Hubbry Logo
Tuncurry, New South WalesTuncurry, New South WalesMain
Open search
Tuncurry, New South Wales
Community hub
Tuncurry, New South Wales
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Tuncurry, New South Wales
Tuncurry, New South Wales
from Wikipedia

Tuncurry is a coastal town in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, in the Mid-Coast Council LGA, about 307 km (191 mi) north north east of Sydney. It is immediately adjacent to its twin town of Forster, which is the larger of the two towns.

Key Information

History

[edit]

In 1875, John Wright was the first white settler in Tuncurry.[3][4] The first land grant in this area was in 1875. The settlement was originally called North Shore and then North Forster and was renamed Tuncurry meaning "plenty of fish" in 1891 and then proclaimed a village in 1893.[5]

The area was well known in the early days for its timber cutting and sawmills. Timber was collected from the lakes and rivers by the logpunts (droghers).

A bridge over the Coolongolook River that marks the entrance to Wallis Lake was built in 1959 linking Forster and Tuncurry and replacing the punt service that had operated since 1890.

Demographics

[edit]

The 2021 Census by the Australian Bureau of Statistics counted 6,376 people in Tuncurry on census night. Of these, 47% were male and 53% were female.[2]

The majority of residents (83.5%) are of Australian birth, with other common census responses being England (3.6%), New Zealand (0.9%) and Scotland (0.5%).[2]

The age distribution of Tuncurry is skewed higher than the greater Australian population. 83% of residents were over 25 years in 2021, compared to the Australian average of 69.8% and 17% were younger than 25 years, compared to the Australian average of 30.2%.[2]

Tourism

[edit]

Because of its relatively close driving proximity to Sydney, Forster–Tuncurry has established itself as a popular summer holiday destination, where in the hotter months, the population swells considerably. The school holidays in the colder months also bring large numbers of holidaymakers.

Tuncurry's Nine Mile Beach is a popular swimming, surfing and fishing spot. Tuncurry Rockpool is a netted swimming enclosure, formed by breakwalls which mark the entrance to Wallis Lake. Tuncurry's lakefront areas are characterised by wharves and jetties which provide mooring for fishing boats and pleasure craft.

Sporting clubs

[edit]
  • The Tuncurry Golf Course is part of the Forster Tuncurry Golf Club[6]
  • The Tuncurry Forster Football Club is a soccer club home to the Tuncurry Tigers[7]
  • The Forster Tuncurry Rugby League Football Club is home to the Forster Tuncurry Hawkes
  • The Tuncurry Forster Jockey Club has regular horse racing events[8]
  • The Forster Tuncury Touch Association offers touch football for all levels[9]
  • The Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club offers lawn bowling to the area[10]
[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Tuncurry is a coastal town in the region of , , situated approximately 310 km north of within the Mid-Coast Council . It lies on the southern shore of Wallis Lake, adjacent to the town of Forster, and forms part of the Forster-Tuncurry urban centre, which recorded a population of 20,554 at the . The suburb of Tuncurry itself has 6,376 residents as of the 2021 , with a age of 62 years, 1,726 families, an average household size of 1.9 people, a weekly household income of $854, and a weekly rent of $310, underscoring its appeal as a and holiday destination. Ongoing developments, such as the North Tuncurry Urban Release Area, are expanding housing and community facilities, supporting further growth as of 2025. The area's traditional custodians are the and Biripi Aboriginal peoples, who have inhabited the region for tens of thousands of years as hunters and gatherers reliant on the abundant resources of the rivers, lakes, and coastline. European settlement commenced in 1875 when John Wright, the first , established the town—initially called North Forster—and adopted the name Tuncurry from the local Aboriginal , meaning "plenty of fish" or "good fishing." Early infrastructure included a school, pilot station, , , and ice works, with the southern breakwall completed in 1903 and a vehicular operating from 1922; significant growth followed the opening of a permanent bridge to Forster in 1959. Tuncurry is renowned for its natural attractions, including the expansive Nine Mile Beach—popular for , , dog walking, , and 4WD access—and the family-friendly Tuncurry Rock Pool, a natural tidal enclosure with white sands, clear waters, and adjacent playgrounds, kiosks, and barbecue facilities. The town supports a range of recreational amenities, such as the Tuncurry Sports Complex with soccer fields, athletics ovals, cricket nets, and tennis courts; the North Tuncurry Regional Sports Complex; a water playground; and monthly markets at John Wright Park featuring over 100 stalls. These features, combined with proximity to Wallis Lake for and , position Tuncurry as a key spot for tourism, outdoor activities, and community events in the .

