An archetypical Aussie holiday town defined by its lakes and beaches, Forster is a recipe for recreation and relaxation. One of the many reasons it was voted no. 40 on your list of Top 50 Aussie Towns.
I find a shady spot at the top of the sand dune that rises from the northern end of One Mile Beach. With the rhythm of the ocean in my ear, I pull out my book and lose track of time.
This is the appeal of Forster. With its yawning beaches, restful holiday homes, great restaurants and endless opportunities to get out on the water, a trip here boils life down to the essential ingredients required to slow down, relax and unwind.
Marvel at the glittering marine hues of Wallis Lake. (Image: Destination NSW)
For travellers heading to this laid-back Great Lakes town on NSW’s Barrington Coast, this state of being begins the moment they cross the bridge that connects to Forster from its twin town Tuncurry and see the glittering marine hues of Wallis Lake splayed out in all directions.
The town sits scenically on a spit of land between the ocean and the lake and it’s the life aquatic here: with boating, fishing, paddling, snorkelling, whale-watching and even swimming with dolphins (see Dive Forster at Fisherman’s Wharf) all part of the appeal.
Forster’s animated town centre has a dynamic and diverse array of eateries to sample: Beach Bums Cafe overlooking Main Beach is a morning institution. Order Asian dishes at Spice Monkey and tacos, tequilas and sunsets at Si Señorita.
Enjoy Asian fusion cuisine at Spice Monkey. (Image: Destination NSW)
Plunge Cafe is a creative spot in a quiet, residential pocket that is all about community and supporting local, as well as excellent coffee.
One of Forster’s newest restaurants, Isola Riva offers a menu of Mediterranean share plates from a pole waterfront position.
Enjoy a carefully curated menu of share plates at Isola Riva. (Image: Destination NSW)Isola Riva’s scenic location. (Image: Destination Barrington Coast)
Wallis Lake is also the biggest producer of Sydney rock oysters in the state – enjoy them over a long lazy lunch on the foreshore of the lake at Thirty Three Degrees in Tuncurry.
Forster is paradise for paddleboarding. (Image: Destination NSW)
And then there are the beaches, of course. Forster’s Main Beach, located at the entrance of Wallis Lake, runs from the breakwall to the ocean baths also known as the Bull Ring.
A splash of colour at Forster Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
It’s also where the four-kilometre Bicentennial Walk begins, taking in Pebbly Beach before reaching the panorama of Bennetts Head lookout and landing you at the top of the sand dune on One Mile Beach: a favourite spot for families and surfers; where you, too, can find your moment of quiet contemplation.
One Mile Beach is the perfect spot for a moment of quiet contemplation.(Image: Destination NSW)
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
Imogen Eveson is Australian Traveller’s Print Editor. She was named Editor of the Year at the 2024 Mumbrella Publish Awards and in 2023, was awarded the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) Australia’s Media Award. Before joining Australian Traveller Media as sub-editor in 2017, Imogen wrote for publications including Broadsheet, Russh and SilverKris. She launched her career in London, where she graduated with a BA Hons degree in fashion communication from world-renowned arts and design college Central Saint Martins. She is the author/designer of The Wapping Project on Paper, published by Black Dog Publishing in 2014. Growing up in Glastonbury, home to the largest music and performing arts festival in the world, instilled in Imogen a passion for cultural cross-pollination that finds perfect expression today in shaping Australia’s leading travel titles. Imogen regularly appears as a guest on radio travel segments, including ABC National Nightlife, and is invited to attend global travel expos such as IMM, ILTM, Further East and We Are Africa.
A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.
If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.
And with Vivid lighting up the sky this winter, there’s no better time to find the perfect cosy spot to enjoy the views or escape the crowds.
1. El Vista, Circular Quay
Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)
This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.
2. Bar Allora, CBD
Settle in for a taste of Italy.
Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.
3. Percy, Pyrmont
Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)
Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.
4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD
Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)
Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage of Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.
5. Mee So, Sydney Central
Enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks.
For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.
6. Bar Morris, Haymarket
Settle into old-world European glamour.
Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.
7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour
Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.
When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.
8. Wentworth Bar, CBD
Drink where the celebrities once did.
Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.
9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington
See the city skyline, drink in hand.
Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place, it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.
