Forster Ocean Baths, known locally as the Bull Ring, is a 1930s ocean pool on Main Beach in Forster, built by unemployment relief workers and opened in January 1936. It is free, with shaded barbecues and amenities nearby.
Key facts
- Type
- Ocean pool or baths
- Facilities and access
- Main Beach has shaded barbecue areas and public amenities
- Cost
- Free
- Lifeguards
- Not at the pool
- Best time to go
- Calm days, mid to high tide
- Town
- Forster, NSW
What it's like
The baths were built over a sheltered rocky swimming hole near Second Head, and little has changed in their structure since opening. They are a local landmark and a calm alternative to the surf, popular with families and regular swimmers.
Stroud Shire Council built them with relief workers during the Depression. They opened to the public in December 1935 and were officially opened on 18 January 1936. A dance casino and tearooms were added soon after, though those buildings are long gone.
When to go
Calm days, mid to high tide. Sources report the baths are cleaned about once a month.
Getting there and facilities
The baths are at Main Beach, Forster, close to the town centre. Main Beach has shaded barbecue areas and public amenities.
Good to know
There are no lifeguards at the baths; Forster Main Beach is patrolled in season.