One of the biggest perks of staying at Tiona Holiday Park is just how close you are to the action – while still having your own private pocket of peace to come home to. Nestled between the beach and the southern shores of Wallis Lake, Tiona is the kind of place where you can wake up to the sound of waves, enjoy a slow coffee under the gum trees, and then, with just a 15-minute drive north, find yourself in the vibrant coastal hub of Forster.
Forster is a town where pristine beaches, buzzing cafés, boutique shops, and glistening waterways combine to create the perfect day trip destination. Whether you’re chasing a foodie adventure, a morning of beach-hopping, or simply a change of pace, this guide will help you make the most of your time – before returning to the stillness and natural beauty of Tiona.
Wake Up with Forster’s Coffee Culture
Your Forster adventure should start the same way the locals do – with a really good coffee. Tartt Café is a long-standing favourite, serving not only excellent coffee but also hearty breakfasts that will keep you fuelled for the day ahead. Think smashed avo with a twist, fluffy pancakes, and perfectly poached eggs.
For something quick but expertly brewed, Wingman Espresso is a hole-in-the-wall gem where baristas know their craft. And if you like your caffeine with a side of ocean breeze, Beach Bums Café sits right on the sand, serving up rich brews and freshly baked pastries with sweeping views of Main Beach.
Explore Forster’s Famous Beaches
Forster is spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches, and the best way to enjoy them is to pack your swimmers, a towel, and a spirit of adventure.
Main Beach is the heart of the town, complete with an ocean bath that’s perfect for a calm morning swim. Just around the headland, you’ll find Pebbly Beach, known for its rock pools and snorkelling opportunities. For a sweeping golden arc of sand backed by lush dunes, head to One Mile Beach, a favourite for surfers and sunbathers alike.
If you prefer somewhere quieter, Burgess Beach is a hidden treasure tucked between rocky headlands. Accessible via a short walking track, it offers clear turquoise water, sheltering rocks, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the main tourist spots.
See Wallis Lake from a New Angle
Tiona sits on the peaceful southern shores of Wallis Lake, where the water laps gently against the sand and sunsets paint the sky in pastel hues. But crossing over to Forster offers a completely different perspective.
The northern side of the lake buzzes with activity – fishing boats heading out, families enjoying picnics, and waterfront restaurants serving up freshly caught oysters and prawns. A must-do is the Forster-Tuncurry Breakwall Walk. Stroll along the seawall and keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the channel. On a calm day, the water here is so clear you can see fish darting below the surface.
If you’re feeling adventurous, hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the lake up close. It’s the perfect way to spot birdlife, explore hidden coves, and appreciate the scale of this stunning waterway.
Indulge in a Long Lunch
By the time midday rolls around, Forster’s dining scene offers plenty of tempting choices. For fresh, local seafood, Beach Street Seafood is a no-fuss favourite, while The Sicilian pairs Italian classics with beautiful ocean views. If you’re after something light and fresh, Si Senorita serves modern Mexican with a coastal twist – think fish tacos and zingy margaritas.
Prefer a picnic? Grab some takeaway fish and chips or fresh local oysters from the co-op, then find a shady spot by the lake or beach to enjoy them at your own pace.
Shop, Stroll, and Discover
After lunch, take a wander through Forster’s town centre. You’ll find boutique clothing stores, homewares, surf shops, and weekend markets (check the calendar for times). Pick up a handmade gift, some beachwear, or a jar of locally made jam to take back to Tiona. The relaxed pace of browsing is all part of the holiday charm.
If you’re travelling with kids, a stop at Forster Main Beach Ocean Baths for an afternoon splash is a winner, or head to Bicentennial Park where they can run off some energy while you soak up the views.
Return to Tiona’s Tranquility
As the sun starts to sink lower in the sky, it’s time to leave Forster behind – but not without taking a little of its energy back with you. Driving the short stretch back to Tiona Holiday Park, you’ll feel the shift almost instantly. The bustle fades, the traffic thins, and you’re once again surrounded by the whisper of the lake and the crash of the ocean.
Back at your cabin, campsite, or beachfront villa, you can unwind completely. Maybe you’ll take a late-afternoon swim in Wallis Lake, stretch out with a book on the sand, or fire up the BBQ for an easy dinner. As dusk falls and the stars begin to appear, you’ll be reminded why Tiona is so special – it gives you the best of both worlds. Spend the day exploring, tasting, and adventuring in Forster, then return to the peace, quiet, and natural beauty that makes your holiday truly restful.
