How to holiday on Wallis Lake like a millionaire

The holiday towns of Forster and Tuncurry embrace Wallis Lake where it meets the Pacific Ocean. The bridge and beaches here are famous however the lake itself holds many hidden gems that a land bound visitor may miss.

But who cares if you don't own a boat? Here’s how to holiday like a millionaire on Wallis Lake, without it costing the earth.

Fun on Wallis Lake

The turquoise waters of Wallis Lake make it the most picturesque and widely enjoyed waterway of the Barrington Coast. The lake surface is almost 100 square kilometres and it's an iconic landmark. It comes alive in the summer months with boaters, fishers, paddlers and swimmers joining the dolphins, rays and turtles that call this lake home.

Hire a houseboat in Forster

Enjoy the beauty of Wallis Lake aboard your own floating oasis: wake up, swim, fish, eat, sleep, repeat. See our separate story: A houseboat holiday on Wallis Lake.

• Forster Houseboat Hire

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?

• Blue Peter Boatshed
• Boatshed Number One
• Great Lakes Boat Hire
• Waterline Boathouse

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.

• Aussie Boatshed
• Blue Peter Boatshed
• Boatshed Number One
• Great Lakes Boat Hire
• Paradise Marina
• Waterline Boathouse

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.

• Boatshed Number One
• Waterline Boathouse

Hire see-through kayaks, pedal boats or stand up paddle boards

Who cares how you like to paddle? Sitting down, standing up, using your arms or your legs… the choice is many. 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

Take a high speed boat tour

From Boatshed Number One you can join a tour with Epic Surf Ocean Adventures aboard their 'go fast military grade' high speed Gemini Waverider rigid inflatable boat. This is Forster’s fastest boat tour with the most fun! Choose the Whale Watch Ocean Adventure (1.5 - 2 hours) or the Dolphin Watch Ocean Adventure (45 minutes). You can even take a personalised tour aboard their mini RIB Thunderbird One. All systems are go, for your fun on the lake!

• Boatshed Number One

Take a jetski tour in Forster

You can't hire a jetski on your own but your captain can drive you around Wallis Lake. Join one of our experienced captains aboard a super fast jetski tour. You may also have the chance to get a driving lesson if conditions allow. Note this is a captained tour with a maximum of two passengers.

• Boatshed Number One

Love the local seafood in Forster Tuncurry

If you don’t feel like catching your own dinner then Wallis Lake provides abundant seafood including the unbeatable Sydney Rock oysters that you’ll see growing on leases throughout the lake. Pick up the freshest catch of the day at any of these seafood outlets.

• Beach Street Seafoods
• Graham Barclay Oysters
• Lobby’s Seafood
  
• Monin Seafoods
• Red Spot Jetty
• Wallis Lake Fishermen’s Co-Op

Also check out our recommendations for enjoying seafood ashore here.

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.
• 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.
• 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.