Suburb Profiles
Overview
Lifestyle Guide
LOCATION & GEOGRAPHY
Forster is a coastal town in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, situated on the country of the Worimi People. It is located within the Mid-Coast Council local government area, approximately 308 km (191 mi) north-north-east of Sydney. The town is positioned on Cape Hawke, south of the entrance to Wallis Lake, a 30-square-mile (80-square-km) coastal lagoon.
Forster is immediately adjacent to its twin town, Tuncurry, which is the smaller of the two towns. The two are connected by a bridge over the Coolongolook River that was built in 1959, replacing a punt service that had operated since 1890. Together, they form a significant urban center known as Forster-Tuncurry.
The town is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the calm waters of Wallis Lake on the other, creating a unique geographical setting that contributes to its appeal as a coastal destination. The highest point in Forster is Cape Hawke Lookout, which offers 360-degree views of the ocean, surrounding national parks, and the lake system.
LAKES & WATERWAYS
Wallis Lake: A significant coastal lagoon covering approximately 30 square miles (80 square km), known for its clear blue waters and abundant marine life. The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and water sports
Coolongolook River: Marks the entrance to Wallis Lake and separates Forster from Tuncurry.
Great Lakes System: Forster is part of the Great Lakes, which is the state’s largest coastal lake system, incorporating the 47,493-hectare Myall Lakes National Park.
BEACHES & COASTAL FEATURES
Forster Main Beach: A popular swimming beach with lifeguard patrols during peak seasons.
One Mile Beach: A wide, sandy surf beach popular with surfers and swimmers.
Nine Mile Beach: An extensive stretch of coastline offering more secluded beach experiences.
NATIONAL PARKS & NATURE RESERVE
Booti Booti National Park: Where ancient rainforest meets the sea, featuring the Bicentennial Walk and The Ruins campground.
Myall Lakes National Park: Known for breathtaking surf beaches and coastal lakes.
Wallingat National Park: Features the Cabbage Palm Loop Walking Track, passing through some of the region’s tallest native palms.
Coorabakh National Park: Home to ancient peaks, spectacular waterfalls, and rich birdlife.
Crowdy Bay National Park: Offers impressive ocean and mountain views, including the beachside Diamond Head campground.
Tapin Tops National Park: Features incredible views from Rowley’s Rock Lookout and is home to Potoroo Falls.
NOTABLE ATTRACTIONS
The Grandis: The tallest known tree in NSW, a 76m flooded gum located in the coastal forests on the western edge of Myall Lakes National Park
Ellenborough Falls: The tallest single-drop waterfall in NSW and one of the highest in the Southern Hemisphere, with a 200m drop.
Cape Hawke Lookout: The highest vista in Forster, offering 360-degree views of the ocean, Booti Booti National Park, and surrounding areas.
Seal Rocks: A coastal area featuring the heritage-listed Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.
CLIMATE
Forster experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa) with warm summers and mild winters. The area receives a moderately high precipitation amount of 1,176.4 millimeters (47.99 in) annually.
The highest temperature recorded at Forster was 43.0 °C (109.4 °F) on December 1, 2004, while the lowest recorded was 1.0 °C (33.8 °F) on May 29, 2019. On average, the area enjoys 124.5 clear days annually.
The climate data shows that Forster has:
– Hot summers (Dec-Feb) with average maximum temperatures around 25-26°C (77-79°F)
– Mild winters (Jun-Aug) with average maximum temperatures around 18-19°C (64-66°F)
– Rainfall distributed throughout the year, with higher precipitation in late summer and autumn.
This pleasant climate contributes to Forster’s popularity as a year-round destination, though the population increases considerably during the summer months and school holidays.
TOURISM & ECONOMY
Because of its close proximity to Sydney, just under 4 hours drive, Forster-Tuncurry has established itself as a popular summer holiday destination. In the hotter months, the population increases considerably. Due to this seasonal influx, many of the town’s shops and restaurants operate on seasonal income, with some opening exclusively during the summer months.
The school holidays in the colder months also bring a considerable number of holidaymakers. Forster-Tuncurry is predominantly a family holiday location with large lakes and white sandy beaches. Notable nearby attractions include the Bicentennial Trail, Cape Hawke, and Booti Booti National Park.
The economy of Forster is heavily reliant on tourism, with fishing, prawning, and oyster cultivation also being significant industries. The waters of Wallis Lake yield fish, prawns, and oysters for Sydney markets (140 miles [225 km] southwest) as well as game fish for tourists.
CAFES & RESTURANTS
Anatolia Turkish Cuisine
Shop 1, Reef Apartments, 2-6 Wharf Street, Forster NSW 2428
Sample authentic Turkish dishes like adana, köfte, and shish at Anatolia Turkish Cuisine. Along with pides, Turkish bread, and falafel, you’ll find delicious pistachio ice cream and homemade baklava on the menu. The Forster restaurant is just a few steps from the Coolongalook River and offers takeaway as well as in-house dining.
