The Australian Bucket List

New South Wales

ForsterThe perfect base from which to explore the beautiful Great Lakes region, a special haven for water sports, bushwalking and houseboat holidays. Forster serves up terrific scuba diving, as well as whalwatching and dolphin cruises.

Whether you are looking for swimming, surfing, fishing, family friendly, pet friendly or 4WD – there is a beach for you surrounding Forster Tuncurry. From the seclusion of Nine or Seven Mile to the great surfing on One Mile to the perfect spot for the kids in the bull ring ocean baths. Beaches here face east, south and north so regardless of the weather you are assured a great beach.

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Things to do

Go scuba diving!

Dive Forster, Barrington Coast’s only PADI Dive Centre has been operating since 1982. They have some of the best Grey Nurse Shark aggregation sites on our shores, amongst a whole lot of other critters! Learn to SCUBA Dive, continue your diving education or join them on one of their day charters in the Great Lakes - Port Stephens Marine Park. The pristine waters of the Barrington Coast offer incredible sites for novice to experienced divers. Explore what’s under the surface with Dive Forster today! A bit about their region: The Barrington Coast spans a whopping 10,000 square kilometres and boasts the world heritage listed Barrington Tops at its highest point. The region is famous for its forests, waterways and beaches as well as its 15 national parks and 63 state forests, nature reserves and conservation areas. The fertile lands are watered by 38 rivers including the only double delta in the southern hemisphere and the state's tallest single drop waterfall at 200 metres. The Barrington Coast also enjoys a pristine triple lakes system and over 190 kilometres of absolutely stunning coastline

Visit Booti Booti National Park

Made up of an eight-kilometre peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and stunning Wallis Lake, Booti Booti National Park was created in 1992 and covers 1,566 hectares of scenic headlands, beautiful beaches, refreshing rainforest, and 11 kilometres of estuarine foreshore right next to Forster. The name comes from “butibuti,” the local Worimi Aboriginal word meaning “plenty of honey.” Plenty is certainly a common theme here – plenty of hiking, swimming, birdwatching, and whale watching in the winter as they migrate along the coast. There are plenty of opportunities to settle down in a picnic spot beneath the paperbarks, and plenty of surfing and mountain biking for the young at heart. The beaches are an enduring favourite, with families and sun-lovers turning weekends into energetic gatherings. Add in terrific driving tours and some truly stunning lookouts like the one at Cape Hawke, and you have a park that appeals across the board. Booti Booti has plenty for everyone.

Go dolphin and whale watching!

The Amaroo is easily the largest, fastest and most comfortable cruise vessel operating in the Forster/Tuncurry area. It's renowned as one of the best-designed cruise boats on the east coast of Australia for watching whales and dolphins. With three different viewing decks and an abundance of space, you are assured of an unobstructed, 360-degree view of all marine life. Comfortable seating inside and out, as well as a completely enclosed cabin, allows for maximum comfort no matter what the weather. A full commentary by one of their experienced marine naturalists is given throughout the cruise over their clear PA System. About the region: The Barrington Coast spans over 10,000 square kilometres and boasts the world heritage listed Barrington Tops at its highest point. The region is famous for its forests, waterways and beaches as well as its 15 national parks and 63 state forests, nature reserves and conservation areas. Their fertile lands are watered by 38 rivers including the only double delta in the southern hemisphere and the state's tallest single drop waterfall at 200 metres. The Barrington Coast also enjoys a pristine triple lakes system and over 190 kilometres of absolutely stunning coastline.

Hire a boat and explore the Great Lakes

Great Lakes Boat Hire delivers the next generation of water leisure products and premium hire equipment direct to you at great prices. They carry the newest, most innovative and exclusive fleet of barbecue Boats/Fishing Boats, Crystal Clear Transparent Kayaks and Downunder Paddle boards for hire and sale. They service Forster, Pacific Palms, Smiths Lake and Seal Rocks/Myall Lake so you are not restricted to one location and can explore your favourite destination or they can recommend the perfect adventure to suit your age, request and or skill level. Full training is provided and no boat licence is required. You have unlimited possibilities to explore one of the best kept natural wonders of Australia and the endless lake and river systems in the Great Lakes region with Great Lakes Boat Hire. Whether you want to catch one of the many species of local fish, swim with the dolphins, explore the local islands, or just laze around on the water in your own private luxury barbecue boat they have you covered regardless of age or skill level.

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