Camping near Forster
Explore pristine lakes, rivers, and beaches on the NSW mid-north coast.
98% (4233 reviews)
- Forster
98% (4233 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Forster
Star Hosts in Forster
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12 top campgrounds near Forster
99%
(250)
The Riverside Farm Escape Minimbah
26 sites · RVs, Tents103 acres · Minimbah, NSW
The Riverside Farm Escape is a family owned cattle farm situated on the Wang Wauk River in Minimbah on the Mid North Coast of NSW.
Our property has very well maintained, grassy camping ground and RV stop that overlooks the picturesque Wang Wauk River that feeds the magnificent Wallis Lakes.
The Riverside property is 103 acres of rich farmland and has over 500 meters of river frontage, ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing, with water access to Forster / Tuncurry.
The property also boasts a beautiful dam, full of flowering lillies, great for the kids to kayak and swim in. We have lots of natural bush and wildlife including wallabies, kangaroos, lizards and native birds.
Camp grounds are accessible via 2wd/4wd (Non-powered and powered sites)
Family friendly
Pets welcome (on leash)
Fire Pits provided for all sites
Firewood available for purchase from host
Local Attractions:
NABIAC VILLAGE (7MINS AWAY) - Supermarket, cafes, chemist, Hotel/pub, Post office, Dump point, potable water, Artisan Farmer - paddock to plate.
Tuncurry/Forster (25 MINS AWAY) - Beaches, restaurants, entertainment, shopping
Barrington Tops (25 Mins)
Blueys Beach (50 mins)
Port Macquarie (60mins)
Pets
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from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(311)
Fame Mountain Camp - pets welcome
7 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Pindimar, NSW
We are a "farm stay" style camp in an actively managed pine forest located in the middle of the north shore of Port Stephens. There is lots of space for campers so you will have privacy whilst you enjoy your camping adventure.Our property is conveniently located just 5 mins off the Pacific Highway but a world away. You'll be 2 mins away from Pindimar Beach and 11 mins from Bennetts beach and Jimmy's beach. Good fishing pretty much everywhere you can wet a line.
We have clean flush toilets and showers facilities.
The campsite has good Mobile Phone Signal.
Free firewood. Each campsite has its own fire pit.
Pets are welcome, but please pick up after them.
If your dog is on the government list of restricted breeds or on the dangerous dog list please leave at home
We have a gentle and well trained German Shepherd who adores kids but she likes to stay inside the house and doesn't wander around the campsites .
Important Note: PLEASE PUT OUT YOUR CAMPFIRE WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPSITE TO AVOID STARTING A BUSH FIRE. NO LOUD MUSIC AFTER 10:00 PM.
PLEASE NOTE: 1) We have a maximum of 2 camper trailers or caravans or motorhomes or any combination thereof per site. No limit on number of tents.
2) IF You Have more than 3 vehicles/site please contact host before booking.
3) Depending on the weather on the day, we may have to limit the number of vehicles that can be parked adjacent to your campsite.
Please note this property is a working private pine forest. Therefore, as and when the weather is right we could be, logging the forest, milling the logs, or drying the large dimension traditional timber framing lumber. In the near future we will be running sustainable building classes from the property. i.e. showing people how to economically build their own tiny homes using timber sourced from their own land.
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from
AU$70
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(452)
Hodge Lodge Grounds Johns River
23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Johns River, NSW
Hodge Lodge Grounds is private property Cabin/s and Camp in Johns River, NSW. Pet Friendly Accommodation!
4 hours north of Sydney, half way between Port Macquarie and Taree.
Your easy access stop for the night for traveller's heading north and south on the east freeway of NSW, Perfect accommodation between Sydney and Byron Bay, Gold Coast, and Brisbane.
Hodge Lodge Grounds NSW is on a sealed road and close to the A1 motorway. No getting stuck in the mud, or going off the beaten track because we offer a large internal heavy duty driveway! Large vehicles can turn around and drive on solid ground inside the property on some of our dispersed sites.
Make your trip into an experience as you relaxe by the fire-pit with your beverage of choice, enjoy hot shower and cosy king bed. All the comforts of home and more as soon as you unlock the door!
You can drive any size vehicle into our expansive grounds on our heavy duty driveway that leads you to your cabin, powered or native camp site. Large site. Private space.
Stay safe in our gated 11 acre private property.
Here you can enjoy your music and social atmosphere, have your wood delivered via 'extras booking' for your evening by the fire pit, and wake up to the sounds of our local birds!