Beach Bums Cafe
Beach St & North St, Forster NSW 2428
Located on Forster Main Beach, Beach Bums Cafe offers a unique coastal dining experience just five steps from the sand. All day all good. The seasonal menu features breakfast dishes, gourmet toasted sandwiches, salads, and burgers. Open every day from 5:45am year-round.
Pezzella’s
Shop 4, Reef Apartments, 2-6 Wharf Street, Forster NSW 24/30 Memorial Drive, Forster
Showcasing some of the region’s best produce while using traditional Italian methods and recipes, Pezzella’s brings the best of Italy and Australia together in the form of pizza. After spending a year traveling Italy and learning about different food and dishes from different regions, the Aussie owners returned to NSW, where they started selling woodfired pizza at local markets before establishing a permanent home in Forster.
Si Señorita
Shop 1, Reef Apartments, 2-6 Wharf Street, Forster NSW 2428
This Forster restaurant celebrates Mexican food and culture, with a gorgeous setting overlooking Wallis Lake. The menu features both traditional and modern dishes, including tacos, quesadillas, and margarita cocktails, made with local produce and authentic ingredients. You’ll also find some dishes from further afield, like Peruvian ceviche, Cuban chicken, and patatas bravas.
Spice Monkey
Shop 4, Reef Apartments, 2-6 Wharf Street, Forster NSW 2428
With an idyllic spot overlooking Wallis Lake, Spice Monkey serves Asian cuisine with a strong Japanese influence. The menu features delicious share plates, dumplings, noodles, sushi, and sashimi. They even serve their own beer – Monkey Magic.
Tartt Cafe
12 Wharf Street, Forster NSW 2428
Located on Forster’s Main street, Tartt Café is one of Forster’s best coffee offerings with a fresh supply of locally roasted coffee beans available 7 days a week. Known for its quality coffee and delicious food options.
Thirty Three Degrees
1 Palm Street, Tuncurry NSW 2428
Part of the East 33 group, Australia’s largest producer of Sydney rock oysters, this lakeside restaurant showcases delicious oysters in a variety of ways. Enjoy them ‘natural’ or Kilpatrick, or try more unusual selections with watermelon and mint or tempura style. From the deck, you can see the leases where the oysters are cultivated, and a courtesy bus services the Forster-Tuncurry region.
Wallis Lake Fishermen’s
Co-operative
5 Ray Street, Tuncurry NSW 2428
It doesn’t get much fresher than the fish from the Wallis Lake Fish Co-op. As well as supplying local restaurants, markets, and sending seafood to Sydney, their catch is available from the Wallis Lake Fisherman’s Co-op shop in Tuncurry. Open seven days a week, here you can find fresh fish, prawns, crabs, lobsters, cockles, and oysters.
The Coastal Brewing Company
3 Dalman Street, Forster NSW 2428
Beer enthusiasts can sample ale, lager, stout, and more from a regularly rotating selection at The Coastal Brewing Company taproom. The beers are made using all-natural ingredients with names inspired by the beauty of the Barrington Coast, such as Sugarloaf Lemon Sour, Diamond Beach Pilsner, and Very Crowdy NEIPA. The dog- and child-friendly microbrewery offers tasting paddles, as well as cider and soft drinks for non-beer drinkers. You can even buy kegs and cans of beer to take home with you from the bar.
Property Sales January-March 2025
Recent Property Sales in FORSTER TUNCURRY
| PROPERTY | SALE DATE | SALE PRICE | PROPERTY | BEDROOMS | BATHROOMS | CAR SPACE | LAND SIZE | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 Hesper Drive, Forster NSW 2428 | 31 Mar 2025 | $762,500 | Villa | 3 | 2 | 2 | – | Modern villa |
| 2/95 Goldens Road, Forster NSW 2428 | 31 Mar 2025 | $575,000 | Villa | 2 | 1 | 2 | – | Well-maintained villa |
| 33 Belton Way, Forster NSW 2428 | 25 Mar 2025 | Unknown | House | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | 679m² | Family home |
| 4 Capri Avenue, Forster NSW 2428 | 01 Apr 2025 | $745,000 | House | 3 | 2 | 2 | 556m² | Single-level home |
| 1/59 Hind Avenue, Forster NSW 2428 | 02 Apr 2025 | $749,000 | Villa | 3 | 2 | 2 | – | Villa in prime location |
| 4/77-79 Hind Avenue, Forster NSW 2428 | 04 Apr 2025 | $655,000 | Villa | 3 | 2 | 1 | – | Well-presented villa |
| 44 Pipers Bay Drive, Forster NSW 2428 | Unknown | $935,000 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | – | Waterfront location |
