Summary
At the tip of the Great Lakes of New South Wales, Tuncurry is one of a pair of twin towns, connected to its counterpart Forster by an impressive bridge.
Regarding the extensive range of activities, Tuncurry is indeed exceptional.
The pristine waters of Wallis Lake are abundant with fish and yield some of the freshest oysters available.
Beaches of various shapes and sizes cater to tourists, while others are surrounded solely by dense coastal rainforest.
In just a few minutes, you will arrive at towering cliffs adorned with lookout points that offer distant views, allowing you to observe humpback whales breaching and exhaling plumes of mist during the winter months.
1. Wallis Lake
Tuncurry and Forster face each other across the inlet of a vast body of water, nourished by several rivers and bordered by extensive stands of littoral rainforest.
Wallis Lake is cherished for its remarkable purity, and the waterways that nourish the lake are populated with oyster farms.
Recreational fishing thrives here, with a variety of species inhabiting the waters, influenced by seasonal changes.
To mention just a few species, anglers can expect to catch grouper, bonito, bream, black kingfish, black drummer, bluefin tuna, yellowfin, tailor, and drummer.
In some areas, Wallis Lake is invigorated by ocean breezes, making it perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while paddlers on a canoe or kayak adventure may encounter bottlenose dolphins.
On land, Booti Booti and Wallingat National Parks encircle the lake, boasting rainforest-covered hills and nature-rich wetlands that are ideal for birdwatching and hiking.
2. Nine Mile Beach
Beginning at the breakwater on the Tuncurry side, this magnificent, unpatrolled beach unfolds in a gentle arc for 11.7 kilometers (approximately eight miles, despite the name). Sitting on Nine Mile Beach presents few signs of development, apart from the breakwater.
The southern end offers the simplest access point, and 4WD vehicles are permitted if you wish to venture further up the beach where the waves are more conducive to surfing.
Given the vast expanse of Nine Mile Beach, it is also dog-friendly.
Canines may roam off-leash to the north of the 4WD access track, while leashed dogs are permitted early and late in the day at the southernmost section.
3. Tuncurry Rock Pool
Located within the northern breakwater where Wallis Lake meets the ocean, this prized swimming spot features perfect white sands, caressed by Wallis Lake’s crystal-clear waters.
The 100-meter beach is unpatrolled, yet the entrance to this manmade cove is safeguarded by a safety net to prevent swimmers from encountering difficulties, as the drop-off into the inlet is steep.
Although the waters at the Rock Pool are typically calm, they are influenced by the tidal activity of Wallis Lake, resulting in occasionally strong currents.
For those preferring to relax on the shore, this location is ideal for cooling off your feet and lounging on the sand, with the Tuncurry Rock Pool Cafe conveniently situated among the lawns at the rear.
4. Whale and Dolphin Watching
From June to August, humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic, undertaking a long journey along Australia’s east coast to breed and give birth.
Later in the winter and early spring, these majestic creatures make the return journey accompanied by their calves.
Despite growing up to 16 meters long and weighing as much as 30 tons, humpbacks are renowned for their acrobatic displays and often swim close to the shore.
Forster-Tuncurry ranks among the premier destinations in Australia for spotting humpbacks from land.
To witness them in the water, you may opt for Amaroo Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises, which operates a state-of-the-art vessel outfitted with spacious observation decks and guarantees sightings of whales between June and November.
A lively pod of approximately 300 bottlenose dolphins also inhabits these waters and can be observed on tours throughout the year.
5. Cape Hawke Lookout
One of the spectacular land-based whale watching locations in Forster-Tuncurry, this 8.5-meter tower offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean at Cape Hawke.
The cape is located just within the northern boundaries of Booti Booti National Park and provides a full panorama of the park’s distinctive hills, extending inland to the Barrington Tops and across Wallis Lake to Wallingat National Park.
The trail leading to the lookout is remarkable as well, winding through dense rainforest.
Be sure to bring binoculars and a camera, not only for whale sightings, but also to capture images of seabirds such as terns and pelicans inhabiting the coastline.
6. Colin Wren Oysters
Oyster farming represents a significant industry in Forster-Tuncurry, ranking just behind tourism.
It is definitely worthwhile to observe this industry firsthand, which can be done at Colin Wren Oysters from September through May.
The farm, now operated by its second generation, boasts a scenic setting overlooking the islands in the estuary and is accessible on foot from the center of Tuncurry.
Colin Wren provides guided tours of the oyster beds, detailing the entire process involved in harvesting oysters, “from seed to shuck.” Naturally, you will have the opportunity to sample the harvest, trying mature oysters freshly taken from the water.
Colin will even demonstrate how to shuck oysters if you require assistance, making it difficult to leave without a bag full of exceptionally fresh, plump oysters.
7. John Wright Park
This park, situated on the estuary in Tuncurry, is named in honor of John Wright (1835-1910), the town’s first European settler.
Wright arrived in 1875 and established a timber and shipbuilding business.
The park occupies the grounds of the shipyard and sawmill he founded; the area was designated for public recreation and named after him in 1962. Throughout the year, it serves as a picturesque venue where visitors can admire the bridge and gaze across to Forster.
