Run Forster - Ocean Swim

Wallis Lake serves as the primary arena for these swims, a sprawling estuarine system where the water remains influenced by the rhythmic exchange of the Pacific tides. Swimmers navigating this course experience a transitional environment, where the flow from the Wallamba River—which descends from the Kyle Range—meets the ocean, creating a dynamic current that requires careful pacing. The water here is deep enough to support a complex ecosystem, and while conditions depend on the tidal cycle, the area is shielded from the full force of the open ocean swells by the surrounding sandbars. When the tide turns, the water shifts, and those who have spent time in these channels often note the distinct change in temperature and salinity as the river water pushes out toward the Tasman Sea.

Historical landmarks in the water

The landscape visible during the swim is defined by layers of local history that extend into the lake itself. As you track along the course, the legacy of the John Oxley expedition remains a silent presence, marking the area since he first explored these shores in October 1818 and named the lake after Captain Samuel Wallis. More tangible are the structural remnants of the 19th-century timber industry; near the Tuncurry waterfront, swimmers may spot the site where John Wright operated his shipyard starting in 1875. This area, which functioned until 1958, included a wharf and cattle skin shed that once anchored the local economy. Further along the island routes, the five-storey Chateau Le Marais emerges as a visual reference point, a distinct architectural landmark constructed by antique collectors that looms over the water.

Race day and local character

Run Forster 2027, held on February 22, offers distances of 500m, 1000m, and 2000m. The entry fee is set at 37 EUR, a cost that reflects the logistical support required to manage the coastal traffic and safety protocols in such an active waterway. The event environment is rooted in the local geography; to the north, the area of Darawank—an Aboriginal name translating to 'Dark Waters'—serves as a reminder of the region's deeper roots. The course also passes the Wallis Island Nature Reserve, established in 1983 to protect 584 hectares of wet heathlands and swamps. For those looking to contrast this lake experience with different conditions, the Club to Club swim in March provides a separate challenge in a distinct setting.