Choose your ultimate adventure with the best things to do in Forster

Get your daredevil on or lean into just-shucked delicacies with our list of the best things to do in Forster.

Did you know Forster’s hypnotic Wallis Lake is home to some of the most prolific Sydney Rock oyster farming on Australia’s east coast? The NSW North Coast beach town’s open-air escapades and trendy cafes and restaurants had already charmed me but verifying this bonus factoid cemented Forster as one of my favourite holiday locales.

Here are the best things to do in Forster to help organise your own magical visit.

In short

If you only pick one of the best things to do in Forster, make it a dip in one of the several ocean baths, as they’re free, conveniently located throughout town, and offer calm conditions with sensational views.

1. Cruise Wallis Lake’s crystal-clear waters

Wallis Lake, Tuncurry-Forster — Embark on a scenic cruise along the sparkling Wallis Lake. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Best for: Nature lovers, fishing and families

There’s no chance I was leaving Forster without getting on the beautiful Wallis Lake, which dazzles in part with turquoise-teal swirls reminiscent of the Whitsundays. I ticked off multiple activities at once with a two-hour Back Steer Fishing Boat from Waterline Boathouse , priced at $150 for up to six guests. We threw out a line, took sandbar selfies, ogled oyster farms and spotted dolphins (they’re everywhere in Forster, I’ll admit) before returning to the Waterline Boathouse for fish and chips. The best bit? It was only midday, so there was a whole afternoon to fill with further fun. The team also rent out SUP boards, kayaks and those enormous-wheeled aqua trikes.

2. Tuck into Sydney Rock Oysters right at the source

Wallis Lake Fishermen’s Co-Op's seafood platter — Indulge in a fresh seafood platter at Wallis Lake Fishermen’s Co-Op. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Best for: Foodies

I quizzed multiple business owners on the best Sydney Rock oysters in Forster and the majority said the same thing: Graham Barclay Oysters , down the end of Little St on the lake. While it’s not the flashiest place to slurp a morsel down, it indeed impresses as creamy freshness left me heartbroken when my dozen disappeared. Other great spots to sample local wares include the Wallis Lake Fishermen’s Co-Op (bring your rod as families fish right out front) and Thirty Three Degrees , run by top-notch Sydney Rock producers East 33.

3. Sample local beer and spirits

The Coastal Brewing Company in Forster — Indulge in a beer flight at The Coastal Brewing Company. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Best for: Foodies

I typically visit a local brewery or distillery mainly for its merchandise, but Forster’s home-grown beer and spirits won me over every time. Visiting Wharf St. Distillery is basically unavoidable as it’s in the centre of town, but I’d go back again just for their Lime Leaf Gimlet with cane sugar and lime zest. The Wharf St. Gin Tasting Paddle is also excellent, arriving with tiny tumblers, Fever-Tree tonic water and itty-bitty sliced fruit to create adorable miniature cocktails. Keen for a beer? I recommend Pacific Ocean Brewery , five minutes over the bridge in Tuncurry, for its quality range, wildly artistic mural façade and laneway seating complete with a giant Connect Four to keep the kids occupied.

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4. Dip into Forster’s heavenly ocean baths

Forster Ocean Baths, Main Beach — Cool off at Forster Ocean Baths. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Best for: Nature lovers and families

Home to a string of ocean baths, Forster is such an incredible place for soothing swims. The big daddy is The Bull Ring, technically named Forster Ocean Baths beside Main Beach on North St, which runs 50 metres x 56 metres x 69 metres, but I was blown away by the beauty of The Tanks’ rock pools next to Pebbly Beach as massive rocks create natural protective walling. Little Street Baths on Wallis Lake is a great spot for kids as it’s netted and there’s pelicans and other marine life to stickybeak, while Black Head Rock Pool is another ocean bath with super clear lane markings (not always the case, right?) located about 25 minutes north of town.

