TOURING FORSTER-TUNCURRY, NSW

In Forster-Tuncurry, you’ll find a palm trees, incredible beaches and the most relaxed way of life on New South Wales’ mid-north coast.

If you’re in search of a hidden, tranquil, palm-studded paradise on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, look no further than the twin-townships of Forster-Tuncurry.

Forster-Tuncury are two separate towns connected by a large bridge. They rest in the heart of New South Wales’ Great Lakes region, on the doorstep of Myall Lakes National Park, which is known for its extensive system of coastal waterways.

Forster-Tuncurry is about 300km north of Sydney on the Barrington Coast. It is well and truly off the highway. In fact, after leaving the Pacific Highway, it’s an hour’s drive along the winding road known as The Lakes Way, through valleys and over over hills, breathtaking glimpses of far-off lakes teasing the approach of something pretty special.

And as a holiday location, it is indeed pretty special. Truth be told, on your first visit, you might be surprised to find a bustling township offering more services and facilities than your average suburb. In theory, you could pull up, find a spot with a view, and never leave…

When you’re not relaxing van-side at the your chosen holiday park, you might be exploring the many shopping opportunities of Forster, or relaxing at one of the many beaches.

These beaches are all ocean beaches. So if you’re looking for somewhere safe to swim, head to the Forster Ocean Baths. The baths are on North Street, adjacent to Forster Main Beach. They are a haven filled with seawater in which the family can more safely enjoy the water.

Another beach worth visiting is One Mile Beach. Not only is the beach beautiful in its own right, it has huge sand dunes – you’ll no doubt spot adventurous people sliding down them on boogie boards.

When you’re finished with the beach, it’s time to visit the shopping precincts. Whether you need some new surf gear, to visit a pharmacy or supermarket, or just to sit and enjoy a coffee, you’ll find what you need.

A PLACE TO STAY

Much of these shopping facilities are near Wallis Lake, the jewel in the crown of the Great Lakes region. The lake has a surface area of 99 square kilometres and it is immensely popular for boating and fishing enthusiasts.

Within Wallis Lake rests an island known as Tony’s Point Island. This island, which consists of 100-acres of bushland, is part of Lani’s Island Holiday Park. This holiday park consists of two sections: powered sites and cabins, along with a large camp kitchen and two resort-style pools; in the rear section of the park is an island full of unpowered sites, where tent campers and the like set themselves up. The two sections of the park are connected by a 2km bitumen road and a bridge.

What’s more, Lani’s provides drinking water from two locations on the island, amenities including flushing toilets and a wash basin, a camp shelter with a sink, and a private boat ramp. Island campers are also allowed to use the facilities of the main park, such as the hot showers, as needed. Special ‘glamping’ tents are available on the island, too. It truly is beautiful.

SUMMING UP

If you’re after a relaxed, perfect beachside escape, we at Without A Hitch can’t recommend the Forster-Tuncurry region highly enough. There are plenty of other holiday parks, too – Lani’s is just one that we can recommend because we have stayed there before.

So what are you waiting for? Hitch up the van and head for Forster-Tuncurry. You won’t regret it.

Note: Given the various border closures that have occurred in Australia, it would be wise to stay on top of the current situation before making plans to travel.