Situated between the 3 brother mountains NSW, North Brother, Middle Brother and South Brother.
We're located within minutes to the beaches which is ideal for swimming, fishing, surfing and walking the local breakwalls.
Crowdy Bay National Park and Middle Brother National Park for those 4WD sporting and adventure enthusiasts.
Close to the local townships for shopping, dining and visiting local attractions of Kew, Harrington, North Haven and Laurieton for those keen to enjoy the outdoors.
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from
AU$18
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
82%
(691)
Dungog Showground Camping
18 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Dungog, NSW
Dungog Shire is in the Hunter Region of NSW and is renowned for its forests, mountains and picturesque river villages. Go for a scenic drive through historical villages, you will find beautiful picnic areas or take a walk in the World Heritage listed Barrington Tops National Park.
Dungog is bordered in the north by the Barrington Tops plateau, which is part of the Great Dividing Range. The Shire consists predominantly of very rugged to hilly country which becomes less rugged from north to south.
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from
AU$18
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(245)
Bucketts Way Camp n Stay
20 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Twelve Mile Creek, NSW
PLEASE NOTE : Reception for the winter months close at 5pm. If you would like to make arrangements to arrive later you must contact Brad on 0402859669 prior to closing hours.
Upon arrival please call numbers located at the boom gate to arrange entry.
Being only 2 hours from Sydney and 470 metres off the Pacific Highway, Nth of Newcastle & a 40 drive to Port Stephens, we are set on 25 acres, with lge sites, most drive through (dry weather only) for your convenience.
Hot showers are available ($1 coin for 2 min hot water), toilets and a disability accessible bathroom.
The camp kitchen is large and well equipped with tables, chairs, a lounge area & tv for you to enjoy. The kitchen has cooking facilities, a kettle, toaster, microwave, prepping areas & more making it a comfortable space to prepare and eat meals under cover. Campers have reception to 4G.
We have a turning lane entrance with boom gate security.
When you arrive and set up, you will be able to ramble around our property and enjoy the ambience of the beautiful tree studded campground. Sit back in the afternoon and enjoy nature at its best and then a beautiful warm campfire, perfect!!
Whether you're camping in a tent or vehicle, there's plenty of space to set up. The campsite is grassy and level, and 2WD accessible. We offer water hookup for caravans fill then disconnect $2, and there is a dump point for your camping toilet. Generators are permitted from 8am till 5pm (extreme heat on the day consideration).
Pets welcome.
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from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(31)
Willowbank
5 sites · RVs, Tents252 acres · Stroud Road, NSW
"Willowbank" is a stunning 252 acre property located in the picturesque Stroud Road valley with 1km of river frontage. The property has been in our family for 4 generations! Being bought by Ian's great grandfather in the 1920's.
We cater for guests that are looking to get back to nature. Enjoy the great outdoors without feeling overcrowded! We want our guests to be happy and have the best experience possible.
Located only 8 minutes drive from the historical town of Stroud which was settled by the AA Company in the 1820's as a food growing area. There are still many beautiful buildings from that period to explore.
A dairy farm for many years, we switched over to beef around 15 years ago. Currently we run around 120 head of Angus and mixed breed cattle.
Within 3 hours drive of Sydney and around an hour from the Barrington National Parks, Newcastle, Maitland, Forster and Nelson Bay, it makes it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway!
We are offering four beautiful partly shaded, camping sites along the pristine Upper Karuah River. With two adjoining sites at The Paperbarks that can be booked seperately or if you would like the whole place to yourselves, book both! If the other sIte is already booked and you would like a little more space we have a few other areas we can show you. Alternatively, there are also two other sites further down the river, these are 4wd accessible only.
We do have an extra campground, Long Flat, suited to caravans and motor homes. This is available subject to weather and farming activities. Please contact us if you are needing room for a larger group.
All sites are site only and no toilet or shower facilities are provided. You will need to bring your own camping toilet or self contained caravan/ camper (which can be emptied at the dump point located in Stroud township 10 minutes drive away).
Access to The Paperbarks sites is provided by the unsealed council road right to the sites. The sites themselves are subject to wet weather so 4wd vehicles are preferred though 2wd vehicles may be parked just off the road if it gets a bit wet. Please note, we do have a house up the hill from these sites. It faces away from the area though. The Rapids and Riverview sites are accessed via a laneway through the property. These sites are for 4WD VEHICLES ONLY with tents or camper trailers.