Facilities include a barbecue area, picnic shelters, and a bandstand that hosts various public events.
During Christmas, a carnival sets up in the park, where you can also enjoy Carols by Candlelight and New Year’s Eve fireworks during the festive season.
8. Great Lakes Museum
At the northern gateway to NSW’s Great Lakes, visitors can acquire knowledge about these water bodies, their cultural history, and the evolution of settlements along their shores.
You will learn about the Biripi and Worimi people, whose ties to the Great Lakes date back thousands of years and who relied on fishing, leaving behind piles of shells (middens) along the coastline.
Their descendants continue to reside in the Forster-Tuncurry area.
The museum features information and artifacts detailing the timber and shipbuilding industries that developed on the northern shore of Wallis Lake at the end of the 19th century, along with the construction of the iconic bridge linking the twin towns, completed in 1959. The Great Lakes Museum is maintained by volunteers and is open Tuesday to Thursday and weekends.
9. Bicentennial Walk
One of the most rewarding activities in Forster-Tuncurry is donning a pair of comfortable walking shoes and traversing the paved path that traces the rugged coastline leading to One Mile Beach.
You can initiate your journey from the estuary shore in Tuncurry, crossing the longest pre-stressed concrete bridge in the Southern Hemisphere to experience the beauty of Wallis Lake.
From the eastern end of Forster Main Beach, the Bicentennial Walk guides you through dense rainforest, featuring lookouts and various other scenic spots.
While heading toward Bennetts Head, a stairway descends to the Tanks, a collection of rock-enclosed pools ideal for safe swimming during low tide.
The trail offers infinite opportunities for captivating photographs and moments of serene contemplation.
10. Bennetts Head Lookout
The most notable segment of the walk occurs as you ascend this headland at the peak of One Mile Beach.
Accompanied by a parking area and a picnic site, Bennetts Head Lookout features three different platforms, the most impressive of which extends out over the cliff edge, offering an unobstructed view down into a ravine.
Here, you can witness the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, and during the winter, you have a strong likelihood of spotting a humpback whale.
If there is an optimal time to visit, it is at dawn, allowing you to witness the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.
11. One Mile Beach
The endpoint of the Bicentennial Coastal Walk, One Mile Beach comes remarkably close to beach perfection.
This beach is patrolled during the summer holidays, its name deriving from its distance to the post office in Tuncurry, and it faces east, absorbing the full force of the Pacific surf.
At the northern end lies Bennetts Head, and along the steep slope down to the beach is a sand dune, inviting sandboarders and casual sliders alike.
The view from the top of the dune, overlooking the beach’s white sands, is stunning, and from this vantage point, it is common to observe Forster-Tuncurry’s resident dolphins frolicking in the emerald-green surf.
12. Forster Main Beach
Located on the Forster side of the breakwater, this welcoming resort beach is flanked by apartment blocks and offers numerous amenities.
Depending on the ocean conditions, Forster Main Beach often provides an optimal surf break, while at times, it may only have gentle ripples.
Forster-Tuncurry’s dolphin pod is regularly seen in these waters, and while the open surf is generally safe for swimming, visitors can also make use of the Forster Ocean Baths, situated beneath the rocks at Second Head.
At the opposite end, you will find the Forster Surf Lifesaving Club and an accompanying café, with numerous local shops, restaurants, bars, and ice cream parlours just a short walk from the beach.
13. Booti Booti National Park
Situated on the southeast side of Forster and encompassing Cape Hawke, Booti Booti National Park encompasses more than 15 square kilometers of protected coastal scenery along a peninsula between the ocean and Wallis Lake.
The park features steep hills, extensive areas of coastal rainforest, dunes, cliffs, stunning beaches, and elevated lookouts perfect for whale watching.
The ecological diversity within the park is remarkable, with over 650 plant species and 210 recorded bird species.
A captivating location is Elizabeth Beach, located at the base of the park’s peninsula, where visitors can enjoy tranquil waters and gaze upon the rounded silhouette of Booti Hill to the north, draped in rainforest and accessible from the beach via a walking trail.
14. Horseabout Tours
The abundance of littoral rainforest and unspoiled coastline surrounding Tuncurry invites the idea of an adventurous horseback excursion.
Horseabout Tours, located right on the town’s outskirts, offers experienced local guides well-versed in the area’s history and ecology.
Participants will ride horses that have been meticulously trained and cared for, with regular rotations to ensure their freshness.
A variety of experiences are available, including beach and rainforest rides of differing lengths, as well as overnight camping trips, kids’ riding camps, and specialized tours featuring wine and cheese tastings, alongside unique sunrise, twilight, and moonlight rides.
15. Tuncurry Markets
On the fourth Saturday of each month, one of the largest markets in the Great Lakes region is held at John Wright Park in Tuncurry.
Operating from 07:00 to 13:00, this event is organized by Marine Rescue Forster-Tuncurry and features over 100 stalls.
There is something for everyone, including arts and crafts, plants, jewelry, fashion, tools, fabric, and much more.
Local musicians provide live entertainment as shoppers browse, while Marine Rescue members fire up a barbecue, offering delicious breakfast options.
