8 Best Things to Do in Forster When It Rains

Wondering what to do in Forster when it rains? A wet forecast doesn’t have to mean spending your entire holiday at your accommodation. Forster and neighbouring Tuncurry offer plenty of indoor experiences, from bowling and heated swimming pools to art galleries, museums and long seafood lunches overlooking Wallis Lake.

Whether you’re travelling with young children, entertaining teenagers or enjoying a couples’ getaway, there are activities to suit different interests and ages. Many of these indoor attractions also complement the area’s broader family-friendly activities in Forster, giving you more flexibility when the weather changes.

Here are eight of the best things to do in Forster when it rains, including where to find them, what makes each experience worthwhile and what to know before visiting.

Quick Guide to Rainy Day Activities in Forster–Tuncurry

These activities can be enjoyed during wet weather, although opening hours, admission fees and session availability vary. Some venues require advance bookings, particularly during NSW school holidays.

1. Go Bowling or Play Indoor Mini Golf at Forster Entertainment Centre

• Location: Townsend Street, Forster NSW 2428
• Best for: Families, teenagers and groups of friends
• Indoor facilities: Enclosed entertainment areas with bowling lanes, mini golf, laser skirmish, arcade games and a café
• Main experience: Tenpin bowling, Jurassic-themed mini golf, laser battles and arcade entertainment

Forster Entertainment Centre is one of the best places to visit when everyone wants to stay active despite the rain. The venue offers several indoor attractions under one roof, making it easy for families and groups to choose activities that suit different ages and interests.

Challenge each other to a game of tenpin bowling, explore the dinosaur-themed Jurassic Putt Putt course or take part in a laser skirmish session. With food and drinks available onsite, it’s easy to spend a couple of hours here without travelling between venues. Laser skirmish is suitable for ages six and over, and advance booking is recommended during school holidays and busy weekends.

2. Let the Little Ones Play at Forster Kids Spot Indoor Play Centre

• Location: 3/4 Enterprise Court, Forster NSW 2428
• Best for: Families with toddlers and younger children
• Indoor facilities: Enclosed play centre with climbing equipment, soft-play areas, slides and an onsite café
• Main experience: Exploring the climbing maze, jumping castle, tunnels, ball-play areas and slides

When wet weather keeps younger children away from the beach, Forster Kids Spot provides a fun alternative where they can climb, slide and play indoors. The centre features a large climbing maze, tunnels, a jumping castle, soft-play equipment and other activities designed to keep children entertained.

Parents can enjoy a coffee or something to eat from the onsite café while supervising their children. The centre caters to ages 0–14 and advertises entry from A8foronehourorA10 for extended play. During NSW school terms, regular opening is generally limited to weekends, with additional days during school holidays. Check the Forster Kids Spot website before visiting.

3. Enjoy an Indoor Swim at Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Forster

• Location: 55 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428
• Best for: Families, swimmers and travellers wanting to stay active
• Indoor facilities: Heated 25-metre swimming pool, toddler pool, spa and sauna
• Main experience: Swimming, water play for younger children and relaxing in the spa or sauna

If swimming is part of your holiday plans, a rainy day doesn’t necessarily mean giving it up. Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre provides a heated indoor swimming environment where visitors can enjoy time in the water without relying on beach conditions.

The 25-metre pool is suitable for recreational swimming, while a separate toddler pool caters to younger children. Adults can also make use of the spa and sauna, making it a good choice for families with different interests. Adult casual swim entry is currently listed at A$8.70, including spa and sauna access. Check the aquatic centre’s public swimming information for pool availability, opening hours and current fees.

4. Catch a Movie at Great Lakes Cinema 3 in Tuncurry

• Location: Corner of Manning and Lake Streets, Tuncurry NSW 2428
• Best for: Couples, families and visitors wanting a relaxed afternoon
• Indoor facilities: Three enclosed cinema screens with seating and a refreshments counter
• Main experience: Watching current movie releases in a comfortable cinema setting

A trip to the movies is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a rainy afternoon without worrying about the weather outside. Located in central Tuncurry, just across the bridge from Forster, Great Lakes Cinema 3 offers a relaxed indoor escape for families, couples and groups of friends.