5. Set pulses racing with a Grey nurse shark dive

Best for: Adrenaline junkies

Sure, sightings depend on seasons and the weather mightn’t always be on your side, but if you’ve got your PADI (or equivalent) licence, do not hesitate to book Forster Dive Centre ’s Grey nurse shark dive. These guys know exactly where the protected species congregate and if the stars align – which they often do – you’re going to see an entire colony of the pointy-nosed predators moving majestically about their day. Tip: Once you lock in your travel dates, call the team to chat sighting likelihood when you’re there. They’re no crystal-ball predictors but they’ll provide experienced information on your chances.

6. Dine in style overlooking the water

dining at Spice Monkey, Forster — Tuck into Asian-style bites with water views at Spice Monkey. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Best for: Foodies, families and couples

My Forster restaurant hit list is lengthy but for the best meals with water views, don’t miss Si Señorita at the end of Wharf Street for tacos and margaritas, Spice Monkey for Asian fusion right next door, and the restaurant at Dorsal by the Sea, which offers some of the best Forster accommodation, on Main Beach for Wagyu steaks. There are great seafood options along Little Street too, like Paradise Marina right next to the baths. For more casual bites, check out my list of the best Forster cafes, often perched within walking distance to the shore.

7. Get the kids’ sillies out at Tuncurry Water Park

Best for: Families

There are plenty of epic playgrounds in Forster and Tuncurry, but Tuncurry Water Park hits differently thanks to its water splash pad, tower and water slide. Located on Point Road in Tuncurry, it entertained my primary-aged kids for more than an hour (that’s a win) and what’s really awesome are the accessible elements like a hoist and an all-age change table within a fully accessible amenities block.

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8. Flex your cards along Wharf Street

Best for: Couples and shopaholics

My retail therapy itch was sufficiently scratched along Wharf Street in the centre of Forster. Even my sweet treat craving was remedied through Forster Desserts ’ shoppable lolly section at the rear. Indigo Attic next to Tartt., one of the best Forster cafes, is a gorgeous boutique for children’s wear and beachy mum wardrobe essentials, Coasting Home is the go-to for Hamptons-inspired and far more eclectic homewares, and Heidi Beau is a must for accessories and more clothing.

9. Boost your steps with a Forster coastal walk

One Mile Beach in Forster — Relish the idyllic coastline. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Best for: Nature lovers and serene solitude

There’s a tight collective of stunning Forster walks but I love the mostly flat Bicentennial Walk that starts at The Bull Ring (Forster Ocean Baths) by Main Beach and wraps the coast to Pebbly Beach and beyond. Alternatively, get your sweat on with the 500-metre stretch (including about 400 stairs) up to Cape Hawke lookout in Booti Booti National Park – the views are expansive and totally breathtaking.

10. Reach new heights at Big Air Indoor Bike Park

Best for: Families and adrenaline junkies

When it rained during my February 2026 visit, I grabbed the kids for a session at Big Air Indoor Bike Park in Tuncurry (it’s right on the main road coming from the M1 so it’s easy to find) and everyone had a ball. My favourite part was the bike hire, as my little ones only had scooters, so getting the crew kitted up with perfect-fit wheels and helmets was a breeze. Visitors should note that scooters are also welcome but once you see the bikes flying past, it’s super tempting.

11. Whale-watch on or offshore

Whale-watching in Forster — See travelling humpback whales along the New South Wales coast from May to November. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Best for: Nature lovers and families

If it’s whale watching season (May to November widely, but Forster’s best window is June to October), keep a lookout over the Humpback Highway (Pacific Ocean) to catch beauties soaring up and down the horizon and even closer. Prime vantage points span the Cape Hawke lookout and Bennetts Head lookout, but I’d also consider a ride with Gadhu Dreamland who run multi-length tours with eco-conscious guides. If you don’t spot a whale breach, you’ll likely catch dolphins or turtles while you’re out there.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

Things to do in Forster: Oyster slurping, ocean baths and more