The twin towns of Forster-Tuncurry are situated on the mid North Coast of NSW (about 300 km north of Sydney) and are part of the Great Lakes District. They lie on The Lakes Way Road which is a lovely alternative route off the M1 Pacific Highway between Bulahdelah and Rainbow Flat. The townships sit on opposite sides of the channel where Wallis Lake empties into the Pacific Ocean. Tuncurry is on the north side and Forster on the south. They have a combined population of about 19,000 of which around 13,000 are permanent residents of Forster. In the summer months the population nearly doubles as tourists come to enjoy the pleasant climate. You can pick a local as they tend to pronounce the town name as “Foster”.
Cape Hawke on the southern headland was first sighted by Captain James Cook in 1770 and named after the navel hero Baron Hawke. The region was home to the Worimi and Birpai tribes before white settlement began in 1870. Evidence of the tribe’s activities can still be found in the surrounding national parks. While the agricultural, timber and ship-building industries have long gone, the towns maintain a booming economy through fishing and tourism.
The Great Lakes District features many stunning lakes that have formed between the rich escarpment of the Great Dividing Range and the mighty ocean. The sprawling Wallis Lake is fed by the Coolongolook, Wallamba, Wallingat and Wauk Wauk rivers and their tributaries. It is about 25 km long and 9 km wide with a surface area of almost 100 km2. There are a number of islands on the lake including Wallis, Regatta, Yahoo, Godwin and Cockatoo islands. Big Island and Lanis Island are joined to the mainland at Forster by a narrow causeway on the Lanis Island Road.
The narrow isthmus between the lake and the ocean is dominated by the Booti Booti National Park which is a mecca for holiday makers and day trippers. With long ocean beaches on one side and calm lake shores on the other, there are activities for the whole family to enjoy. Surfing, diving, swimming, kayaking, water-skiing, boating, fishing, bushwalking and camping are just a few of the ways you can choose to spend your days.
In Forster-Tuncurry and the nearby towns you’ll find many interesting shops and you can also enjoy a round of golf, stroll through the markets or go to the movies.
Accommodation options range from caravan parks to B&B’s and a number of quality motels. Dining out is no problem either. Many of the local cafes and restaurants feature deliciously fresh local produce with oysters being a particular specialty.
Whether you are young or old, looking for some peaceful time out or are keen for adventure there is something for everyone here. We’ll see you here soon.
