Looking for the best things to do in Forster NSW? This is the only guide you’ll need to plan the perfect getaway!
Forster New South Wales is a stunning coastal town that is home to some of the emptiest and most beautiful beaches in Australia!
Apart from the beautiful beaches, there are many fun things to do in Forster such as taking a stroll along the scenic coastal walk, seeing the view from the breathtaking lookouts, and sandboarding down the massive sand dune on One Mile Beach.
Read on to discover the 10 best things to do in Forster New South Wales, Australia!
QUICK ANSWERS: THINGS TO DO IN FORSTER NSW
Let’s start this guide with the essentials you should know before visiting, such as Forster’s location, how to get there, and more.
WHERE IS FORSTER NSW?
Forster is approximately an 8-hour drive south of the Gold Coast and around 3 hours drive north of Sydney.
Click here to see the exact location on Google Maps.
HOW TO GET TO FORSTER?
It’s best to have your own vehicle to visit Forster as public transportation options are few and far between.
Plus, renting a car will give you a lot more freedom and independence.
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WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT FORSTER NSW?
Forster sees glorious sunshine almost all year round, and I recommend spending anywhere between 2 days and 1 week exploring all of the sights.
If you want the best of the best conditions weatherwise, I recommend visiting between May and October (Autumn, Winter, and Spring), which is ideal for beach bumming, nature walks, and water sports.
Summer in Forster is between December and February, with hot temperatures and rainfall.
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN FORSTER NSW
Now that you have a better idea of what Forster has to offer, let’s discuss the things to do in town, from beach hopping to the Cape Hawk Lookout and more!
1. FORSTER BEACH
First up on this list of best things to do in Forster is Forster Beach, the most northern beach and the perfect place to start your adventures!
Located near the town center, Forster Main Beach features a large sandy shoreline with azure waters. You’ll also find an oceanside swimming pool, a beach-side café, and bathroom amenities.
At the northern end of Forster Beach, you can find a path to a little hill lookout behind the popular café.
This lookout is a great spot to take some photos and enjoy the views of the Coolongolook River to the north and the beautiful Forster Beach to the south.
The south end of Forster Main Beach, right by the pool, is where you’ll find the trailhead for the Forster beaches coastal walkway.
The coastal walkway is called the Bicentennial Walk. From this point, you can explore all of the other beaches in Forster from north to south with the journey time taking around 2 hours return.
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2. PEBBLY BEACH FORSTER NSW
Next up on this list of things to do in Forster is Pebbly Beach, which can be found right around the headland to the south of Forster Beach.
On the way, be sure to stop at the lookout for an awesome view of Pebbly Beach Forster before continuing along the coastal walkway to reach the sandy shoreline.
Pebbly Beach is a common spot for beachgoers who come here to avoid crowds on the more popular Forster Main Beach.
3. THE TANKS
The Tanks is another awesome spot worth adding to your list of things to do in Forster NSW.
Heading along the coastal walkway, The Tanks is the next beach from Pebbly Beach, featuring some natural rock pools where kids usually like to plunge.
There is a staircase that leads directly down into the rock pools, which makes it easily accessible for anyone wishing to go for a dip in the ocean.
4. GO GOLFING AT FORSTER TUNCURRY GOLF CLUB
For golf enthusiasts, a visit to Forster Tuncurry Golf Club is a must-do in Forster, NSW.
With two beautiful and massive 18-hole courses, the club offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience for all skill levels.
Surrounded by natural bushland and lake views, it’s not just about the game, but also the overall environment, and I’m sure you’ll love the experience.
There’s more – The Golf Club hosts events every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday!
5. BENNETTS HEAD LOOKOUT
Bennetts Head Lookout is one of the most popular lookouts in Forster and for a good reason!
It boasts incredible views overlooking azure blue waters and rocky inlets.
If you’re lucky enough, you might even be able to spot some whales from Bennetts Head Lookout. Be sure to pack a pair of binoculars to better your chances!
Bennetts Head Lookout boasts panoramic views of The Tanks to the north and One Mile Beach to the south.
6. TASTE A BEER AT THE COASTAL BREWING COMPANY
Next on this list of best things to do in Forster NSW is a stop at The Coastal Brewing Company. This locally owned brewery offers an array of handcrafted beers, perfect for a tasting session.
