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How to get to Tuncurry

Getting around Tuncurry

A secluded seaside hideaway

Right across the Head Street bridge from Forster, Tuncurry is a small coastal haven with a big personality. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Willamba River, it’s part of the stunning NSW Mid North Coast.

Explore our travel guide below to take the guesswork out of how to get to Tuncurry so you can focus on packing, planning and preparing for your next holiday.

Plan your travel

Tuncurry, NSW

By Car By Bus By Plane By Train By Bike By Foot

How to get there

Whether you’re driving in from the north or south, exit the Pacific Highway (A1) and take The Lakes Way all the way into Tuncurry. If you’re coming in from the south, you’ll be treated to a gorgeous scenic drive through Booti Booti, or if your route is from the north, you’ll pass Darawank Nature Reserve and Willamba River.

Modes of transport

Here are key transport options for car, bus, plane, train, bike and by foot. Whatever your preferred transport method, you'll find options to reach Tuncurry and explore the area.

By Car

Driving is the most practical way to get to Tuncurry. Located on the NSW mid north coast, Tuncurry connects to the Pacific Highway, with The Lakes Way as your entry point. A road trip up from Sydney takes around 3.5 hours (around 310 km), or about 6.5 hours from Brisbane (approx. 631 km).

If you’re calculating how to get to Tuncurry by car and you’re coming from these destinations, here’s what time and distance you can roughly expect:

Newcastle: 2 hrs / 162 km
Tamworth: 3 hr 21 minutes / 251 km
Coffs Harbour: 2 hr 35 minutes / 247 km
Brisbane: 6 hr 32 minutes / 631 km
Sydney: 3 hr 24 minutes / 310 km
Yamba: 4 hr 6 minutes / 379 km
Ballina: 4 hr 42 minutes / 452 km
Taree: 27 minutes / 32 km

Wingham: 39 minutes / 43 km

By Bus

Catching a bus to Tuncurry doesn’t follow a direct route, but with a combo of long-distance coach and local bus, you can make it work. From Sydney, book a seat on Busways Coaches' daily service to Forster-Tuncurry via Newcastle and Pacific Palms. Or alternatively, check out Greyhound Australia, who operate via Taree or Newcastle with connecting local buses into Tuncurry.

By Plane

The closest airport to fly into the area is Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ), located around 60km away. After landing, you’ll need to hire a car or organise onward transport to Tuncurry (via a shuttle, bus, or rideshare). Newcastle Airport is an alternative too, especially if you’re coming from Sydney or interstate, with connections into Tuncurry available. However, Taree Airport (TRO), which is closer, doesn’t offer commercial flights (only private charters and emergency services), so it’s not an option.

By Train

For how to get to Tuncurry by train, there’s no direct line to catch, so you’ll need to come in via Taree station. NSW TrainLink XPT North Coast Line runs between Sydney and Brisbane, and once you arrive in Taree, there are coaches or taxis available to take you the rest of the way.

By Bike

With more than 20 km of dedicated bike paths, Tuncurry is a cyclist’s dream destination. It connects different parts of the area together, and it’s a family-friendly way to see various beaches, parklands and lakes dotted in and around Forster/Tuncurry. But if you want something extra, try the 48km route to Seal Rocks. It’s undulating and flat, has sealed roads and offers brilliant scenery along the way. Tuncurry is also a stop on the NSW Coast Cycle Trail, which can take you all the way from the Sunshine Coast in the north to East Gippsland in Victoria in the south.

By Foot

A bridge connects the twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry and lend themselves to relaxed strolls and walking adventures. The town centre has local shops, cafés and restaurants to discover, while the coastline is brimming with beaches, lakeside paths and trails to follow.

Top things to do in Tuncurry

Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry

Nine Mile Beach, also called Tuncurry Beach, is located adjacent to the township of Tuncurry.

It is well known for its good surfing but on the southern end, you'll find Tuncurry Rockpool, an enclosed swimming area nestled into the breakwall.

With a kiosk, children's play area and barbecue facilities this is an extremely popular spot for families.

This beach is not patrolled.

For dog walking, Nine Mile Beach has an off-leash area north of the beach access track at Beach Street. Dogs can also be walked on leash at specific times in the morning and early evening south of that same beach access track at Beach Street up to the break wall.

Rockpool Cafe

The Rockpool café is a locally loved café situated on the waterfront right next to the much loved Tuncurry rockpool. Serving up delicious food and coffee, it's a hit with everyone!

Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club

Tuncurry Bowling Club is a popular destination for both members and visitors. The club offers a new 21 on Parks Restaurant where you can enjoy local and fresh caught seafood, succulent steaks, or tender baby back ribs. Additionally, the club has a 300+ seat auditorium with modern facilities, perfect for functions and shows.

The club has three bowling greens that are extensively used by its bowling members and visiting social groups, reputedly having the best greens anywhere.

Tuncurry Bowling Club is also well-known for its entertainment offerings, featuring great acoustic soloists and duos, as well as other feature acts throughout the year. We encourage you to come in and see for yourself why Tuncurry Bowling Club is much more than just a place for bowls!

Reflections Bermagui - Ambassador Jen and Andy

Best destinations for camping with dogs in NSW

There are countless things to love about travelling in NSW. For dog owners, the abundance of places for camping adventures with a furry friend in tow is one of them. From laidback beachside retreats in charming coastal towns, to traditional bush camping in idyllic riverside and lakeside locations, camping NSW with dogs is the simply the best for families and friends travelling with their furry companions.

Tuncurry Rock Pool

Tuncurry Rock Pool is one of the most popular family beaches of the Great Lakes region in the Barrington Coast. The white sands and blue waters of Wallis Lake are seen here to perfection.

The location is very scenic and very convenient to town services, including a popular cafe.

The beach is not patrolled. Swimmers should take extreme care as the location of the rock pool and the tidal nature of Wallis Lake mean the swimming area is subject to currents and tidal surges. The safety net with buoys is there to assist swimmers in difficulty but it is not shark-proof.

Forster Tuncurry Golf Driving Range

Come and practice your golf shots, improve your accuracy and better your game and handicap at Forster Tuncurry Golf Driving Range and Water Golf. They offer a family friendly environment, and their main aim is to provide an activity that the whole family can enjoy together.

Join the kids in the Water Golf challenge and then put on your game face while you go about the serious business of getting the perfect golf shot sorted.

Their facilities are located in the centre of Tuncurry Racecourse offering a unique environment to help you with your game.

Mini Putt Putt, 400 metre practice range, Water Golf, equipment sales from their fully stocked shop with home service available (for local area and surrounds), individual video golf tuition, club repairs with free pickup and delivery available (for local area and surrounds).

Gift vouchers are available, beverages, soft drinks, light snacks and lollies for the kids. Group tuition (bookings by appointment only). Open every day.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is a beautiful, six-kilometre-long beach in the Hallidays Point region of the Barrington Coast. The beach is ideal for fishing, surfing, or just enjoying a long walk, watching the dolphins frolic in the waves.

It's dog-friendly and you can even ride horses along it.

The peaceful atmosphere of the area makes you feel like you are miles from anywhere, when, in fact, you are only 10 minutes from the towns of Taree and Forster.

With exclusive resorts, family holiday parks, holiday units and cottages, the area is fast becoming recognised as a lifestyle paradise. There are four and four and a half star rated accommodation properties at Hallidays Point and Diamond Beach.

For walking enthusiasts, there is a walking track which takes you from the southern end of Diamond Beach onto the small but pretty Shelley Beach, on Red Head.
Village amenities include cafes and takeaways, bottle shop and quality pet friendly and accessible accommodation options.

Great Lakes Cinema

Great Lakes Cinema has three screens an eclectic mix of the latest blockbuster films mixed in with a varied and exciting selection of specialized and arthouse titles.

Family-friendly with regular children's movies screened during school holidays. City movies at country prices.

Group bookings or hire of a theatre for a special movie screening is also welcome.

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Frequently asked questions

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Where is Tuncurry?

Tuncurry is part of NSW’s beautiful mid north coast, often talked about as Forster’s twin city because it’s just over the bridge. It’s about halfway between Newcastle and Port Macquarie, and a short drive from other notable towns like Taree, Seal Rocks and Bulahdelah.

How long is the drive from Sydney to Tuncurry?

The drive from Sydney to Tuncurry takes about 3.5 hours (that’s 310 km away). It’s a straightforward run up the Pacific Highway to the Great Lakes exit. For a break, you could stop in at Newcastle for snacks or a wander, which is around the halfway mark.

What is the closest airport to Tuncurry NSW?

The closest airport is around 100 km away in Port Macquarie. You can fly there from most major cities and find onward transport once you arrive. Hiring a car is going to do you the most favours, it’s a little over an hour in a taxi or shuttle to get to Tuncurry from the airport.

Is there a train that goes to Tuncurry?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct train into Tuncurry, but you can catch a NSW Trainlink XPT service into Taree and transfer to a local bus.