Understand
[edit]Forster is pronounced Foster (not Fore-sta), and is a popular seaside destination for family summer holidays. There is a large selection of accommodation, and many interesting places for safe swimming, as well as paddle boats and the like. It has all the essentials of a decent-sized country town combined with the tourism-oriented facilities of a popular summer getaway.
It is a place of summer pilgrimage for generations of holidaying families from Sydney.
It has a twin town of Tuncurry on the northern side of the inlet, connected by a long, scenic causeway.
Get in
[edit]Forster is on the coastal diversion that leaves the Pacific Highway between Buledelah and Taree. The diversion via Forster will add 30-45 minutes to the trip and hence it's 2.5 hours from Sydney, and one hour from Newcastle.
Get around
[edit]See
[edit]- Whale watching. In season during May to November.
- 1 Cape Hawke lookout, Cape Hawke Dr (in Booti Booti National Park). Has some ocean views.
- 2 Bennetts Head Lookout, Marine Drive.
Do
[edit]Swim
[edit]There are multiple beaches to swim at in the Forster area.
If you head south from Forster you will pass by the 4 most popular beaches in the area, Elizabeth Beach, Shelly Beach, Boomerang Beach and Blueys Beach.
- Elizabeth Beach is a good family beach, fairly shallow all the way out
- Shelly Beach is a bit of a hike and is also a Clothing Optional beach so not suitable for children
- Boomerang Beach is the best of the beaches for Surfing
- Blueys Beach is a lovely, long beach, fairly shallow and good for families
- Diamond beach is a lovely long quiet beach with good surfing
- Paddle Boats
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- 1 Club Forster, 19 Strand St, ☏ +61 2 6591 6591. 10AM–10PM.
- 2 Cafe Brassbell, Shop 5, Forster Arcade, 41/43 Wharf St, ☏ +61 2 5543 7862. M-F 7AM–2PM, Sa Su 7AM-1PM.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hotel Forster, 26 The Lakes Way (Tourist Drive 6), ☏ +61 2 6554 8100. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM.
Connect
[edit]Go next
[edit]- Head down south to Booti Booti National Park or Myall Lakes National Park.