Located in Forster’s industrial area, the brewery provides a relaxed atmosphere where you can savor their unique brews.
All in all, they produce over 60 brews that they rotate, so you always get different beers when visiting.
They’re open daily from 11 am to 6 pm (they close at 4 pm on Sundays), making it a great place to relax when wondering what to do in Forster when it rains.
The BEST Hotel in Forster, NSW
Need a place to stay? The Dorsal Boutique Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Forster.
Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, The Dorsal Boutique Hotel offers the best of both worlds.
7. ONE MILE BEACH
One Mile Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Forster, featuring a 500-meter-long stretch of white sand, a massive sand dune, azure blue waters, and rideable waves.
You could easily spend an entire day down on One Mile Beach Forster with plenty of things to do such as sunbaking along the shoreline, swimming in the electric blue waters, learning to surf, exploring the lookout, and sliding down the massive sand dune on a sandboard or piece of cardboard.
There is a parking lot located in the middle of One Mile Beach down on the beachfront making it easy to access and it’s suitable for people of all ages to come and enjoy the spectacular One Mile Beach.
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8. BURGESS BEACH
Next up on this list of things to do in Forster NSW is Burgess Beach which is ideally located just a stone’s throw from One Mile Beach.
The most unique feature of Burgess Beach is the rock formations right down by the beach that stick out from the ocean.
Burgess Beach is an iconic landmark that makes for an epic photo so be sure to have your camera ready. You can also walk to the viewpoint on the hillside which overlooks Burgess Beach.
Burgess Beach is also dog-friendly making it a perfect spot to take a stroll with your dog along this short stretch of sandy shoreline.
9. CAPE HAWKE LOOKOUT
Wondering what to do in Forster? The Cape Hawke Lookout, which is a short 10-minute drive south of Burgess Beach, is definitely one of the best things to do around Forster.
Cape Hawk Lookout is surrounded by lush forest and boasts a 360-degree view of the Great Lakes and the Tasman Sea.
There’s a parking lot located at the trailhead to Cape Hawke Lookout and from here it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to reach the viewpoint.
Cape Hawk Lookout is a three-story viewing platform. Take the stairs to the top and enjoy panoramic views overlooking Forster, the great lakes, and stunning beaches.
This is a beautiful spot for sunrise or sunset so be sure to time your visit around this time.
10. CHECK OUT FORSTER TOWN PARK MARKET
For a true-blue Australian coastal experience, check out the Forster Town Park Market.
Held on the second Sunday of every month, this small yet original market is filled with stalls selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and homegrown produce.
It’s an excellent opportunity to find unique, pre-loved items and support local artisans.
Located in the heart of the town near Forster Beach, the park also features a children’s playground, making it an ideal family outing.
WHERE TO STAY IN FORSTER NSW
There are countless accommodation options to choose from in Forster so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See below for a list of accommodations that I personally recommend after exploring all the best things to do Forster.
LUXURY: THE DORSAL BOUTIQUE HOTEL
MID-RANGE: HOTEL FORSTER
BUDGET: GOLDEN SANDS MOTOR INN
For More Options, Search On Booking.com
CAMPING IN FORSTER
If you’re looking for alternative options other than hotels in Forster, there are a number of caravan parks in Forster offering affordable accommodations for all sorts of travelers.
I personally stayed at Discovery Parks Forster which is a short 10-minute drive from the center of town and lies alongside the peaceful Wallamba River.
The great part about it is that you’ll get to explore other things to do near Forster, other than the main attractions and beaches in town.
Whether you’re traveling in a campervan, pitching a tent, or looking for a cabin to stay in for a night or two, Discovery Parks has got you covered.
The park features a swimming pool, activity room, cafe, boat ramp, laundry amenities, hot showers and toilets, camp kitchen and BBQs, jumping pillow, free WiFi, and more!
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FINAL THOUGHTS – WHAT TO DO IN FOSTER AUSTRALIA
I hope you enjoyed reading this article about the Forster things to do and if you have any questions about what to do in Forster NSW, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or share hidden gems in Forster with our awesome community.
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THANKS FOR READING
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