The Tanks — Attraction in Forster

Good snorkeling place. It was quite choppy when we came and you had to go beyond the shelter of the rocks to get some decent snorkeling experience. This made it seem a bit rushed since you had to fight with the waves at the time (note that it was still OK, there were other people snorkeling and diving as well). We are on the advanced side with all the proper equipment, wetsuits (since it's cold in the water + protection) and bells to communicate with each other. We swam from the tanks to the pebble beach and back (the waves seem strong on the beach side, definitely wouldn't have been a nice experience going out there).

We saw some stingrays, different fish, and one gorgeous Gray nurse shark 🦈 which swam right next to us, very close to the surface. The shark was definitely the highlight of this trip. Other than that the bottom was full of seaweed being dragged by the waves and it was a bit murky. I would love to come back on a quieter day and I would definitely stay away had there been more waves there. Once again it was a bit choppy but nothing too serious, remember to always assess the situation you have in front of you, your equipment and skills before you jump in and go beyond the rocks. I can see how this place could be much more of a struggle in worse weather. Being only 4h drive from Sydney it's probably one of the best spots in the area though, and we snorkel a lot, definitely saw most of what up to 4h drive from Sydney can offer both south and north. Then again if you are looking for some excellent snorkeling you should plan a trip to Maui or Yasawa Islands (Manta Resort) which remain...

The Tanks is a rock formation along the Bicentennial Walk that forms a beautiful rock pool for fun family swimming and snorkelling.

The name “The Tanks” comes from a collection of steel ship’s tanks, which were located at this location during the construction of the Forster breakwall in the 1890's. The water tanks filled the steam engine trains which carried the quarried rocks from Bennetts Head to the present breakwall.

At high tide The Tanks are full of water. As the tide falls it reveals the sand underneath the surface. The majority of the swimming area is protected by the incoming swell by the rock formations. The waves crashing over the rocks provide great entertainment for kids when swimming here.

To access The Tanks it is best to park along Head Street and walk through the reserve towards the ocean. There are picnic tables and public toilets close by as is Pebbly Beach with its park and BBQ facilities.

This location is not patrolled...

Great safe swimming 'hole', busy when we arrived, but as the tide ebbed so did the swimmers. Lots good parking, and excellent spotless ablutions block nearby.. We took our (new..thanks Santa) snorkel and goggles..an absolute revelation, bream, almost big enough to fry, a puffer fish, little angel fish to name but a few, swimming in between waders legs.. Once out of the shelter of the rocks, then yes it does get a bit hairy.. some strong currents.. but plenty of warning that you're maybe going a bit too far. Busy yes, but a nice friendly family vibe..we'll be back when the tide is a...