Water, water, (almost) everywhere. But where to find those water views when you dine out in Forster Tuncurry?

Forster’s spoiled for water view dining, honestly almost every direction gives you a decent view with your meal, so here’s where I’d actually send you depending on the occasion.

For a proper sit down meal, The Sicilian does southern Italian the way it should be done. Overlooking Breckenridge Channel you’ll see the passing maritime parade including pelicans who seem to be on a regular paddling rotation, just for the diners. This restaurant is famous for family recipes with a Sicilian backbone and just enough Greek, French and Persian influence to keep things interesting, their seafood matalotta (seasonally available) is a genuinely good reason to book ahead.

Fronting directly onto Main Beach, Beach Bums Cafe has an unbeatable beachfront advantage but a completely different mood, shoes optional, sand still on your feet, the veggie brekky bowl doing exactly what a lazy morning by the water should feel like.

Nearby Wing Man Espresso covers the sunrise part of the day nicely, ocean views with your morning coffee after a swim in the baths.

Casual flair with food excellence can be found at Modan Kitchen with Wallis Lake views enjoyed from a stool at the counter.

If you’re after something with a bit more flair for dinner, Spice Monkey and neighbouring Si Senorita both overlook the broadwaters of Wallis Lake just west of the bridge. Great for sunny lunches and both do sunsets properly. 

Spice Monkey excels with Asian fusion built for sharing (yes, you’ll need that extra plate).

At Si Senorita you’ll fall in love with modern Mexican and also the colourful cocktails to match the sunset. Their margaritas will have you rethinking your usual order. Definitely get the jug of margarita.

For something more pub than restaurant, Lakes & Ocean Hotel has been doing good vibes since 1872, which is a genuinely long time to get a Sunday roast right.

And just down the road at bit, Paradise Marina sits directly over Wallis Lake. It’s worth knowing if you fancy breakfast with a side of actually hiring a boat afterwards.

Did you know the Worimi name for Tuncurry is Daan-gaari, meaning ‘plenty of fish’? Here on fish-filled Wallis Lake, Thirty Three Degrees revels in its lakefront reputation: right on the waterfront with some of the best oysters in the state. Try the tasting plate if you want to sample all six of the day’s varieties, and keep an eye on the lake while you eat, dolphins do turn up.

The Deck offers arguably the best views of the Wallis Lake entrance, right beside the channel with the bridge and all the holiday boat traffic on show. It’s a genuine all day option, breakfast through dinner, worth lingering over rather than rushing through.

Where’s your favourite? Have we missed one?

Continuing south along the coast? Elizabeth Beach at Pacific Palms has its own lakefront favourite.