Known locally as "The Bullring," Forster Ocean Baths is a unique conjoined twin ocean pool at the southern end of Forster Main Beach. Built in 1936 and carved into the rocky shoreline, this saltwater bath features a 50m lap section alongside a wider 60m swimming area with a sandy beach entry. Sheltered from the open ocean by its stone walls, it offers an infinity-pool outlook over the Tasman Sea. The baths teem with small reef fish that dart among the barnacle-encrusted back wall, making it a superb spot for a relaxed snorkel just steps from town.
Forster Ocean Baths
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 5.3 sWind Speed 14 knPrecipitation 0.1 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
© Photographic Collection from AustraliaThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: No lifeguards on duty
The ocean baths have no supervised patrol — swim at your own risk. Patrolled Forster Main Beach is adjacent.
Low risk: Slippery pool edges
The stone walls and ramps can become very slippery with algae and salt spray, especially near the waterline.
Low risk: Monthly pool cleaning closure
The baths are drained and cleaned approximately once per month (check council schedule), making them unavailable on those days.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures (winter)
Winter water temperatures can drop to around 20°C (July), which may cause discomfort or cramping for prolonged snorkeling.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located at the southern end of Forster Main Beach, accessed off North Street, Forster. 3.5 hours drive north of Sydney. The baths sit adjacent to the patrolled Forster Main Beach.
Parking & facilities
Free car parking available in the large carpark on North Street, Forster, plus additional parking behind the surf club and along the promenade.
toiletsparkingshowerspicnic_tablesdrinking_water
Free entry. Open 24 hours, except during monthly cleaning closures.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports