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Forster Ocean BathsForster, New South Wales
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Frolic in the sandy shallows, swim long laps, or follow fish darting along the back wall in this large ocean pool that has something for everyone. I think this is
arguably Australia's best all-round ocean pool for its diversity of swimming options.
Above: A calm, quiet afternoon at Forster Ocean Baths
(Order this image)
Step off the beach into the warm and gently sloping shallows, then wade up to your knees or waist to supervise kids on rubber rings, have a game of catch or water tiggy, or to chase the juvenile fish camouflaged against the sand. There's also a wheelchair accessible ramp into the water, or step ladders that lead straight into deep water.
After the gradual entry, the pool is surprisingly deep towards the back wall with lap lengths up to 60 metres possible alongside the wall. There is a formal 50 metre lap length in the 6 lanes along the southern (right) section of the pool.
The Forster-Tuncurry mud crabs swim here every Sunday at 9am over
the winter months from May to September if you are looking for a regular social swim here.
Above: The view along the coastline at Forster Ocean Baths, with the 50 metre lap swimming area in the foreground
(Order this image)
According to the information board on site, water flushes through the pool at high tide via a sediment trap. The water in the pool appeared quite clean on my visits here.
The back and the northern side wall of the pool are covered in barnacles that make for a fascinating snorkel with great visibility, particularly in the back left corner of the pool,
where I drifted above several different species of fish. I am so glad that the local council has left this underwater ecosystem intact on its scheduled pool cleaning days, when
the pool is drained and scrubbed once or twice per month.
Above: The undercover picnic facilities at Forster Ocean Baths
(Order this image)
Out of the water there is the beach, and lawn areas behind the beach and along the side of the pool, with several picnic tables and public bbqs that I am sure would get very busy in summer. If you are spending extended time here, bring your sunscreen and shade shelter, as shade is limited outside of the sheltered picnic table area.
Here is a video of swimming at Forster Ocean Baths, including footage of what to expect under the water.
View Larger Map
Above: A calm, quiet afternoon at Forster Ocean Baths
(Order this image)
Step off the beach into the warm and gently sloping shallows, then wade up to your knees or waist to supervise kids on rubber rings, have a game of catch or water tiggy, or to chase the juvenile fish camouflaged against the sand. There's also a wheelchair accessible ramp into the water, or step ladders that lead straight into deep water.
After the gradual entry, the pool is surprisingly deep towards the back wall with lap lengths up to 60 metres possible alongside the wall. There is a formal 50 metre lap length in the 6 lanes along the southern (right) section of the pool.
Above: The view along the coastline at Forster Ocean Baths, with the 50 metre lap swimming area in the foreground
(Order this image)
According to the information board on site, water flushes through the pool at high tide via a sediment trap. The water in the pool appeared quite clean on my visits here.
Above: The undercover picnic facilities at Forster Ocean Baths
(Order this image)
Out of the water there is the beach, and lawn areas behind the beach and along the side of the pool, with several picnic tables and public bbqs that I am sure would get very busy in summer. If you are spending extended time here, bring your sunscreen and shade shelter, as shade is limited outside of the sheltered picnic table area.
Here is a video of swimming at Forster Ocean Baths, including footage of what to expect under the water.
Other Information Before You Go:
Location: North Street, directly opposite West Street, Forster, 320 km (approx. 3.5 hour drive) north of Sydney
Latitude:-32.178267 Longitude:152.514579
Getting there: From the Pacific Hwy (A1) north of Nabiac, take Failford Road or The Lakes Way to Forster. After crossing the bridge into Forster, continue along Head St and turn left (east) at West St. The car parking area for Forster Ocean Baths is at the end of West St.
Facilities: Sheltered picnic tables, sheltered public bbqs, unsheltered picnic tables, lawn, public toilets, showers, change rooms, sandy beach, pool entry ramp, rubbish bins, drinking fountain, small car park.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Sand
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Inexperienced swimmers (under supervision) can swim in the shallow end of the pool
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No diving, no running, no bombing, no dogs, no smoking, no glass or alcohol
Sun shade: No shade in the water. A small shaded area underneath the picnic shelters.
Opening times: Always open except when the pool is drained and cleaned by the local council on scheduled cleaning days around one to two days per month.
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible paths, priority parking space for the disabled. There is a wheelchair accessible ramp into the water but you need to access it from the side, as there is a ten metre section of beach sand in the way if approaching the ramp from the front.
Accommodation Options: See my accommodation suggestions close to Forster Ocean Baths, including some properties directly across the road from the baths.
Managing authority: MidCoast Council
Nearby attractions: Little Street Baths in the Breckenridge Channel on the other side of Forster, and the Tuncurry Rock Pool over the bridge in Tuncurry.
Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information. Specific to this site, the managing authority advises that there is
no lifeguard on duty, that there is both deep and shallow water, with the possibility of marine life (stingers) and high surf.
Latitude:-32.178267 Longitude:152.514579
Getting there: From the Pacific Hwy (A1) north of Nabiac, take Failford Road or The Lakes Way to Forster. After crossing the bridge into Forster, continue along Head St and turn left (east) at West St. The car parking area for Forster Ocean Baths is at the end of West St.
Facilities: Sheltered picnic tables, sheltered public bbqs, unsheltered picnic tables, lawn, public toilets, showers, change rooms, sandy beach, pool entry ramp, rubbish bins, drinking fountain, small car park.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Sand
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Inexperienced swimmers (under supervision) can swim in the shallow end of the pool
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No diving, no running, no bombing, no dogs, no smoking, no glass or alcohol
Sun shade: No shade in the water. A small shaded area underneath the picnic shelters.
Opening times: Always open except when the pool is drained and cleaned by the local council on scheduled cleaning days around one to two days per month.
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible paths, priority parking space for the disabled. There is a wheelchair accessible ramp into the water but you need to access it from the side, as there is a ten metre section of beach sand in the way if approaching the ramp from the front.
Accommodation Options: See my accommodation suggestions close to Forster Ocean Baths, including some properties directly across the road from the baths.
Managing authority: MidCoast Council
Nearby attractions: Little Street Baths in the Breckenridge Channel on the other side of Forster, and the Tuncurry Rock Pool over the bridge in Tuncurry.
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the approximate location of the car park in front of this swimming spot. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map
Comments:
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I am particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc.
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