Forster, North Coast — New South Wales

Forster is a fairly large town in the North Coast region of New South Wales, situated on the southern part of the Wallis Lake entrance. The town was named in honor of William Forster, the secretary of lands during the late 19th century.

The town is a popular holiday destination for Sydney dwellers who wants to take advantage of Forster’s beautiful natural surroundings. Most of them head out to the Forster Beach, access through Beach Street, where swimming and surfing are the main activities. There’s also the Pebbly Beach, located east. Another interesting natural structure is The Tanks, rock formations along the beach that surround a protected swimming area, where incoming waves spray water into. Another headland, named Bennetts Head, is located further east and features a lookout that affords spectacular views of the coast, especially the nearby One Mile Beach. Most of the beaches located in and around the area have facilities for picnics and barbecues, making it ideal spots for family get-togethers.

Another worthwhile activity available to both locals and visitors is to take the Pebbly Beach Bicentennial Walk, starting off North Street and ends further south to Burgess Beach.

Breathtaking views can also be had when one ascends the hill on Cape Hawk, accessed via the Cape Hawk Drive. A lookout point at the summit affords contrasting views of the coast and the surrounding lake and Booti Booti National Park.

Further south, and within the national park, is The Ruins campsite, where visitors can stay overnight to commune with Mother Nature.

Around Wallis Lake are several beautiful picnic sites that are open to the public. These sites are also excellent vantage points for bird watching and animal viewing.

Within the town are several interesting, even unusual attractions. In Angel Close is the Curtis Collection which showcases vintage automobiles, instruments, and other collectibles, including World War II items.

Another notable destination is the Tobwabba Art, which displays artworks made by local artists. The gallery is located on Breckenridge Streeet.

The Forster Arts And Crafts Centre also showcases similar items, with the addition of leatherwork, embroidery, and other hand crafted items. Located on Breese Parade, it is worth a visit by anyone wishing to purchase a souvenir or two.

Visitors shouldn’t leave Forster without visiting the toilet facility near Caravan Park. It is housed in an elaborate structure constructed more like a church than a restroom, complete with a weathercock spinning on the roof.

A visit to the Great Lakes Visitors’ Centre will yield information on hiring boats to see dolphins and whales passing through the area. Also available is the schedule of ferry trips to the islands within the Wallis Lake, located south of the town.

Every morning of the third Saturday of the month, visitors and locals converge for the Great Lakes Great Produce Farmers Market. Held at the School of Arts Building on Little Street, the market trades some of the best and freshest produce in the area. Cooking lessons and wine tasting are also available, especially for first time visitors who are unfamiliar with what Forster and the surrounding areas have to offer.