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

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

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

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.

4. Dip into Forster’s heavenly ocean baths

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

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.

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

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

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.