The Forster region boasts some of the most beautiful – and most underrated – beaches in Australia, from family-friendly patrolled shores to pounding ocean breaks loved by surfers. Here's where to enjoy the sun, surf and sand.
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Best beaches for swimming
There are more than a dozen beaches close to the town of Forster and neighbouring Tuncurry (part of 50 on the Barrington Coast). For swimming, start with Forster Main Beach l, an arc of golden sand sheltered by Bennetts Head and regularly patrolled by lifeguards from October to April. At the southern end is the huge Forster Ocean Baths, known locally as The Bull Ring. Across the breakwall to the north you’ll find Tuncurry Rock Pool – a favourite with families.
One Mile Beach is patrolled during the summer period and during holidays, making it a great choice for swimming. The sheltered bay of Burgess Beach, which has small rock formations that create calm waters for a lovely dip and you can swim in beautiful tidal rock pools. At Pebbly Beach you'll find The Tanks, a popular swimming hole amongst the rocks where the large breakwalls protect the shore from the waves. It's also great for snorkelling.
Forster Ocean Baths, Forster
Best beaches for surfing
Forster’s coastline also encompasses some of the most beautiful and varied surf locations in northern NSW. Often, these gorgeous beaches are so quiet you can be the only person looking for a wave. When the swell is up, head to the rock reef break known as Hayden's Rock, sitting offshore at the southern end of Forster Main Beach. One Mile Beach is extremely popular with local surfers, though visitors are always made to feel welcome.
Nine Mile Beach in Tuncurry is a wild strip of coast that stretches all the way to Diamond Head and can offer excellent surfing, though be careful of the strong rips. Just south of Forster in Pacific Palms, Elizabeth Beach, Boomerang Beach and Blueys Beach are all famous for their waves. At Burgess Beach, you'll enjoy great body surfing when the conditions are right.
Elizabeth Beach, Booti Booti National Park
Best coastal walks
The Bicentennial Walk runs for four kilometres from the centre of town and offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the Forster coastline, passing Pebbly Beach, The Tanks swimming hole, Bennetts Head Lookout, One Mile Beach and its huge sand dune, and Burgess Beach. It's an easy walk across the bridge that spans the sparkling turquoise water of Wallis Lake, which separates Forster and Tuncurry – keep an eye out for dolphins.
The 600-metre McBrides Beach walking track descends through littoral rainforest and small creek beds before you arrive at the secluded McBrides Beach. This beach is unpatrolled and doesn’t have any facilities, so make sure you take everything you need with you. The Headland Walking Track near Old Bar, around 45 kilometres north of Forster, has stunning views over Saltwater Beach and the Pacific Ocean, as well as traversing through beautiful forest trails.
One Mile Beach, Port Stephens - Credit: Jarryd Salem
Beaches you can drive on
If you have a 4WD you’ll be pleased to learn that lots of Forster’s beaches can be driven on, though you'll need to obtain a permit from the council first. Nine Mile Beach in Tuncurry is a popular spot. The wide, sandy beach runs for almost 12 kilometres and has two access points, so you can drive the full length and enter and exit from either side. If you’re new to beach driving, the Black Head entry is the easiest option. The beach is also dog-friendly, so keep an eye out for any pups on the sand.
Sandbar Beach sits between the ocean and Smiths Lake, and when the lake is opened to the ocean it can create spectacular clear pools that look like a tropical oasis. Firther south, the two-kilometre Lighthouse Beach in Seal Rocks is a favourite and leads to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse and beautiful coastal views.
Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry
Beachside accommodation
Pitch your tent at beautiful beachside campgrounds just steps from the sand at The Ruins campground in Booti Booti National Park, Diamond Head campground in Crowdy Bay National Park and Treachery Camp at Seal Rocks, which has cabins and a beach lodge along with camping.
The heritage-listed Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse cottages are a special place to stay in the Myall Lakes National Park. You can choose from the Head Keepers' cottage or South and North Assistant Keepers' cottages, but make sure you book in advance as they are popular.
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, Seal Rocks - Credit: Richard A Stanley