As sites are located along the riverbank, at times they are subject to flooding. This may mean that camping there may not be suitable at all times and you may need to move to higher ground in this event. The whole property is also cut off from road access during times of flood.
Adjoining Site 1 (The Paperbarks) the larger of the sites is suited to camper trailers, caravans, camper vans or tents. It has some flat areas and also some slightly sloping with river access. Bring your cricket bat and enjoy a game!
Adjoining Site 2 (The Paperbarks) is slightly smaller and is also suited to camper trailers, caravans, camper vans or tents. It also has a flat area with some slight slope and river access. Put up your hammock between the trees and just relax.
Site 3 (The Rapids) and Site 4 (Riverview) are both private, flat sites with 4WD ACCESS ONLY. Bring your tent, swag or camper trailer and enjoy the river rapids.
The river bank is a little steep in places and access is via a track so please be mindful when walking. River shoes are also encouraged as the rocks in the river can be slippery.
Perfect for a relaxing stay in summer with swimming, canoeing or floating on your raft down the river. Bring your fishing gear for some relaxing bass or mullet fishing (catch and release is encouraged).
The pristine river is also home to platypus which can be seen early in the morning or late afternoon from the campsites. Please do not try and interact with these beautiful animals, photography is encouraged though!
There are numerous birds, water dragons and wallabies that also inhabit the area around the campsites.
Sit around the camp fire (restrictions permitting) and watch the stars with family and friends. Firepits are provided for use, subject to fire restriction periods. Remember to bring wood with you!
There are opportunities for bush walking, bird watching and mountain bike riding over the back of the property. It is a bit of a hike to get to the access but well worth it with beautiful views from the top of the mountain as well.
Our farm is a working beef cattle property. Please be mindful that cattle and horses have free range of the property, which includes the road, so take care when driving. There will also be at times motorbikes, chainsaws and vehicles operating around the farm as well as on neighbouring properties. We will endeavour to keep the noise away from campers where possible. There will also be the odd cow/horse poo and mooing at night in case anyone has an issue.
Small to medium dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. This is due to there being working dogs and cattle in the area. Sorry, NO LARGE DOGS allowed due to past issues. Please also be aware that we are in a tick prone area so make sure your pet has adequate tick protection.
We do have mobile phone reception with Telstra and Optus on the property.
Historic Stroud township has a supermarket, butcher, chemist, cafes, a club and pub along with swimming pool, playground and skate park. Dungog is located 25 minutes drive away and also has many historic buildings and cafes etc.
Gloucester is 40 minutes drive and offers similar as well as access to the World renowned wilderness of the Barrington Tops National Park.
We hope to make your stay a pleasurable one with many happy memories made. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
***sorry no parties allowed***
Your hosts, Jo and Ian.
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from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
92%
(18)
Ingenia Holidays Old Bar Beach
145 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Old Bar, NSW
Breathe in the refreshing coastal air at Ingenia Holiday Parks Old Bar Beach, the park is located on beautiful Old Bar Beach making this the perfect place to stay on your next family holiday. Old Bar Beach is a pet-friendly (leash-off) patrolled beach known for its clear water and long sandy coastline. Ingenia Holiday Parks Old Bar Beach can be found on the sunny mid-north coast of NSW 3.5 hours drive from Sydney, making this the ideal stop for a long weekend or a cheeky midweek getaway.
There is an array of accommodation options available to suit all, including powered sites perfect for caravanners, unpowered sites for those who enjoy camping, and ensuite sites for travelers who enjoy a little bit of luxury. For those who don’t have your own camping equipment Ingenia Holidays Old Bar Beach also has a range of cabins and cottages to suit all budgets and families.
The park is fully equipped for a family-friendly holiday boasting a large swimming pool and playground, camp kitchen, BBQ area as well a large amenities block. Once you have finished exploring the park there is plenty to do in the local area including surfing, beach fishing, kayaking, and amazing bush walking trails just minutes from your doorstep.
If eating is your ideal way to spend time during your holiday you are in luck! you will find loads of cafes and restaurants in the town center, only a few minutes drive from the park. Ingenia Holidays Old Bar Beach is the perfect family-friendly holiday to unwind and get back to nature, whether you are chilling at the park itself or exploring the local area you will leave feeling rejuvenated.
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AU$999
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(1)
Tranquil Riverdance Nabiac
3 sites · RVs98 acres · Nabiac, NSW
This beautiful property has 300m of river frontage on the Wallamba River. We are just over an hour from Newcastle and Port Macquarie. Grab a kayak and enjoy being right on the river. Great fishing!! You will catch Bream, Flathead and Mud Crabs! You may also see the dolphins go past.
