Forster/Tuncurry are the twin cities on the "Holiday Coast" that we had been looking forward to getting to.Friends of ours had been telling us about the area for a number of years and the closer we got the more good stories we heard from other travellers.We settled on the Tuncurry Beach caravan park that is on the North side of the breakwall with the twin park within sight on the Forster side. Both Forster and Tuncurry are only separated by a bridge over the beautiful blue green water of the Lake Wallis outlet.The water is exactly that, the most spectacular clear water we have seen, so much so that a drive over the bridge is quite an experience in itself!

The one thing you would never be in this place is lonely!It has a few caravan parks and hotels as well as other flasher, upmarket accommodation which we were reliably told is nearly all year round at maximum capacity.We were quite surprised at the amount of people that turned up for the weekends and left on the Monday.So close to Newcastle and Sydney makes it an ideal holiday destination for all those stuck in the city Monday to Friday.It is true to say though that the majority of people there were at retirement age and the bowling greens were well attended!?One old bloke actually called it "God's waiting room"

As well as obviously enjoying the beautiful swimming and scenery around Forster we also were able to head out to Bulahdelah for the local car clubs annual hill climb. It was something different for us all as the girls had never been to any motorsport events before.Walking through the pit lane on our way up the mountain we were able to get a good look at the competitors.A wide range of cars and buggies from blown V8 XY Falcons, Datsun 1600's to brand new Lotus'.We were transported to the halfway point on the official spectator bus and set up with a good view of a tight bend leading into another.The action was slow to start as computer hassles held things up.All in all it was good to see the girls eyes and covering their ears when the cars finally started screaming past.A full field of 50 cars would have made for a big day and we gave it away just after lunch.

Another day trip saw us heading south from Forster with our first stop at Cape Hawke.Originally named by Captain Cook this lookout is only 400m from where you park your car.It is though 400m of steps, that rise at a fairly steep rate!At the top there is a lookout tower that gives a magic 360 degree view of the great lakes and coast line.

Further south we came to the Great Lakes Sailing Club grounds on Wallis Lake.No sailing going on here that day but a nice spot for our picnic and a splash around for the girls.The water is so shallow here for a fair way out.Charli especially had a ball in it, running and splashing through it.

Some quiet days were spent just riding around the towns, which is made easy by the many bike paths built that link the major attractions.A couple of trips to the Tuncurry Bowlo were also made to enjoy the cheapest schooners of our trip.Genuine 1980's prices!$3.50 normal and $3 at happy hour! We also enjoyed a night off from cooking and had dinner there.Very nice place and well patronised by the tourists and locals alike.It did seem a bit weird to be nearly the only ones left in the place after 9 o'clock though?Must help you to get a good night's sleep eh!?

We really enjoyed our week in Tuncurry and were glad we had decided to stay the full week.Such a relaxing place deserves a bit of time to be enjoyed properly.