The Best Hotels and Places to Stay in Forster, New South Wales

A two-minute walk from Wallis Lake and five minutes from downtown, this hotel in Forster makes for the perfect beachy escape. Modern rooms with kitchenettes are set out motel-style, around a resort pool. Upgrade to the deluxe queen spa room for an indulgent spa bath. Being so close to the town centre means restaurants, bars and shops are all nearby.

Locations don’t get much better than this. It’s the only Forster hotel to bag a spot directly on the beachfront, allowing you to wander barefoot from your hotel room straight onto the soft sand of Forster Beach. Bright and airy rooms with balconies overlook the sea; even standards have a partial sea view from the side. You’re in the heart of town here, so beach cafes, restaurants and shopping streets are footsteps away.

This set of well-spaced bungalows and villas provide self-catering spots for up to seven people. The tranquil property on the shores of Wallis Lake means plenty of lake and outdoor activities to keep families and groups entertained – a huge free-form swimming pool, pedal bikes for hire, a game room and a barbecue area are available. Each bungalow or villa has a veranda so that you can watch the sunset over the lake in peace.

These apartments have town or beach views, so you know you have the best of both worlds. Each apartment is an attractive medley of gallery-white walls and kitchens packed with high-spec appliances and granite countertops. Every apartment has a private balcony off the living area for al fresco dining. This one’s a great option for those arriving by car, as each apartment comes with an underground parking space.

It doesn’t get more idyllic than a clapboard cabin on the riverfront. Those watching the pennies can opt for a standard cabin. If not, splash out on a riverfront spot with a veranda. Serenity is what it’s all about here, on the edge of a nature reserve, 12km (7mi) from Forster. There’s plenty to do on-site, with a private boat ramp, activity rooms, a waterfall-fed swimming pool and playgrounds, and the powdery Nine Mile Beach is a 12-minute drive away.

If you’re looking for a car-friendly place to stay, the Golden Sands Motor Inn is for you. As the name suggests, it’s a short walk to the golden sands of Forster Beach, and the town centre is a five-minute walk. The wide selection of coastal-themed rooms takes all guests into account. Pick budget rooms for two or queen rooms with kitchenettes, allowing for a little culinary independence. There’s even a three-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen up for grabs and a pool everyone will love.

Families with kids will love this old-school holiday park with a pirate theme. The Peglegs entertainment complex hosts various events, and there’s also a lagoon-like pool, organised activities for kids and play parks aplenty. Bures, cottages and cabins provide self-catering accommodation spaced out across lush tropical gardens. There are a handful of restaurants and cafes on-site for tropical juices or Oz beers and outdoor kitchens for dining in the fresh air.

If it’s boho, beachy luxury you seek, Astina Suites Forster is the place for you. Walls of glass brighten the living spaces of these lavish apartments with sleek white kitchens and raw wood accents adding to the beachy vibe. Glass-fronted balconies overlook the ocean and offer outdoor dining to boot. There’s also private parking available.