Choose a family-friendly film, enjoy some popcorn and spend a couple of hours watching the latest releases. It’s particularly convenient when you want a low-effort activity after a busy morning or need an indoor option between meals. The cinema’s central location also makes it easy to combine a screening with lunch or dinner nearby. Check the current movie sessions before heading out.

5. Ride BMX Bikes or Scooters at Big Air Indoor Bike Park in Tuncurry

• Location: 13 Douglas Avenue, Tuncurry NSW 2428
• Best for: Active children, teenagers and BMX or scooter enthusiasts
• Indoor facilities: Large weather-protected riding facility with ramps, obstacles, skill zones and equipment hire
• Main experience: BMX riding, scootering and skating across beginner, intermediate and advanced areas

Big Air Indoor Bike Park is a distinctive rainy day attraction for families with energetic older children and teenagers. The purpose-built indoor facility offers riding areas for BMX bikes, mountain bikes, scooters and skateboards, allowing visitors to stay active when outdoor tracks and skate parks are too wet.

Riders can practise their skills across different zones, with areas designed for varying experience levels. Bike, scooter and protective equipment hire is available, so visitors can enquire about a session even if they haven’t brought their own gear. Sessions are scheduled, and younger riders must meet supervision and safety requirements. Check the Big Air Indoor Bike Park website for bookings, hire options and suitable session times.

6. Discover Local Art at Forster Gallery on Lake Street

• Location: 34 Lake Street, Forster NSW 2428
• Best for: Couples, art enthusiasts and visitors seeking a quieter outing
• Indoor facilities: Enclosed exhibition gallery with accessible amenities and spaces for art classes and workshops
• Main experience: Discovering paintings and visual art by local and regional artists, with selected workshops available

Forster Gallery offers a quieter alternative to the town’s usual beach and lake activities. Operated by the Great Lakes Art Society, this community gallery showcases paintings and other artworks by local and regional artists, giving visitors a glimpse into the area’s creative community.

Spend time browsing the current exhibition and discovering different artistic interpretations of the region’s landscapes, people and everyday life. The gallery also hosts classes and workshops for visitors interested in a more hands-on creative experience, although these may require bookings and additional fees. Opening hours vary depending on exhibitions and seasonal arrangements, so confirm details through the Forster Gallery website before visiting.

7. Explore Local History at the Great Lakes Museum in Tuncurry

• Location: 1 Capel Street, Tuncurry NSW 2428
• Best for: Couples, history enthusiasts and travellers interested in local culture
• Indoor facilities: Museum exhibition rooms housing historical collections, with additional heritage buildings outdoors
• Main experience: Exploring the Great Lakes region’s maritime heritage, timber industry and early community life

The Great Lakes Museum provides an opportunity to discover the history of Forster–Tuncurry beyond its beaches and waterways. Run by the Great Lakes Historical Society, the museum features collections of historical photographs, tools and local artefacts that tell the story of the communities that developed around Wallis Lake.

Visitors can learn about the region’s maritime activities, timber industry and everyday life in earlier generations. The grounds also contain restored historic buildings, although these outdoor areas may be less comfortable during heavy rain. Focus on the indoor collections when the weather is wet, and check the Great Lakes Museum website for its limited opening hours before planning your visit.

8. Enjoy a Seafood Lunch at Thirty Three Degrees in Tuncurry

• Location: 1 Palm Street, Tuncurry NSW 2428
• Best for: Couples, seafood lovers and relaxed group lunches
• Indoor facilities: Indoor restaurant dining with sheltered seating and views towards Wallis Lake
• Main experience: Tasting Sydney Rock Oysters, fresh seafood and modern Australian dishes overlooking the lake

A rainy day can be the perfect excuse to slow down and experience the local seafood scene. Overlooking Wallis Lake, Thirty Three Degrees is a waterfront restaurant known for its Sydney Rock Oysters, seafood dishes and relaxed modern Australian dining.

