Population 13,116 (2011 census) Time zone AEST (UTC+10) Region Mid North Coast Postal code 2428 | Postcode(s) 2428 LGA(s) Mid-Coast Council Elevation 6 m Local time Wednesday 11:26 AM | |
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Location 308 km (191 mi) NNE of Sydney
166 km (103 mi) NNE of Newcastle Weather 28°C, Wind E at 24 km/h, 66% Humidity Points of interest Booti Booti National Park, Port Stephens, Cape Hawke lookout, Bennetts Head Lookout, Forster Main Beach | ||
Forster is a coastal town in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, in the Mid-Coast Council LGA, about 308 km (191 mi) north-north-east of Sydney. It is immediately adjacent to its twin, Tuncurry, which is the smaller of the two towns. The usual local pronunciation of the name is "Foster".
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Map of Forster NSW 2428, Australia
At the 2011 census, the Forster-Tuncurry area had a population of 18,904 people, while the permanent population of Forster alone was 13,116.
History
Forster is named after William Forster, who was briefly Premier of New South Wales and who later served as Agent-General in London. The first post office in Forster opened on 1 October 1872, with John Wyllie Breckenridge as postmaster at a salary of £10 a year.
Tourism
Because of its close proximity to Sydney, just under 4 hours drive, Forster-Tuncurry has established itself as a popular summer holiday destination; in the hotter months the population increases considerably.
The school holidays in the colder months also bring a considerable number of holidaymakers. Forster-Tuncurry is predominantly a family holiday location with large lakes and white sandy beaches. Notable nearby attractions the Bicentennial Trail, Cape Hawke, and Booti Booti National Park.
The most popular beaches are Forster Main Beach and One Mile Beach, serviced by Forster and Cape Hawke Surf Lifesaving Clubs respectively. Pebbly Beach is popular with local surfers.
The relatively small Forster SLSC achieved national recognition in 1996 when their under-18 beach sprint relay team won gold at the Australian Championships.
Clubs
Forster has a range of sporting clubs in the area.