Now that the temperature has dropped it’s the perfect time to rug up and get outdoors. Staying active is so important in the cooler months for your physical wellbeing and one of the easiest ways to get moving is by walking. Out amongst nature you can reset, recharge and reconnect and we've discovered the best walking tracks in and around Stockland Forster for you to discover on your next outdoor adventure.
The Pebbly Beach Bicentennial Walk
Pebbly Beach Bicentennial Walk begins at Main Beach Forster and takes in the impressive coastline with many opportunities to stop for a swim, picnic and take in some impressive vantage points of ocean breaks.
Taking in the popular local areas of Main Beach Ocean Baths, The Tanks, Bennett's Head and One Mile beach the walk offers an opportunity to take many local highlights.
The Tanks, offers a popular swimming area protected by natural rock formations whilst Bennett's Head boats spectacular clifftop views of the coast and a great place to catch a glimpse of migrating wales and pods of local dolphins.
Best parking is: Forster Main Beach.
The walk: 4 km each way - approximately 2 hours return.
Is there a walking track? Yes. This is an easy walk suited to most ability groups.
Is there a bike track? No.
Is this good for seniors and prams? Yes. Use alternate route on North Street and Head Street to avoid the stairs.
Booti Hill Lakeside Walk
Following the ridge line of the Boot Booti National Park, Booti Hill Lakeside walk takes in the impressive views of the headland over the Pacific Ocean and the Wallis Lake.
Just 20 km from Forster, the walk begins at Ruins campgrounds and follows a signposted track through twisted eucalyptus. Graded for medium to advanced fitness levels the walk offers plenty of opportunities to picnic or a swim.
Make a plan to visit during winter to take advantage of great vantage points to spot migrating whales.
Best parking is: Ruins campground, The Lakes Way, Pacific Palms.
The walk: 7.3 km loop - Approximately 3 hours.
Is there a walking track? Yes. This is a steep walk and graded to medium to hard. There are a small amount of steps.
Is there a bike track? No.
Is this good for seniors and prams? No.
Mungo Walking Track
Mungo walking track is a long but easy walk comprised of a collection of walks connecting old mine sites, campgrounds, Aboriginal heritage sites and diverse vegetation.
Located near Hawks Nest, Mungo brush offers the opportunity for a quick swim in the lake, whilst Dark Point Aboriginal Place has a great collection of wildflowers.
The walk can be done in one trip taking advantage of local camp grounds along the route or broken up into smaller walks.
The walk: 21 km one way. Approximately 10 - 12 hours.
Is there a walking track? Yes. This is an easy but long walk.
Is there a bike track? No.
Is this good for seniors and prams? Suitable for seniors.
Stroud Historical Walk
Take a journey through the historical town of Stroud, on the Stroud Heritage Walk which takes in the sites of almost 30 colonial buildings.
Boasting one of the most impressive collections of convict constructed buildings in Australia, all buildings through the heritage walk are signposted with details of their colonial past. The walk takes in Quambi House a 1830’s school, the Stroud Court House (now museum) and St John’s Anglican Church.
Silo Hill shows off the beauty of the surrounds countryside.
Best parking: Quarambi House, Cowper Street Stroud
The walk: 4 km. Approximately 1 hour.
Is there a walking track? Yes. This is an easy walk.
Is there a bike track? No.
Is this good for seniors and prams? Yes.
Alum Mountain Walk
Located in the Buladelah State Forest, Alum Mountain walk overs a number of tracks taking in the is an imposing site of the only exposed alunrite outcrop in the world.
The mountain holds great cultural significance to the Worimi people and the walk allows you to respectfully explore traditional tree carvings, look outs, rare underground flowering orchids and excellent views of Myall Lakes and Buladelah.
The name Alum is a reference to the mining which took place in the area in the latter nineteenth century, remains of the time still evident in the landscape.
The initial part of the walk requires a steep decent more tailored to moderate fitness levels. Further up the mountain the walk comes at an easier pace. Follow the tramline South to the Ted Barker Lookout or follow the tunnel quarry walk for any easy walk.
Best parking is: Mountain Park, Mead Street Buladelah.
The walk: 2.5km return. Approximately 2 hours.
Is there a walking track? Yes. This trade is suitable for moderate fitness levels.
Is there a bike track? Yes.
Is this good for seniors and prams? No.
How many walks have you ticked off? Stretch your legs and get a buddy on-board because walking with a friend is a social adventure! There is so much to see and do at each garden, reserve or park that your social calendar will be filled for weeks to come. Want to discover other activities to keep you busy while in isolation? Head straight to our Belong hub and get reading!