We are 30 mins from Forster and Taree. The Nabiac Hotel is 10kms down the road and the village of Nabiac has all the essentials.
We love our animals and along with our horses, we breed Therapy dogs. Your dogs are most welcome!
Our property is at the end of a 2km gravel driveway. We have dams on the property and lots of open space. You can camp right on the river's edge in privacy.
The kids are welcome to help feed the animals.
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from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(251)
Wootton Arabian Stud Farmstay
8 sites · RVs, Tents86 acres · Wootton, NSW
A beautiful 90 acre farm in the hills above The Great Lakes (Myall, Smith , Wallis Lakes), 30 mins from Seal Rocks, just 10km off the M1 about 20 minutes from Bulahdelah. Forster is a 45 min drive. Nabiac 20 minutes.
A historic local Dairy Farm that is very well maintained. The horses live in a natural herd environment and wander around amongst the camping sites on this beautiful clean property surrounded by forest. We set you well apart for privacy. You won't see any other camping sites unless you drive past them.
The property offers magnificent views of rolling green hills and ancient trees and a huge dam for floating around on. No street lights means great stars at night. Sit, relax and enjoy the magnificent views or utilise the surrounding forests, beaches, lakes and winery. You'll be camping with the horses who visit your site. Two Dams were stocked with yabbies and fish. Pet pig "Barney Rubble" and ponies / ducks/ chickens/ talking parrot to entertain little people. Spring means ducklings, baby chicks and we have two new beautiful foals on the ground this summer. Firewood can be supplied at $10 per load. Free for regular campers/repeat visitors.
We limit bookings for your privacy. It's a hilly property so you need adequate power and 4WD for the higher sites but our internal roads are good. Message me if any questions about access though it's nice and dry now. Dogs are welcome and are fine to be off-lead provided they don't chase horses and are friendly. On lead near the house with the free-ranging fowl. Firewood supplied. Campers should be fully contained though we do have a Drop-Loo. Bring all, take all, no footprint camping. We have farm eggs and there's usually lemons available and chilli's growing. Local Honey for sale. We look forward to hosting you.
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from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(108)
Elands TereTulemast EXCLUSIVE SITES
37 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Elands, NSW
We are based in the mountains North West of Taree in NSW.
Some may decide to visit because of the Famous Ellenborough Falls being on our door step. While others are seeking space, nature, a river side camping spot, a mountain bike focused holiday with the fam, or a cheap group stay right on the river. And others just simply LOVE this area and come back each year, and bring their dog!
Guudji Yiigu Nyiirunang - Birpi for Welcome Everyone!
while ...
Teretulemast is an Estonian name, it means WELCOME.
THE HISTORY OF OUR PLACE as we know it:
The Biripi people were the original and will always be the landowners of this area. They spent their summers on the mountain, while their winters were beside the coast. We are told, this area was once a women's only area, where they would bath and give birth. We respect those past and present who took care of this land and lived amongst it. This is Biripi country. Sometime after this, some people took over the land, and then offered it to others. Then cut trees down to build with, and put cows on it for over 80 years.. then we were offered it! And here we are today....
US: We LOVE hosting people, as we literally LOVE sharing this place with others. It’s part of who we are, but also a huge part of our bigger picture, in getting people re connected with Nature, so much so, that they want to protect it. Plus it’s so damn pretty here, all year around!
You Camp/Hipcamp has been a driving force as to why we have had so many guests find us, and ultimately stay with us (along with some help from our insta #teretulemastelands blogs & workaway/helpx). But if you are wondering why people would visit, I'll do my best to summarise:
• 400 metre walk from our RIVER flat to the famous Ellenborough Falls (famous for being the longest consistent drop in the southern hemisphere - hows that for on the map?)
• All sites have access to the river with a short walk, or a tiny walk. Most are sitting on the famous Ellenborough River.
• The Penthouse spot of sites is our River Flat. With it's hot shower, 2 composting toilets (still fully off grid), outdoor bbq/kitchen, gas & combustion stove & bar in shed (with solar lighting & fridge). PLUS A MTB PUMP TRACK! ALL PART of what you get when you book it!
• The Ellenborough river is gorgeous & fresh, so paddling, floating, swimming, drinking and generally lounging around in it, is welcomed! And the locals often hang out together at the falls (where there are even deeper water holes) and the local made famous The Rapids (8 min drive away). *we will show you once you get here! bYO drinks and floaties!
• ALL sites can accommodate reasonably large groups, SERENITY and RIVER FLAT can cater to around 100 OR more if you wanted them to. 2 composting toilets on these sites. (so toilets will be the main limiting factor for a super large group).
• We book out each site ‘exclusively’, so only you, your mates and family will be sleeping next to each other. Which is why we have a min rate, versus a per person rate. And why most sites include from 8 people up to 15 people within their min rate. Pretty awesome deal when you divide by that!
• Many sites are 4x4 caravan friendly (need good approach and departure angles), and yes, you don’t need to reverse them in, you drive them through making them easy to stop, enjoy your space and get out again!
• Local sites are a plenty, whether that is go for a walk to see the falls, OR it’s a rainy day and you take a 45 min trek deeper into the Gondwana belt, where the big trees live, the turquoise water begins, and the Koalas, and Greater Gliders still live (so long as we can keep those pesky loggers away).
• Most of our sites have had their roads upgraded, but some like Between the Trees can be a little more ‘4x4’ only. So always ask us if unsure.
• YES we allow you to bring your furry friends! 😊. (aka dog friendly stay)
• YES we are perfect for the newbie Mountain Biker or those who like a speedy downhill (blue rated), as we also have a Flow Trail AND a pump track available (great for groms and codjers). NOTE: the pump track is only for those who book the River flat at this stage. Unless you're good at making friends with those staying there, bring a beer maybe.. and you can ask them if you can ride it?
• Fire pits on most sites
• FARM mornings are FREE – just ask us when you arrive! 😊. (cows, sometimes we are milking, goats, baby animals, chickens, a mini mule (Olaf), pigs & we have 4 can be noisy dogs upon arrival). Love some kids to help or just to pat a baby goat!
• Need fire wood, or eggs, we sell so just ask. 😊.
• Don’t have camping gear, well lucky you! We hire it already setup, so all you have to do is turn up and move in! Ask us for more information if this interests you. We want everyone to experience nature, and for most sites, you will go to sleep with the noise of the river passing you... most serene way to fall asleep EVA.
If you want to know more, go and click on the different sites, and enjoy the many photos! 😊. Looking forward to hearing from you, or check us out on #teretulemastelands
Jenny & Lucas White
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from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
92%
(78)
Fernbrook
8 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Stroud Road, NSW
Nestled within the picturesque Karuah River catchment area, Fernbrook is a working poultry and cattle farm, set over eight peaceful acres, and just five km away from the historic Stroud township.
Spend evenings around the firepits (when fire restrictions are not in place), roasting marshmallows and stargazing under the night sky. Mornings are filled with the melodies of birds and wildlife, allowing you to truly reconnect with nature. Encounter local Red Necked Wallabies, Eastern Grey Roos, and the occasional Echidna.
A haven for birdwatchers, the area teems with bird life, including King Parrots, Eastern and Crimson Rosellas, Kookaburras, Yellow Tailed and Glossy Black Cockatoos, satin bowerbirds, and various honey eaters.
Mill Creek, which runs through the property, offers Bass fishing and summertime paddling and swimming opportunities. There is a short walking trail along the eastern bank of the creek to another small picnic area. Keep in mind this trail was created by and is shared with the local wildlife.
Adventure awaits just minutes from our property, as kilometers of public bush tracks cater to hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts.
Alternatively, explore the charm of Stroud, with its country pub, golf club, shops, cafes, and free public swimming pool. Local conveniences include our friendly country butcher and IGA supermarket. With roots dating back to the late 1820s, Stroud boasts a rich history as the headquarters of the Australian Agricultural Company. Join us each July for the renowned Stroud Brick throwing competition!
The camping area is caravan-friendly, but mindful access during wet weather is crucial to preserving the landscape.
Fernbrook welcomes your furry companions too but requires dogs to be supervised and leashed at all times for their safety and that of our livestock. Leaving dogs off-leash may lead to eviction without refund, and any harm to livestock or dogs must be avoided.
Basic amenities include a toilet (please bring your own environmentally friendly toilet paper) and shower. Campers may use our rainwater to fill their tanks, and hot water connections are available, with campers providing their own gas bottles. A small kitchenette equipped with a sink, cupboards, microwave, and power outlets for fry pans is available, with clear labeling of personal belongings.
We provide firepits for your enjoyment and offer firewood upon request for a fee. Alternatively, campers may bring their own firewood.
Please remember to take all waste with you upon departure.
