Twin Towns of Forster and Tuncurry are located 300 km from Sydney. The region gets its reputation for offering 25 km waterways rich with oysters, fish and offering great opportunity for watersports.
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A bit of history
Forster was oringially named "Minimbah" (home of teacher) and was renamed in 1870 after William Forster. Northern part of Forster was named Tunccury (meaning plenty of fish in Aboriginal Language)
Both towns have survived as logging towns and some landmarks of earlier days can be found on the riverfront where weekend markets are held. A bridge was made to connect the two towns which in early days were connected by punts.
Driving from Sydney to Forster
You can take two alternaive routes to Forster if you are driving from Sydney. The first route takes you straight down the Pacific Coast Highway an you will exit for Forster and Tuncurry past the town of Nabiac. This is the quickest way to reach Forster. With normal traffic the driving time will be under three hours.
Alternatively, you can take exit near Boolambayte and drive along the lakes way . This scenic route takes you along the lakes and ocean front. Stopover at Blueys Beach and Boomerang Beach.
01: Things to do
Enjoy amazing seafood
Forster is famous for oysters and local varieties of fish including bream, bonito, black drummer, black kingfish and many other fresh water varieties. The local cafes including Riv Cafe and Hamilton Oysters are popular spots to sample local variety of seafood round the year. Other popular spots are Graham Barclays Oysters & Lobbys Seafood.
02: Tours
Dolphin Watching Tours
This part of coastal NSW lies on the route of seasonal migration of whales and dolphins. Local operators organize scenic tours to explore the waterways around Forster and Tuncurry and share wealth of local knowledge with the visitors. Take a 2.5 hour lunch with Free Spirit Cruises.
03: Great Lakes Waterways & Pools
Enjoy lakes and pools
Wallis Lake is a excellent sport for swimming and watersports. Similarly Myall Lake covers an area of 10000 ha and are popular for houseboats, fishing and water sports. The Myall lake comprises Bombah Broadwater, Two Mile Lake, Bollambayte Lake and Myall Lake. Tuncurry Rockpool is another great spot for swimming. Other pools include Forster Ocean Pool and Black Head Ocean Pool.
04: Day Trips Manning Valley
Manning Valley
Lush hinterland with estuaries, waterways and waterfalls, makes Manning Valley a must visit location for a day trip around Forster Region. Wingham Brush Nature Reserve offers a boardwalk through the rainforests. Enjoy Ellenborough Waterfall at the Bulga Plateau. This is the second largest waterfall in Southern Hemisphere.
Shopping
Shop are Forster Wharf street for uniqe fashion outlets, cafes, restaurants, fresh food, gift shops and ice-cream parlours.
A perfect place for a holiday
The waterways around Forster are home to wide range of flora and fauna, that makes it a great place for fishing and bird watching. The shallow water inlets are ideal for kayaking, swimming and paddling.
Where to stay in Forster NSW
Discovery Park Forster is a great place to stay with family. The park offers 2-3 bedroom self-contained units
Forster attracts large crowds in summer over the weekends and public holidays. The bridge area connecting the two towns is a great location for watersports, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boats and swimming.
Beaches around Forster and Tuncurry NSW
You can explore re 20 beaches along the waterway stretching from Halliday Point to Treachery Bay. Popular beaches includes BlackHead Beach offering ocean pool and quite BBQ areas. Nine Mile Beach and Pebbly beaches are popular beaches for surfers. Walk along Seven Mile Beach will takes you to some secluded spots ideal for surfing and fishing. Don't forget to visit the Sugar Loaf Point Lighthouse and Seals Rocks a small hamlet undisturbed by concrete expansion in the region.
