This not-so-hidden gem just 3 hours North of Sydney is well and truly known as a weekend getaway destination. But, don’t let that stop you from exploring the beautiful Forster region and all it has to offer. Here’s a list of unforgettable things to do in Forster!
From amazing beaches to world-class fishing and camping under the stars, Forster truly does have it all.
So dive into this post that’s all about helping you make the most of your trip to Forster, with a few slight detours on the way!
Table of Contents
Surfing
1. Cellitos Beach / Sandbar
Preceded by a long dirt road into a rainforest boardwalk, Cellitos is one of a kind.
This beach is known to many as the “stop-over” beach. The only place worthy of a break from driving during your 3-hour journey.
A 30-minute drive south from the heart of Forster is where you’ll find this beautifully preserved natural paradise. With great waves, crystal clear water, white sand, and a spectacular headland, it’s hard not to have a perfect day here.
Surf conditions:
- Best for intermediate riders
- Works on an ESE swell with winds from the West
Learn everything you need to know about this paradise here.
2. Boomerang & Blueys Beach
Known as the surfer’s dream in this section of the NSW east coast, both Boomerang and Blueys are the place to go for consistently good waves.
Separated by a headland, both beaches boast a similar wave that is both powerful and fun on the right swell.
You’d be super unlucky to not spot a dolphin or two on any day of the year. In fact, the first time I surfed Blueys I had a pod of dolphins surfing the wave with me!
Surf conditions:
- Best for intermediate to advanced surfers
- Works on an East swell with westerly winds
- The southern corner of Boomerang is also protected from a southerly wind
Fishing
3. Off the Pier
Look, I’m no fishing expert. I mean, I’ve caught fish, but I couldn’t tell you the difference between each bait and what fish it should catch.
So, if I’m catching flathead after flathead from a damn pier, there must be something special about the spot, not the fisherman!
The main pier in Forster is the perfect spot to throw in a line, eat some food, and play some music. With an amazing view of the sunset, or sunrise (whichever you fancy), it’s hard not to fall in love with this spot.
Take some bevvies, bring some mates and post up for a few hours of fishing off the pier. Maybe even take a dip in the lake while you’re at it… all you need to do is drop the rod and jump in!
Things to remember:
- The rocks under the pier are a great place to snag your line so stay awake and alert
- There are a few big stingrays around the area so if you see something under you when you’re swimming, don’t damn touch it
- Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, you’re almost guaranteed to see one
4. Off the Boat
If you don’t fancy getting snagged on the rocks, you can simply hire a boat for the day. Or, if you’re lucky enough to have your own boat, even better!
Forster is an amazing area for boat fishing. Post up next to an Oyster farm and sit tight for those huge flatty’s. Or, get the wetty on and jump in with a spear gun!
What to bring:
- Don’t forget snacks and bevvies
- Make sure you bring some sunscreen and a hat
- Remember the fishing essentials (bucket, knife, tackle, rods, etc)
Where can I hire a boat?
- The Forster Marina has the best options for a group with their BBQ size pontoon boats.
Bonus: Prawning
If you’re lucky enough to have your own boat, consider taking it out on a full moon to try your luck with prawning. The prawns in Forster are a great size for eating, and they come in the thousands when it’s on. Don’t miss out if you’re there on a full moon!
Camping
5. In Town
By far the most surreal camping experience you can have in Forster is a site right on the tip of the break wall.
The Reflections Holiday Park on Forster beach is located on the edge of Forster’s mainland before the river mouth. It boasts an idyllic view of both the lake and the beach, with easy walking access to everything Forster has to offer.