Pets
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from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(54)
Windy Banks
3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Port Stephens, NSW
WINDY BANKS
Hidden away on the river, beyond the bush, you will find a very private secluded 7 acres which will give you the privacy and the interaction with nature you seek. Stunning sunsets over the river and the rustling of gum trees in the breeze will make you feel like you are the only one on earth. Birds will sing you a song as you cook up a meal over the fire. If your lucky you might even see the local dolphins have a play.
Pets
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from
AU$80
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Under $50
Available this weekend
Camping near Forster guide
Overview
Surrounded by beaches, lakes and rivers, Forster is paradise for water lovers. Drive over the bridge from sister town Tuncurry on a sunny day, and you’ll be welcomed by the turquoise hues of Wallis Lake, which is dotted with deserted islands and sand bars beckoning to be explored. The area is popular for boating, fishing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Swim in secluded coves, ocean baths and rock pools, roll down the sandhill at One Mile Beach, and book a cruise to spot dolphins or whales during their annual migration.
Forster
Wander down the main street of Forster perusing its boutiques and surf shops, before grabbing fish and chips for a picnic on the grass by Wallis Lake, followed by an ice-cream. It’s the quintessential Forster experience. Hire a tinnie to explore the lake and frolic around Miles Island at low tide, or book a dolphin, whale watching or charter fishing cruise. Head to the easily accessible Forster Beach (known as Main Beach), or one of the other beautiful beaches nearby. They include One Mile Beach, which has sandhill you can slide down, or the unpatrolled Pebbly Beach. The nearby natural rock formation known as The Tanks is a popular swimming spot for locals and visitors alike. There are plenty of caravan parks and holiday parks to stay in the Great Lakes area.
Tuncurry
Just over the bridge, the sister town of Tuncurry has a cinema and a carnival over summer, with rides such as dodgem cars and swinging chairs, arcade games and food trucks.
Pacific Palms
Drive along the Lakes Way to explore Pacific Palms, one of the best hidden gems to be found on the north coast of New South Wales. Around 15km south of Forster, you’ll find Booti Booti National Park. Set on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and the lake, it is blessed with beautiful beaches, walking tracks, lookouts, and coastal rainforest. At the northern end of the park, the Cape Hawke lookout offers 360-degree views along the coast from the top of a 8m-high tower, ideal for whale watching. On a clear day you can see as far as Barrington Tops, more than 100km away.
Wallingat National Park
A little further along, Wallingat National Park is a great destination for hiking, mountain biking, horseriding, birdwatching and fishing or swimming in the river and lake. Walk through the tall flooded gum trees to Sugar Creek, where you’ll also find stands of cabbage palms. Whoota Whoota Lookout offers sensational views over the eucalypt forest and the winding, rugged coastline and if you’re lucky you may even spot a sea eagle soaring through the air.
When to go
The best time to visit for warm weather and water sports is from October to March, however it can be crowded during the summer school holidays (late December until late January). While it rains there year-round, it tends to get the most rainfall in February, and the least in August. June to October is the best time to spot whales as they pass by on their annual migration.
Know before you go
- Forster is around 3.5 hours’ drive north of Sydney, and makes a great first stop on a road trip north to Byron Bay or Queensland
- Busways operates daily coach services from Newcastle to Forster via Hawks Nest, Tea Gardens and Pacific Palms
- Forster is part of the Destination Barrington Coast tourist region, which also includes the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops National Park
- Stockland Forster, a short drive from the centre of town on The Lakes Way, has two supermarkets and department stores such as Kmart, Target Country and Best & Less
- Bushland in the vicinity of Forster was severely impacted by the 2019 bushfires, but is now regenerating in most areas, leading to wildlife returning.
Nearby attractions
- An excellent surfing beach with stunning sights for beachgoers, Blueys Beach's coastline stretches for 900 metres between Blueys Head and Boomerang Point.
- A scenic headland bordered by two pristine beaches, Crowdy Head boasts panoramic views over the ocean and an excellent vantage point of the Three Brothers Mountains.
- The best surfing beach in the Pacific Palms precinct, Boomerang Beach's unique shape, and rock formations give consistent and powerful waves.
- A lakeside getaway in the Barrington Coast region, Smiths Lake is a great alternative to the often bustling, nearby beaches.
- The best all-around beach for those camping near Port Stephens, One Mile Beach is patrolled during the holidays and has a consistent swell perfect for those looking to get out and surf.
- A remote stretch of golden sand with a unique surf break, Treachery Beach is a lesser-known locale with plenty of hidden surprises.
Top cities near Forster
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.