Swimming Hole Heaven
← Back stroke Next swim →

The Tanks
Forster, New South Wales

Hide in the sodden trenches behind a long, jagged line of rocks as the surf explodes overhead, or splash about in the gentle shallows when the tide retreats and you can claim victory and peace once again for Forster, against the marauding tanks now somewhere beyond the horizon. Swimming at The Tanks, Forster Above: The beach entry to The Tanks at the bottom of the steps (Order this image)

When I turned up at The Tanks, I was expecting maybe an outline of tank shaped rock formations. The long line of rocks that run parallel to the shore resembled more of a battleship than a line of tanks.
So I wandered into the water, thinking that someone's imagination with rocks had gotten the better of them, when BOOM! There was a blast overhead and I had to take cover. The surf had breached the rock wall and sent water raining down in every direction. Swimming at The Tanks, Forster Above: An explosion at the southern end of The Tanks in Forster (Order this image)

At high tide with a decent swell, The Tanks was pretty rough, and not really swimmable because of the currents moving rapidly along the channel and the regular incursions of water bombs from above. There were also a lot of submerged rocks in parts that were harder to see when the water was frothy and churned up.
However when the tide is lower and the seas calmer, the shallow pool is popular for swimming, with the rock wall providing protection from onshore winds and the ocean, with the occasional wave going over the top being more of novelty and entertainment value than posing a regular threat. The northern end of The Tanks is sandier, with the southern end a bit deeper but also rockier for a little bit of snorkelling. Swimming at The Tanks, Forster Above: The perfect spot for any four-star General to watch The Tanks at Forster (Order this image)

The Tanks are entertaining to watch from the shore regardless of the tides, with several park benches overlooking the beach from the elevated, gravel walking path, particularly when the water is spilling down over the rocks in different places like little waterfalls, to the left and right.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: Opposite 88 Head St, Forster, 1 km east of the Forster town centre and 320 km (approx. 3.5 hour drive) north of Sydney
Latitude:-32.179665 Longitude:152.522220
Getting there: From the Pacific Hwy (A1) exit at Failford Road to Darawank, then head south along The Lakes Way into Forster. Once in Forster, continue through the town along Head St until you reach the roadside parking for The Tanks. It is a 100 metre walk from the parking area, across the foreshore lawn, to The Tanks.

Facilities: Park benches, rubbish bins, car park, one sheltered picnic table, outdoor showers, public toilets (about 100 metres to the west), lawn area
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Cool to mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Rock, sand
Maximum water depth: Mostly less than 1 metre at low tide
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Inexperienced swimmers (under supervision) can swim here at low tide when the sea is calm. Experienced swimmers only at other times.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No glass, no littering, no motorcycles, no unauthorised vehicles, no dogs.
Sun shade: No shade in or out of the water apart from one sheltered picnic table
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: The foreshore from the carpark to the top of The Tanks is flat, grassy and open. There are steps from the foreshore down to the water. Wheelchair accessible toilets.
Managing authority: Mid Coast Council
Nearby attractions: Formal ocean and estuary pools at Forster Ocean Baths and Little Street Baths, both of which are in Forster.
Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information. Specific to this site, the managing authority warns that there can be high surf, that the area can be hazardous, and that there is no lifesaving service here. Unlike other ocean pools, there are no sides on this natural rock pool, so it is possible to be swept out into the ocean in rough seas.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the steps down to The Tanks. 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:

If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming spot, please fill in the comment box below. I am particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc. All fields are required if you would like your comments published on this website.

Your name:

Your email:

From (city, country):

Your zipcode:

Your comment:

I consent to having these comments published on this website (note: your email address is not published).



← Back stroke Next swim →
NSW / ACT NSW Nth Coast
Water Safety Map
Links Your Support
List of Lists Suggest a Swim
Community, Media, Research

Share this swim:

Follow my updates on new swimming, waterfall and splash park experiences:
© Brad Neal 2026. All rights reserved. Swimming Hole Heaven is a registered trademark. Here is my affiliate links and cookies policy and opportunities to provide support to Swimming Hole Heaven.