The east coast of Australia is home to many seaside towns that create a pleasant balance between the capital cities that line this stretch of coast. One such town is Forster, a small community located just over 300 kilometres north of Sydney, making car & campervan hire from Sydney a popular option. It is one of the most visited holiday locations in New South Wales, and boasts an ideal setting at the entrance of Wallis Lake. It is the perfect destination for families, couples and well, holiday makers of any sort. Combining sun, surf and fun with a trendy township of cute cafes, restaurnts and shops, Forster is a great place to visit any time of the year!
Forster’s location means that watersport related activity is a way of life here. Fishing the the waterwats, trekking along rainforest tracks in the hinterland and shopping in the exciting array of shops in the main street, are other popular ways to pass the time here. Essentially, this is a tourist town so be prepared to face a few crowds. However, these crowds are nothing on the hustle and bustle of the city, so visiting here will be a welcome relief.
The crowds have yet to uncover all of Forster’s little secrets, so if you look hard enough you should still be able to find a few still secluded beaches, mostly a little out of town. Pack a picnic lunch and spend a day exploring the outskirts of the township, inluding Nine Mile Beach at Tuncurry, and the pretty rock pools that are a little further up the road.
If you have in fact planned a lengthy holiday here, you should make yourself aware beforehand on where you are going to stay. There are a number of great holiday parks to choose from, with the Great Lakes Caravan Park coming highly recommended. This park rests on the shores of the Wallis Lake, and enjoys miles of calm and serene waters. The playground here will keep the kids entertained for hours and while you start planning where you want to explore next. There seems to be a neverending list of things to do in both Forster and Tuncurry and all of them involve fun, excitement and absorbing your stunning surrounds. While some may prefer to grab a deck chair and a drink, find a peaceful spot under some shade and read a good book, others may be searching for something more fast paced. Adventure seekers will love activities such as spear fishing, diving with sharks, sailing and 4WD tours.
Tuncurry is affectionately known as the “twin” town to Forster, also sharing a location on the banks of Wallis Lake. In fact, these two towns are so alike that tourists often confuse them as separate, by combining them as one destination. Both locations are popular with fishermen from all over the country as the waterways are brimming with all species and sizes of fish, as well as the succulent oysters which have also made the towns famous. Tuncurry was originally discovered by the Aboriginals and their traditional name for the land aptly translates into “plenty of fish”. Spear fishermen also head to this region for its well known supply of giant fish not far from the coastland. This town is a true water paradise, and definitely ranks up there with Forster in the popularity stakes.
Once you have spent a desirable amount of time out in the sun by the water, head inland amd begin to explore the solitude of the national parks. The Wallace River and its ecosystem are perfect examples of Mother Nature at work and are overflowing with natural beauty. Take a river or rainforest tour, or head up to the Booti Booti National Park, a scenic fifteen minute drive through the Wallingat State Forest. Make several stops along the way and explore the things that capture your eye’s attention. This is an ideal way to spend a relaxing afternoon with the family.
Continue south from Forster and you will eventually come across Seal Rocks, a small village that will enchant and intrigue you. Although difficult to access with its unsealed road, the untouched paradise you will discover at the end will make it all worthwhile. Being in this area gives you a plesant feeling of isolation that once you leave, you will yearn for once again. Fur seals frequent these rocks and can be seen just lazing around and relaxing. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is another of the focal points in the area iand is a great spot to get the camera out and take a leisurely stroll along the headland.
The Myall Lakes National Park is another must-see while in the area, as it is just as secluded and unspoilt as the places that you have already visited. This is one of those rare places that not many tourists have discovered yet, so you should definitely pay a visit before it becomes too commercialised. Seal Beach is known not only for its unique dives with the grey nurse sharks, but also for its unique beauty and abundance of marine life. This is an experience the faint-hearted may not deal too well with, but once you have done it, it will be something you can talk about for the rest of your life.
Forster is one of those unique holiday destinations that invite you to do things you have never before even considered. It is home to bucket loads of hidden treasures, which can be found around every corner of this majestic destination. So start planning your trip here, today, because once you visit you may never want to leave.