Settle in for a leisurely lunch, share a selection of seafood dishes and enjoy the lake views from the comfort of an indoor table. The restaurant’s connection to Wallis Lake oyster farming also makes it a natural stop for travellers interested in oyster tasting in Forster–Tuncurry.

Booking ahead is recommended during weekends and holiday periods, particularly if you prefer indoor seating when rain is forecast.

How to Plan a Rainy Day in Forster

The easiest way to make the most of wet weather is to choose activities that suit your group and keep travel between venues manageable. Rather than trying to visit every indoor attraction, plan one main activity, a relaxed meal and a flexible backup option.

• For families, an indoor play session at Forster Kids Spot or a swim at Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre is a good starting point for younger children. Families with older children can choose bowling, laser skirmish or an active session at Big Air Indoor Bike Park before finishing the afternoon at the cinema.
• For couples, a visit to Forster Gallery or the Great Lakes Museum can be combined with a relaxed lunch at one of the area’s restaurants in Forster or Tuncurry. Stockland Forster is also a useful backup if you need shopping, groceries or a casual café stop.

Remember to check opening hours and book popular sessions in advance, especially during school holidays. If conditions improve, move your coastal walks around Forster to a clearer day rather than attempting slippery trails or exposed headlands. A flexible three-day Forster itinerary also makes it easier to balance indoor experiences with beaches, lake activities and outdoor sightseeing.

Where to Stay in Forster When the Weather Is Uncertain

A comfortable holiday rental can make all the difference when rain changes your plans. Staying in central Forster accommodation keeps you close to cafés, shops, restaurants and several indoor attractions, while Tuncurry is a practical base for visitors planning cinema sessions, museum visits or time at Big Air Indoor Bike Park.

For families and groups, choosing family accommodation in Forster with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, Wi-Fi and comfortable living areas can make wet-weather days much easier. You can prepare meals, play board games, enjoy a movie night or relax indoors until conditions improve.

Forster Accommodation Centre offers locally managed holiday rentals across Forster and Tuncurry, from centrally located apartments to spacious family homes. Compare locations, amenities and guest capacity to find a comfortable base for your holiday, and book directly with our local team.

FAQs About Things to Do in Forster When It Rains

What Are the Best Indoor Activities in Forster?

Some of the best indoor activities include bowling and mini golf at Forster Entertainment Centre, swimming at Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre, children’s play at Forster Kids Spot and browsing local art at Forster Gallery.

What Can Families Do in Forster on a Rainy Day?

Families can visit Forster Kids Spot, enjoy an indoor swim, play tenpin bowling or catch a movie in nearby Tuncurry. Big Air Indoor Bike Park is another option for older children and teenagers who enjoy BMX riding, scootering and skating.

Is There an Indoor Swimming Pool in Forster?

Yes. Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre at 55 Lake Street has a heated 25-metre indoor pool, a toddler pool, spa and sauna. Casual swimming entry is available, although access may vary during scheduled lessons and other activities.

Are There Free Things to Do in Forster When It Rains?

Free indoor options are more limited than outdoor attractions. Browsing Stockland Forster or visiting Forster Library during its opening hours are practical choices. Local art exhibitions or community activities may also provide free or low-cost options, depending on current admission arrangements.

Is There a Cinema in Forster–Tuncurry?

Yes. Great Lakes Cinema 3 is located in Tuncurry, at the corner of Manning and Lake Streets, just across the bridge from Forster. It offers indoor movie screenings throughout the week, subject to the current session schedule.

Do You Need to Book Rainy Day Activities in Advance?

Advance booking is recommended for bowling, laser skirmish, Big Air riding sessions and popular movie screenings, particularly during NSW school holidays and weekends. Smaller attractions such as Forster Gallery and the Great Lakes Museum have more limited opening hours, so always check before visiting.

Should You Cancel Outdoor Activities if Rain Is Forecast?

Not necessarily. Light showers may clear during the day, allowing time for short outings when conditions are safe. However, heavy rain, thunderstorms and rough surf can make beaches, rock pools and coastal walks dangerous. Keep your itinerary flexible and check local weather conditions before heading outside.