Tick off these 10 spectacular nature experiences in the Forster region

Spot whales and dolphins along the coast

During winter and spring, the eco-certified Barrington Coast offers many great vantage points to spot the annual whale migration. Make your way to Bennetts Head to spot a waterspout or get closer to these majestic mammals on a whale-watching boat trip with Dive Forster. And, for more wildlife encounters, hop on a tour with Epic Surf Ocean Adventures to see dolphins, turtles and birds in their natural habitat.  

Explore the Great Lakes

Comprising more than 10,000 hectares of coastal waterways, the Myall Lakes National Park is ideal for exploring by boat. Whether you rent a houseboat for an extended stay on Wallis Lake or gaze beneath the surface aboard a crystal-clear kayak, there’s so much to discover. Big or small, Great Lakes Boat Hire can set you up with the craft you’re after.  

Book a guided kayak tour with Lazy Paddles to experience the beauty of Wallis Lake, from mountains to bushland and the resident birdlife. Or make the most of multi-day kayak hire by bringing a tent and camping at a new riverbank location every night. If you’re keen to cast a line, the lake is teeming with bream, dusky flathead and sand whiting – just be sure to organise your NSW fishing licence beforehand. 

   

Stand under the tallest tree in NSW 

The western edge of Myall Lakes National Park boasts the tallest known tree in NSW – a magnificent 70m flooded gum known as The Grandis, located a short stroll from the Grandis picnic area. Take a moment to soak in the majesty of this centuries-old tree before hitting the trails again. With plenty of excellent walking routes and around 280 species of native birds, the area is a favourite spot for bushwalkers and birdwatchers alike.  

Marvel at Ellenborough Falls 

Ellenborough Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the state and one of the highest in the Southern Hemisphere. Based on your energy levels, choose from four vantage points from which to admire the 200m-high falls. The viewing platform by the car park provides the easiest access to the incredible view, but the most challenging walk reveals the true scale of this natural beauty. Tackle the 641 steps to the bottom of the falls, and you’ll see it all in perfect clarity. 

Take your pick of stunning national parks  

The region’s national parks are full of diverse natural playgrounds to explore. You’ll find breathtaking surf beaches as well as coastal lakes with clear-blue waters in Myall Lakes National Park; ancient peaks, spectacular waterfalls and rich birdlife in Coorabakh National Park;  unbroken ocean views in Crowdy Bay National Park; and an ancient rainforest that meets the sea in Booti Booti National Park. Brimbin Nature Reserve, just north of Taree, is also a beautiful spot for picnics.    

Discover magnificent coastal walks  

Walks and hikes cater to a variety of different activity levels here. The easy 700m Headland Walking Track forest trail is a great place to start with its views over Saltwater Beach and Khappinghat Creek. The 600m McBrides Beach walking track is a little more challenging with some stairs but the payoff is clear as you emerge from coastal rainforest to the remote and beautiful McBrides Beach. For more rainforest exploration, follow the Mungo Rainforest Walk to see ancient palm trees and colourful birds, including golden whistlers and regent bowerbirds.    

The 8km out-and-back Bicentennial Walk is a great way to see the Forster coastline, encompassing Pebbly Beach, the Tanks swimming hole, One Mile Beach and Burgess Beach. You can walk all, or part of this coastal trail and some sections are even pram-friendly. 

Set up camp to sleep under the stars

Just steps away from a beautiful beach as well as a sheltered lake, the cabbage-palm-fringed The Ruins Campground in Booti Booti National Park is a great place to pitch a tent. There’s also the Lakeside Forster Holiday Park or NRMA Forster Tuncurry Holiday Park if you’re seeking powered or unpowered tent sites, caravan spots or cabins, with pet-friendly accommodation options too. The heritage-listed Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse cottages in the Myall Lakes National Park are a notch above in the comfort stakes, and nearby Treachery Camp also offers cabins and a beach lodge as well as camping sites.    

Surf and swim at legendary beaches  

You are spoilt for choice with the beaches of this region. Paddle out at wide sandy surf beaches like One Mile Beach and Nine Mile Beach, locking in a lesson with Saltwater Surf School if you’re keen to pick up a new hobby. Pebbly Beach and Forster Main Beach are a bit calmer if swimming and splashing are your focus. The Tanks in Forster is a popular spot with families as is the wide expanse of Forster Ocean Baths, also known as The Bull Ring. Snorkellers will be in their element at Number One Beach in Seal Rocks, and Breckenridge Channel in Forster also offers an underwater wonderland to explore.  

Climb to the top of Cape Hawke Lookout 

Cape Hawke Lookout is the highest vista in Forster and offers 360-degree views of the ocean, Booti Booti National Park and Wallingat National Park. On a clear day you can see as far as Barrington Tops. It’s a 500m hike through coastal rainforest to reach the lookout platform, and then 420 steps up the 8.4m tower for a view that’s well worth the effort.    

4WD on the beach at Seal Rocks 

Experience the thrill of driving along the sand on the 2km Lighthouse Beach in Seal Rocks. You’ll need a 4WD and a NSW National Parks beach access permit before you make your way to the shore via the narrow single-lane track. Once on the beach, drive along the shore and admire the gorgeous views of the coastline.