8 Best Things to Do in Forster for Families: Beaches, Walks, Lake Fun & Rainy Day Ideas

Forster is one of the easiest NSW Mid North Coast towns for a family holiday, with beaches, ocean baths, lake activities and short walks all close together. Families can swim at Forster Main Beach, paddle on Wallis Lake, explore coastal lookouts or choose an indoor activity when the weather changes.

This guide covers the best things to do in Forster for families, including relaxed beach days, low-effort nature stops, lake adventures and rainy day options. The list is designed to help parents plan simple outings without long drives or overpacked itineraries.

1. Forster Main Beach and the Ocean Baths

Location: Forster NSW, Australia

Suitable for: Families with young children, casual swimmers, first-time visitors and anyone wanting a central beach day with nearby cafés.

Forster Main Beach is one of the most practical family beaches in town, with seasonal patrols, nearby cafés, toilets and easy access from the town centre. Families can spend time on the sand, swim near the beach or move between the open water and the nearby ocean baths without needing to drive.

The Forster Ocean Baths, also known as the Bull Ring, sit at the southern end of Main Beach and offer a more enclosed place to swim. The sandy entry makes it useful for younger children, while older kids and adults can enjoy the deeper sections when conditions are suitable.

2. Bicentennial Walk

Location: Forster NSW 2428, Australia

Suitable for: Families, casual walkers and older children. Pram-friendly via the alternate North Street and Head Street route.

The Bicentennial Walk links several of Forster’s coastal highlights, including Main Beach, Second Head Lookout, Pebbly Beach, The Tanks and Bennetts Head Lookout. Families can complete a longer section or break the walk into shorter parts by driving to different access points.

This walk works well for families because it offers regular stops, beach views and rock pool areas along the way. Some sections include stairs or steeper paths, so families with prams may prefer the easier street-based alternatives around North Street and Head Street.

3. Wallis Lake Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Location: New South Wales 2428, Australia

Suitable for: Families with children old enough to sit in a kayak, beginners and anyone who enjoys calm-water activities.

Wallis Lake is a good place for families to try kayaking, paddleboarding or relaxed boating close to town. Hire operators around the Forster foreshore offer easy access to the lake, making it simple to plan a short activity without travelling far.

The lake is generally more sheltered than the ocean, but families should still check wind, tides, boat traffic and local conditions before heading out. Choose a calm day and stay close to shore if paddling with younger or less confident children.

Explore more Top 3 Place to Water Ski Near Forster NSW on Your Next Trip

4. One Mile Beach

Location: Forster NSW 2428, Australia (access via Marine Drive or from the Bicentennial Walk)

Suitable for: Families with older children, bodyboarders, surfers and beach walkers.

One Mile Beach is a wide surf beach south of Forster, known for its open sand and large dune at the northern end. Older children often enjoy the dune, beach walks and bodyboarding when conditions are suitable.

Because One Mile Beach is more exposed than Main Beach, it is better suited to confident swimmers and families with older kids. Families with younger children may prefer to visit the sand dune and then choose Main Beach or the Ocean Baths for a calmer swim.

5. Cape Hawke Lookout

Location: Cape Hawke Dr, Forster NSW 2428, Australia 

Suitable for: Families with children comfortable walking uphill, whale watchers (May to November) and visitors who enjoy short nature walks.

Cape Hawke Lookout is a short uphill walk through coastal forest to a viewing tower with wide views over Forster, Wallis Lake and the surrounding coastline. The track includes many steps, so it is best for children who are comfortable walking uphill.

This is a good option when your family wants a break from the beach without committing to a long hike. During whale migration season, it can also be a useful lookout for spotting whales offshore.

6. Tuncurry Rock Pool

Location: Rockpool Rd, Tuncurry NSW 2428, Australia

Suitable for: Families with young children (in the shallows), picnickers and visitors wanting a calmer alternative to surf beaches.

Tuncurry Rock Pool is a netted swimming area beside the breakwall, with sand, grass, a playground and café nearby. It is a convenient family stop because children can move between swimming, playing and eating without leaving the foreshore.

The shallow edge is useful for younger children, but the deeper water near the net can be affected by tidal movement. Parents should supervise closely and check conditions before swimming..

Find out more details about The Best Time To Visit Forster

7. Green Cathedral

Location: 4451 The Lakes Way, Booti Booti NSW 2428, Australia

Suitable for: Families looking for a quiet scenic stop, visitors interested in local history and anyone exploring Booti Booti National Park.

The Green Cathedral is an open-air chapel set among cabbage tree palms near the shores of Wallis Lake. It offers a quiet change of pace from the busier beaches and is easy to combine with a drive through Booti Booti National Park.

Most families will only need a short stop here, especially with younger children. It works best as part of a relaxed half-day outing with nearby lake views, picnic areas or national park scenery..

8. Forster Entertainment Centre

Location: Townsend St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

Suitable for: Families with school-aged children, teenagers and rainy day visitors.

Forster Entertainment Centre is one of the easiest indoor options when the weather is not suitable for the beach. Families can choose from activities such as bowling, mini golf, laser games and arcade-style entertainment.

The venue suits a couple of hours rather than a full-day itinerary, which makes it easy to pair with lunch or a walk around town. Check current opening hours before visiting, especially outside school holidays.

Where to Stay in Forster

Staying centrally in Forster makes a family holiday easier because Main Beach, the Ocean Baths, Wallis Lake and the start of the Bicentennial Walk are all close by. A holiday rental with a kitchen, laundry and enough space for children can also make longer stays more practical.

Forster Accommodation Centre manages more than 115 holiday properties across Forster and Tuncurry, including beachfront apartments, family homes, lakeside stays and larger properties with outdoor areas. 

Book direct with Forster Accommodation Centre to get local advice, choose the right family-friendly stay and save on external booking fees.

FAQs About Things to Do in Forster for Families

Is Forster a good family holiday destination?

Yes, Forster is a good family holiday destination because beaches, lake activities, short walks and indoor attractions are all close together.

What is the best beach in Forster for young children?

Forster Main Beach is the most practical beach for young children because it is patrolled in peak periods and sits next to the enclosed Ocean Baths.

Are there things to do in Forster when it rains?

Yes, families can visit Forster Entertainment Centre, Stockland Forster or the Great Lakes Museum in Tuncurry on rainy days.

Is Wallis Lake safe for children?

Wallis Lake has sheltered areas that can suit children, but parents should supervise closely and check local conditions before swimming.

How far is Big Buzz Fun Park from Forster?

Big Buzz Fun Park is about 20 minutes’ drive north of Forster town centre via The Lakes Way.

Can you do the Bicentennial Walk with a pram?

Parts of the Bicentennial Walk are pram-friendly via alternate street routes, but the full walk includes steeper sections and stairs.