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Forster

Forster is the jewel of the NSW North Coast and the beating heart of the Great Lakes. Drive over the bridge to Forster and you will instantly see why people love coming back. Nestled between Wallis Lake and the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by National and Marine Parks. Within the town there is mainstream and boutique shopping, a huge range of accommodation from private ocean view houses to apartments to motels to lake side camping, award winning restaurants and Clubs, a wide variety of experiences and activities and crystal clear water everywhere. Forster is home to some of the regions biggest events and celebrates the whale watching season each year in spectacular style. The townsite, then originally known as ‘Minimbah’, when first surveyed in 1869 but was renamed Forster in 1870 after William Forster – then secretary of lands and later Premier of New South Wales. Timbergetting, milling, shipbuilding and fishing were the principal industries in the early days with sailing ships then steamships carrying fortnightly cargoes to Sydney. The first oyster lease at Forster was granted in 1884. Forster is now famous for its oysters and is the largest provider of Sydney Rock Oysters in Australia. The 2017 Estimated Resident Population for Forster-Tuncurry is 21,017, with a population density of 4.95 persons per hectare. Source: https://barringtoncoast.com.au/destinations/forster-and-tuncurry


Tuncurry

Where Wallis Lake meets the Tasman Sea, lies the beautiful township of Tuncurry. Here you will find a community connected to the water and living a coastal Australian dream. Tuncurry is bounded by the Wallamba River, Wallis Lake and the Tasman Sea. It boasts a village style atmosphere, with plenty of shopping, activities, large open spaces, accommodation for all budgets and excellent surfing. Tuncurry is the Northern gateway to the Great Lakes and at its heart is the spectacular bridge crossing Wallis Lake to Forster. Tuncurry and Forster have always been connected. Before the completion of the bridge in 1959 there was a punt. The towns still share special events and festivals and have a rich history. If it is fishing you are after then Tuncurry is the place. The town is famous for its fishing, infact the name ‘Tuncurry’ actually means plenty fish in the local indigenous language. From here you can satisfy any fishing dream you have with estuary, river and deep sea fishing all in easy reach. A stay in Tuncurry will relax and inspire you. Guaranteed you will want to come back. Source: https://barringtoncoast.com.au/destinations/forster-and-tuncurry


Green Point

Green Point is a small and unique village on the edge of Wallis Lake mid way between Forster and Pacific Palms. The landscape is dominated by the sand dunes of 7 Mile Beach, Booti Booti National Park and the Wallis Lake broadwater. Within the village you will find B&B’s, cafes and some beautiful homes to rent. Along the shoreline there are walks and an access point for boaties. Nearby is the home of the Great Lakes Sailing Club and the famous Green Cathedral. If you are looking for a secret spot to get back to nature and relax then Green Point is for you. Source: greatlakes.org.au/places/forster-tuncurry/green-point


Pacific Palms

The perfect retreat that will have you coming back for more. Encompassing Blueys, Boomerang and Elizabeth Beaches, Tiona, Coomba, Smiths Lake and Seal Rocks, there is a special charm that draws people to the ‘Palms’. Blessed with sparkling blue waters of the Tasman Sea and Wallis & Smiths Lakes, surrounded by lush rain forest, the area is a place of natural beauty. Named after the majestic cabbage tree palms, Pacific Palms blends with the magnificent Booti Booti and Wallingat National Parks and the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park. Scenic lookouts, secluded coves, hidden beaches, famous surfing, coffee shops, galleries and rainforest walks characterise this amazing wonderland. Combine this with a community in touch with its natural surroundings and you begin to understand why the ‘Palms’ is the perfect retreat that will have you coming back for more. Source: https://barringtoncoast.com.au/destinations/pacific-palms


Elizabeth Beach

At the northern end of Pacific Palms lies Elizabeth Beach. It is a small community nestled within rugged headlands covered with palm forests. The area is bounded by the Booti Booti National Park, Wallis Lake and the Tasman Sea. Sensational walking tracks and two beautiful beaches are the centrepiece of Elizabeth Beach. Both beaches face North and offer well protected swimming. Elizabeth beach is the only patrolled beach in Pacific Palms and Shelly Beach is a clothing optional beach so don’t be surprised when you arrive. The trails around the area are blessed with some of the best views in the region. The area has a generous amount of accommodation options catering for those wanting luxury to those happy to camp. There is also the famous Pacific Palms markets once a month. A visit to Elizabeth Beach will provide that break from ‘day to day’ life and give you a chance to breathe again. Source: https://barringtoncoast.com.au/destinations/pacific-palms


