Let the beautiful waters of Wallis Lake wash over you: cruise it, paddle it, snorkel it, you can even pedal it.
Fun on Wallis Lake
The turquoise waters of Wallis Lake make it the most picturesque waterway of the Barrington Coast. Visitors and residents love it, and it's easy to see why.
The holiday towns of Forster and Tuncurry embrace Wallis Lake on the northern shores where it meets the Pacific Ocean. But the lake is big: it's 25km long and at the southern edges you'll find the villages of Green Point, Tiona, Elizabeth Beach, Charlotte Bay and Whoota. On the quiet western shores are Coomba Bay and Coomba Park.
Stretching between these shores, the lake surface is almost 100 square kilometres which is twice the size of Sydney Harbour.
In the Gathang language of the Worimi and Biripi peoples, Daan-gaari (for Tuncurry) means ‘water with silver fish or lot of fish’ and you'll soon see why.
Wallis Lake is an iconic landmark and it comes alive in the summer months with boaters, fishers, paddlers and swimmers. But every season of the year offers a different feeling on the waters here, and you'll love joining the dolphins, rays and turtles that call this lake home.
But who cares if you don't own a boat, or kayak or SUP? Here are some suggestions to explore all the famous spots plus a few of the quieter ones too. Looking for a private cove? Read on.
Join a dolphin spotting cruise with Amaroo Cruises
There's nothing like a cruise for easy sightseeing, especially when the scenery is so beautiful. This dolphin spotting cruise meanders around the quiet water of Wallis Lake, you'll learn about the many rivers, lake ecosystem and rich Aboriginal cultural history. Sit back and enjoy a light afternoon tea while marine naturalists give a detailed commentary. Apart from frollicking dolphin pods, watch the skies for sea eagles, harriers, kites, kestrals and more.
This two hour calm water cruise is ideally suited to those wanting to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in a peaceful, idyllic environment. No rocking? No worries.
Take a lunch cruise or charter the whole boat with Free Spirit Cruises
Offering a range of cruising options, a fully licensed bar plus onboard catering, there's something for everyone aboard Free Spirit. The Wallis Lake Lunch Cruise takes you for a stunning 2.5 hour eco cruise with a two course lunch, frequent dolphin sightings and bird life. If you're looking for a memorable group outing scheduled to suit your needs, then your choices include: Great Lakes Winery Cruise, Wallis Lake Coffee Cruise, Wallamba River Cruise, Coolongolook River Cruise and Pacific Palms Cruise. This is the way to fully explore less visited areas of the lake, the boat is child friendly and is wheelchair accessible. Local pick-up & drop off upon request.
Hire see-through kayaks, pedal boats or stand up paddle boards
Who cares if you can't paddle like a pro? There are paddling options for everyone: sitting down, standing up, using your arms or even your legs… the choice is many. So if you can ride a bike on land then you can ride - and pedal - an aqua bike on Wallis Lake.
Either way, getting closest to the water without getting wet (mostly!) is a great day out on the lake. So flex those muscles and smile at the wildlife close up.
- Aussie Boatshedfor kayaks and SUPs
- Blue Peter Boatshed for kayaks and SUPs
- Boatshed Number One for kayaks, transparent kayaks, SUPs and aqua bikes.
- Great Lakes Boat Hire for kayaks, transparent kayaks, SUPs with viewing panel
- Red Spot Jetty for boat hire, kayaks and SUPs (also sell fresh seafood in case too many of your fishing challenges got away)
- Waterline Boathouse for kayaks, SUPs and aqua trikes
Hire a barbecue boat in Forster
Fully equipped for your movie star moment afloat with comfy leather seating, shade cover, swim ladder, safety gear, Weber barbecue, icebox, bluetooth stereo plus chaise lounges for your Instaworthy photos. Jealous yet?
Hire a fishing runabout in Forster
The famous Aussie tinny but upgraded for your fishing pleasure with open cabin or half cabin. Feeling fancy? Then try the luxury runabout with 40Hp engine, shade canopy, bluetooth stereo, padded leather seats, swim ladder and that must-have accessory… the GPS fish finder.
Hire a houseboat in Forster
Ok so maybe you are so in love with the waters of Wallis Lake that you can't bear to leave it at night? Then stay overnight aboard your own floating oasis: wake up, swim, fish, eat, sleep, repeat.
See our separate story: A houseboat holiday on Wallis Lake.
Hire a cruiser in Forster
If you have your boating licence then this is the ultimate upgrade for your day on Wallis Lake. From Boatshed Number One try their new 10 metre luxury Bayliner Cruiser for hire and small group private charters. Or maybe you'll like millionaire feel of the Quintrex 510 Cruiseabout from Waterline Boathouse, with 100Hp engine, windshield, canopy, swivel seats plus padded seats in the bow for those super-splashy moments your kids will love. BYO designer sunnies.
Find breakfast, lunch or dinner on the shores of Wallis Lake
Holidays are best when someone else cooks, so come ashore from your houseboat or runabout to enjoy a meal at one of the waterside eateries scattered on the lake shores.
- Thirty Three Degrees:For lovers of seafood and the freshest Sydney Rock oysters direct from their own oyster farms. You can park your boat at their private wharf while you eat plus there’s live music on weekends.
- The Marina Cafe & Bar: Superbly delicious meals for breakfast and lunch overlooking the calm lake waters, so close you could dip in your toe.
- Paradise Marina: Award-winning café with all your breakfast and lunch favourites using premium local produce.
- The Deck: Tuncurry’s other waterfront café with awesome food to match the views.
- Pacific Palms Recreation Centre: If you’re cruising down the far southern end of Wallis Lake then ‘The Recky’ should be on your list of top spots. Park your boat at their jetty while you enjoy the bistro favourites with specials for lunch and dinner. The sunset views across to Wallingat National Park are sensational.
Grab your goggles for a snorkel
Yes, you can even snorkel Wallis Lake direct from the lakeside parks of Forster, but check out this separate story for snorkeling safely.
