Forster Ocean Baths

Where are the Forster Ocean Baths?

The Forster Ocean Baths (pronounced Foster), is an odd shaped pool located at the southern end of Forster Beach accessed off North Street, Forster. Forster is a sleepy town on the mid-north coast of NSW. Sleepy if you’re there outside of the summer school holidays at least!

Forster is three and a half hours drive north of Sydney, and has a few ocean pools in relatively close proximity. Definitely worth a trip to tick a few pools off the list.

How big is Forster Ocean Pool?

A unique shape and perspective makes this pool difficult to describe. The seaward side of the pool is actually north, the left wall west, the right wall east and you enter from the sand on the southern side. Known to the locals as “The Bullring”, this pool is almost like two pools stuck together when you look at it from above.

The section on the right is like a skinny looking 6 lane, 50m lap pool. The section on the left is 60m in length, the sandy entrance, plus the ramp is about 28m across and the far wall is 56m across the width of both “pools”.

I think some people swim laps in the 50m section, while others swim across the seaward side.

Why Forster ocean pool is a great place to swim

The conjoined twins of Forster Ocean Baths have something for everyone. In close proximity to the main beach and the centre of town, it’s easy to get to.

Gradual entry via the ramp or the sandy beach entrance if needed. Shallow water for the kids to play. Infinity pool outlook to the ocean. This view is hard to beat.

Two different length and direction options to swim laps.

Like every other ocean pool I’ve swum in so far, Forster Ocean Baths are at their best just after a clean, so check the cleaning schedule and go when this baby is at her sparkling best!

What other ocean pools are near Forster Ocean Baths?

Black Head Rock Pool is a short 23 min drive further north of Forster Ocean Baths, and the picturesque Tuncurry Rock Pool is only a 6 minute drive to the north. Located on the opposite break wall bordering the entrance to Wallis Lake.

You could easily do all three in a day if you wanted to. Lucky for us we were in town for a week.

Packing a snorkel is a good option

There are plenty of fish to see in Forster Ocean Baths. If you have a snorkel you can explore the underwater world that exists here. Otherwise, goggles are a good option.

What is the water temperature like?

On a day in early July 2024, that was quite sunny and mild, Delilah the Duck reported that the water temperature was 20.1 degrees. It felt pretty warm and lots of people were enjoying the sunny Winter conditions.

If you would like to get your own Delilah to tell you the water temp of where ever you swim…you can purchase one here.

There were quite a few kids playing in the shallows. For Winter I’m guessing it was quite packed with about a dozen people in the water.

How much does it cost to swim at Forster saltwater ocean pool?

Free entry

When is Forster Sea Pool open?

Open 24 hours, except for when it is closed for cleaning once a month. You can check out the cleaning schedule here.

Some other reasons to love Forster Ocean Baths

The Friday afternoon that we visited Forster Ocean Pool, there was a guy playing live music in the sheltered picnic area to the right of the pool. I can’t tell you how nice it was to sit on the wall eating our lunch, soaking up the Winter sun while listening to a few classic rock tunes.

The cafe at Forster Beach also comes highly recommended, although it was closed for the day by the time we got there. If you get the chance to try out Beach Bums Cafe, you’ll have to let us know how it goes.

Are there BBQ Facilities at Forster Ocean Baths?

BBQ facilities in the sheltered picnic area to the right of the pool.

Is Forster Beach pool wheelchair and pram accessible?

Great access. There is a ramp to the level of the pool and a ramp to access the pool itself.

There are two ladders to exit the pool on the right (eastern) side. There is one ladder at the deep end on the left (western feels like northern side).

Are there lifeguards on duty at Forster ocean pool?

No lifeguards on duty at Forster Ocean Baths.

October to April, there are lifeguards on duty at Forster Beach, right next door.

Is there car parking at Forster ocean pool?

Free car parking in the big carpark on North Street, Forster.

What are the changeroom and shower facilities like at Forster Ocean Baths?

Three cold water outdoor showers located near the toilets and one near the car park. There are toilets on the right hand side building, including a wheelchair accessible one. Storage boxes to put your stuff in too.