Boomerang Beach

Boomerang Beach is Pacific Palms best surfing beach, with rock ledges helping to form great waves. It plays host to major surfing competitions each year and is a magnet for surfers. The beach is actually ‘boomerang’ shaped and is ideal for swimming with protection from prevailing winds at either end. Away from the beach you will find some of the best private holiday homes on the east coast of Australia. In summer this is where Sydney’s rich come to play but this region is renowned for its fantastic climate so anytime of the year is a good time to stay. The area also has a beachside resort and local shops offering everything you will need for that perfect holiday. Pack your boards and bikes and head to Boomerang Beach for that surfing escape. Source: https://barringtoncoast.com.au/destinations/pacific-palms


Blueys Beach

Alongside Boomerang Beach is Blueys Beach completing the trifecta of perfect surfing beaches in Pacific Palms. No matter the time of year you are guaranteed a good wave. Rumour has it Blueys Beach gained its name from a cows misadventure on the hill leading up to Yarric Mountain on the Southern end of Blueys. So close to Pacific Palms the area has a wide range of accommodation options ranging from motel to camp sites to luxury homes and plenty of dining options as well. Source: https://barringtoncoast.com.au/destinations/pacific-palms


Smiths Lake

In between the Wallis and Myall Lakes is the smaller but just as majestic Smiths Lake. Offering warm calm waters separated from the ocean by an impressive sandbar formation. The lake has catchment of 32 square kilometres and a waterway area of 11 square kilometres. Some three quarters of the catchment is forested or waterway. Smiths Lake village is located on the Northern shore of the lake and has a range of places to stay with some offering brilliant water views. There is also a lakeside caravan and camping park offering remote sites. Within the village and lakeside there are coffee shops, boat hire and Pacific Palms restaurants are only 10 minutes away. Source: https://barringtoncoast.com.au/destinations/smiths-lake


Coomba Park

Coomba Park is located on Wallis Lake and borders on to the Wallingat National Park. This friendly village offers peace and tranquility miles away from the stresses of everyday city life. There are holiday homes to rent and trails and lake to explore. The village has a large resident kangaroo population and is actually closer to Forster Tuncurry by boat that it is by car. Coomba celebrates Australia Day each year with its famous raft race and is also a transition for the Forster Adventure Race. Source: greatlakes.org.au/places/pacific-palms/coomba


Seal Rocks

When you drive into Seal Rocks you will know what all the fuss is about – the view is breathtaking. Seal Rocks is a small, sleepy and isolated fishing village in the middle of the Great Lakes coastline. Its fame rests largely on the beautiful Sugarloaf Point lighthouse and the sense of isolation it enjoys. Seal Rocks has a unique warm inviting atmosphere. The village is one of the few remaining coastal villages to have avoided major development, so you will experience a truly relaxing and uninterrupted stay. Here you are a stranger only once and you’ll soon be part of the Seal Rocks family. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean there are beach options to suit all and the diving is not to be missed as it is one of the few places to see a grey nurse shark. The well known lighthouse is a short walk from the village. It is a brilliant spot to sit and watch the whales passing by and soak up the amazing view! Source: https://barringtoncoast.com.au/destinations/seal-rocks-and-myall-lakes


Tiona

Nestled on the Northern end of Pacific Palms at the start of 7 Mile Beach you will find Tiona. Here there is only a small stretch of sand separating the Pacific Ocean and Wallis Lake. With two camp grounds to chose from as well as cabin and van sites. This is a perfect spot to spend a few days lazing by the lake or surfing. Tiona is also home to The Green Cathedral. This majestic open-air sanctuary is a special feature of the Great Lakes. This beautiful place with rough timbered pews and wooden lectern is situated under a canopy of cabbage tree palms, on the shores of Wallis Lake. This alfresco cathedral is regularly used for weddings, worship, blessings, baptisms and funeral services. Connecting Tiona to Elizabeth Beach is a spectacular cliff trail or a flat lakeside track. Source: greatlakes.org.au/places/pacific-palms/tiona


Failford

 


Darawank

 


Tallwoods Village

 


Rainbow Flat

 


Gloucester