

Getting to Forster: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Forster

The nearest airports to Forster are:

  • Newcastle Airport: 192 km away
  • Port Macquarie Airport: 99 km away

Bus Stations Near Forster

The major bus operators in Forster are:

  • Greyhound Australia: offers long-distance bus services to and from Forster.
  • Premier Motor Service: operates a coach service between Forster and Sydney.

Other Options

You can also rent a car and self-drive from nearby cities like Sydney or Newcastle.

How to Get Around in Forster

Forster is a small town that is easy to explore on foot, but you can also rent a bike or a motorized scooter to get around. There are also taxis and rideshare services available, and most attractions are accessible by car.

Where to Go Next from Forster: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time, you can explore other nearby destinations and attractions, including:

  • Newcastle: a vibrant coastal city with historic sites, excellent beaches, and a variety of shopping and dining options.
  • Port Macquarie: a charming town known for its koala hospital, lush rainforest, and beaches.
  • Taree: a picturesque town that offers scenic river cruises, bushwalking trails, and delicious local produce.

Conclusion

Forster is a hidden gem in New South Wales, offering stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. With its variety of attractions and activities, it is the perfect destination for families, solo travelers, and couples. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the national parks, or try your hand at fishing, Forster has something for everyone.

The Forster-Tuncurry bridge The Forster-Tuncurry bridge