EXPLORE Forster-Tuncurry
Forster–Tuncurry has enough on the water to fill a stay on its own — swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking and the occasional dolphin sighting on Wallis Lake. Head south into Booti Booti National Park for beach walks and lookouts, or stick close to town for oyster bars, cafes and a Saturday market. Whale watching runs through winter if you’re after a reason to visit off-season.
Adventure
Booti Booti National Park runs south of Forster along a stretch of coastline between the ocean and Wallis Lake, with walking trails, lookouts and access to both lakeside and surf beaches. Wallingat National Park adds two more campgrounds either side of the Wallingat River for those keen to go further off-grid. Winter brings whale watching from the headlands, while the lake itself is a haven for fishing, kayaking and spotting the odd dolphin.
Adventure
Activities
Hire a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or a no-licence BBQ boat and spend the day exploring Wallis Lake at your own pace, weaving between the islands and oyster leases. For something with more history, the Great Lakes Museum in Tuncurry has been telling the story of the district since 1976. Deep-sea fishing charters and dolphin-watching cruises run out of Forster year-round for those wanting to get further offshore.
Activities
Food & Drink
Wharf Street is the place to start, with waterfront restaurants looking straight out over Wallis Lake and its oyster leases. Try Sydney rock oysters served every way imaginable, or head to Wharf St. Distillery for a gin tasting paddle flavoured with local botanicals. For something more casual, Forster’s cafe scene runs strong along the beachfront and side streets, with fresh seafood, all-day breakfasts and good coffee never far away.
Food & Drink