Price:
- A standard site averages around $44 per night (but allows up to 6 people)
- The more people you take, the cheaper it’ll work out per person
What to remember:
- Try to avoid peak times (school holidays, weekends in summer, etc) so you don’t have to mess with a crowd
- It’s smart to try for a site close to the edge of the campground but not *on* the edge of the campground so you’re slightly protected from an ugly wind
- Be sure to bring the camping essentials, but don’t stress about food (you’re close to the shops located in town)
Bonus tip: Make sure you spend a few hours on the yellow trampolines just next to the bridge! It’s super fun and you also have the option to play putt-putt if that’s what you fancy.
6. Out of town
If you’re not one for crowds or want something a bit cheaper, consider staying somewhere like Bull’s Paddock.
Known as the Ruins Campground, this spot is both beautiful and out-of-the-way.
Located just 20 minutes south from Forster, the campground is situated right on Bull’s Paddock beach. It has plenty to offer from green areas to BBQ spaces, to great waves, to amazing headland bushwalking!
Price:
- Off-peak = $24 per night / 2 people = $12 each
- On-peak = $34 per night / 2 people = $17 each
What to remember:
- This one is a little further from the shops so remember to bring food with you
- The Ruins is located in National Park so don’t leave any rubbish behind and respect the rules
- You’ll have to book early and avoid peak times if you want any chance of serenity
A Day on the Lake
7. Paddle Boarding / Kayaking
Forster’s open lake is perfect for SUPs and Kayaks! Hire them out for the day and paddle around the numerous islands or post up at the sand bar for a day of fun in the sun.
The best place to hire these from is the Waterline Boatshed just near the pier.
What to remember:
- Bring heaps of sunscreen, the UV is always pretty damn high
- Bring some snacks or stop off in town for lunch
- Take a paddle under the Forster-Tuncurry bridge, but don’t go too far into the river mouth or you’ll get stuck in the current and be swept out to sea
Technically, it’s illegal to jump off Forster bridge, so I’m explicitly telling you not to do it.
8. Boating
Like hiring a fishing boat for the day, Forster Marina has some great options for party boat hire!
Be sure to get in early and book one of the party pontoons for a day of cruising around the lake.
My tops tips:
- Bring some snacks and snags (for the BBQ pontoons)
- Post up on the sandbar and grab some flicks
- Bring a ball and a bat or something similar to enjoy your island stops
- Don’t forget the rods to test your luck at fishing
If you’ve got your own boat, the lake is also perfect for tubing or waterskiing!
Exploring
9. Pebbly Beach
A hidden gem among the reasonably built-up Forster area is Pebbly beach. After walking the short, but steep bush track to get there, this breathtaking beach is usually quiet and perfect for a swim or sometimes even a surf on bigger swells.
You’ll want to park at the top of MacIntosh Street and walk down to the beach from there.
If you fancy a nice walk along the coast, be sure to bring the sneakers and head east along the Bicentennial walk from Pebbly beach. The walk is flat and pretty damn stunning!
What to remember:
- Don’t forget the beach essentials like a towel, sunscreen, hat, and beach chair
- Bring some shoes, the walk down to the beach isn’t the nicest
- The beach is nicest on a day with no wind, or wind coming from the south
10. One Mile Beach Sand Dunes
By far the most fun you can have in Forster is at the One Mile Beach Dunes with mates.
Located at the northern tip of one Mile Beach is one extremely large sand dune with the perfect slope for sandboarding or just a bit of fun running up and down.
If you start to sweat, run down and jump straight into the crystal clear water or go for a little adventure around the rock pools.
If you’re game, try to reach the water from the dunes (on a bodyboard, obviously) and see how far in you can get.
The dunes are heaps of fun but can be a nightmare on a super hot or windy day, so, before you go be sure to check the weather. You’re looking for a nice temp and either no wind or a slight breeze from the North.
Final Word
You’re now set for an unforgettable Forster experience! Be sure to book everything early and plan your days according to the weather forecast!
If all else fails, drive over to the old Tuncurry cinema for a nice movie, or spend the day driving the Lakes Way for a bit of rain-sheltered sightseeing.
Don’t forget the camera!
Until next week,
Uncle N.