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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers in Forster and around Australia. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Simple. Since public transport is pretty limited, a hire car is your ticket to exploring the beaches and national parks of the Great Lakes region.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Car Hire Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Forster Town Centre |
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| Taree Airport/Town |
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| Port Macquarie Airport |
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| Newcastle Airport |
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Rental Companies in Forster
- Hertz (32 Kularoo Dr, Forster town centre)
- Budget (Through local dealer partner)
- Manning Valley Car Rentals (serves Forster area)
- Forster Car & Truck Rental (local operator)
Transport to Forster Without Initial Car Rental
- NSW TrainLink coach services connect from Taree train station
- Private shuttle services from Port Macquarie or Newcastle airports
- Taxi/rideshare from Taree (approximately A$80-100)
Car Rental Prices
Low-cost rental tips
- Your wallet will thank you for visiting in the off-season (May to September). Car rental prices in Forster are often much lower when fewer tourists are around.
- For visits during school holidays or Easter, book your car way ahead of time. Forster has a limited number of cars, and last-minute rentals can get expensive or be sold out.
- Picking up a car in the Forster town centre instead of at an airport can help you dodge airport fees. Just remember to budget for a taxi or shuttle to get to the rental office.
- Renting for a full week can sometimes unlock cheaper daily rates. Play around with your dates on a comparison site, you might be surprised by the savings.
Car hire prices in Forster 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
| Location | Car Space Options | Costs & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Forster Main Beach | Street spaces, dedicated lots | Free spaces, time limits (2-4 hours) in peak season |
| Forster Town Centre | Street spaces, council lots | Mix of free timed spaces (1-3 hours) and all-day spots on outskirts |
| Bridge to Tuncurry | Street spaces near foreshore | Free but time-limited during summer months |
| National Parks | Dedicated areas | Park entry fees may apply at some locations in Booti Booti and Myall Lakes National Parks |
| Cape Hawke Lookout | Small area | Free but limited spaces, arrive early in peak season |
| Shopping Centres | Large free lots | Time limits may apply (usually 3 hours) |
Local Driving Rules:
- Speed Limits: 40-50 km/h in town centres, 80-100 km/h on rural roads
- School Zones: 40 km/h during 8-9:30 AM and 2:30-4 PM on school days
- Beach Driving: Allowed at specific beaches having proper permits (not included in standard rental agreements)
- Wildlife Awareness: Dawn and dusk are high-risk times for wildlife on roads
- Narrow Roads: Some coastal and hinterland roads are narrow having limited passing opportunities
- One-Way Systems: Parts of Forster and Tuncurry have one-way streets. Follow signage carefully
Seasonal Traffic Notes
- Summer (Dec-Jan): Big increase in traffic, especially around beaches and lake areas
- Easter Period: Popular holiday time having increased congestion
- Weekends: Busier having day-trippers from Newcastle and Hunter Valley
- The Lakes Way: Can be busy during holiday periods as an alternative to the Pacific Highway
Why rent a car in Forster
Get a car to get to:
- Booti Booti National Park – beaches, trails, lookouts
- Seal Rocks – lighthouse, beaches, headland
- Blueys Beach and Boomerang Beach – surf breaks, cafes
- Wallingat National Park – forests, lookouts, picnic areas
- Cape Hawke Lookout – views, tower
- The Green Cathedral – chapel, Wallis Lake
Local Rental Locations
- ARM Airport
- Armidale
- Ballina
- Byron Bay
- Car Hire Tamworth
- CFS Airport
- Coffs Harbour
- Compare Car Hire Prices at Ballina Airport (BNK)
- Coolangatta
- Grafton
- Inverell
- Kempsey
- Lismore
- Maitland
- Moree
- Muswellbrook
- Narrabri
- Port Macquarie
- PQQ Airport
- Singleton
- Taree
- TMW Airport
- Tweed Heads
- Yamba
FAQs
Do I need a 4WD vehicle in the Forster region?
For most visitors, a standard 2WD vehicle is sufficient. Major attractions and beaches are accessible via sealed roads. However, if planning extensive national park exploration or travelling during wet weather, an SUV offers better ground clearance and comfort on unsealed roads. Remember to check your rental agreement regarding restrictions on unsealed road use.
Can I take a rental car on the beach in Forster?
Standard rental agreements prohibit beach driving. If beach driving is a priority, specialised 4WD rentals are available but require advance booking and often have minimum rental periods. Beach driving requires permits in most locations.
What's the best approach for renting a car if flying to the region?
As of 2025, Taree Airport has no regular commercial passenger flights and on-site rental desks may not be staffed. If arriving by charter or general aviation, arrange a vehicle in advance through local providers. Most visitors should fly into Port Macquarie (PQQ) or Newcastle (NTL), where there are more rental options. You'll then need to drive or arrange a transfer to Forster.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations in Forster?
EV infrastructure is growing in the region. Charging stations are available at Club Forster and some accommodation. The NRMA has installed fast chargers in nearby towns like Taree and Gloucester. Check PlugShare or similar apps for the most current updates.