Environment

Geography

Tuncurry is a coastal town located in the region of , within the Mid-Coast Council . It is situated approximately 307 kilometres northeast of at coordinates 32°10′30″S 152°29′56″E, with an elevation of 6 metres above sea level and a postcode of 2428. The town forms part of the twin towns of Forster-Tuncurry and shares a southern boundary with Forster, connected by the Forster-Tuncurry Bridge spanning the Coolongolook River, which was officially opened in 1959. To the east, Tuncurry borders the , while its western and northern boundaries adjoin localities including Nabiac, Failford, Darawank, and Wallis Island within Wallis Lake. Tuncurry's physical landscape is defined by its proximity to Wallis Lake, a large that flows into the sea between Tuncurry and Forster via a trained, permanently open entrance supported by breakwalls at both townships. The Coolongolook River feeds into the lake from the west, while the town's eastern edge includes Nine Mile Beach, providing direct coastal access along the . This setting of interconnected lakes, rivers, and ocean fosters rich , including extensive beds, communities, and saltmarsh habitats that support commercial fisheries for Sydney rock oysters and blue swimmer crabs. The area's natural features also enable recreational activities such as , , and beach access, highlighting its ecological and environmental significance.

Climate

Tuncurry features a classified as Köppen Cfa, characterized by warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters. This classification is typical of the mid-north coast of , where no month has an average below 0°C and the warmest month exceeds 22°C. The annual mean maximum is 22.9°C, with a minimum of 14.4°C, based on records from 1999 to 2020 at the nearby Forster-Tuncurry Marine Rescue station. In summer, sees average highs of 26.6°C and lows of 19.7°C, while winter averages 18.4°C highs and 8.7°C lows. Temperature extremes are infrequent, with the highest recorded at 43.0°C on 1 2004 and the lowest at 1.0°C on 29 May 2019, though values rarely drop below 5°C or exceed 40°C. Annual rainfall averages 1,222 mm from 1896 to 2025, with the wettest months in late summer— receiving 152.2 mm on average—and the driest in early spring, at 65.8 mm. is influenced by the coastal location, leading to higher totals in summer due to convective storms. High relative persists year-round at 60-80%, with morning averages around 76% and afternoon around 68% from 1999 to 2010. Frequent sea breezes from the moderate daytime temperatures, while the proximity to Wallis Lake enhances local moisture levels. The area is vulnerable to east coast lows, which can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and , particularly affecting beaches such as Nine Mile Beach.

History

Indigenous Peoples

The Tuncurry area is part of the traditional lands of the Worimi Nation, whose territory extends from Port Stephens in the north to Forster and Tuncurry, with the Biripi people as the adjacent group to the south. These Gathang-speaking peoples, including dialects such as Birrbay and Warrimay, have inhabited the coastal regions of New South Wales for at least 40,000 years, as evidenced by archaeological findings across Australia indicating continuous Aboriginal occupation since that period. The and Biripi maintained a lifestyle deeply integrated with the local environment, relying on resources from Wallis Lake, the Coolongolook River, and Nine Mile Beach for sustenance. They harvested and fish using canoes, spears, and hooks made from shell or , with mullet and flathead among key species; the name "Tuncurry" derives from the local Aboriginal language, meaning "," reflecting the abundance in these waters. Seasonal migrations occurred between coastal and inland areas, and low-tide crossings of Wallis Lake facilitated movement and resource access. Spiritual connections to the land were embodied in stories, where ancestral beings shaped local landforms, rivers, and ecosystems, guiding cultural practices and totemic responsibilities such as those linked to sharks or other sea creatures. Cultural heritage includes oral histories, dances like corroborees, and myths tied to specific sites, preserving knowledge of the landscape's creation and use. Archaeological evidence, such as shell middens and stone tools near Tuncurry and Forster, attests to long-term occupation and feasting practices at these locations. severely impacted these communities, with diseases like and displacement leading to significant population dispersal by 1816, reducing numbers from an estimated 800–1,000 in 1788 to around 240–300 by 1840 in the broader Biripi and areas.

European Settlement and Development

European settlement in Tuncurry began in 1875 with the arrival of John Wright, a Scottish-born shipbuilder and sawmiller, who became the area's first permanent European resident. Wright established a and on the waterfront, capitalizing on the abundant local timber resources from surrounding forests of ti-tree and cabbage tree palms, which fueled a boom in the timber industry and supported early activities. Initially known as North Forster or North Shore, the settlement served as a resource hub connected to nearby Forster across the Coolongolook River. In 1891, the area was renamed Tuncurry, adopting the local Worimi Aboriginal term believed to mean "plenty of fish," reflecting the region's rich that also supported early industries. The settlement was formally proclaimed a village in 1893, marking its official recognition and spurring further infrastructure like the construction of a , hall, and ice works in the following years. To enhance connectivity with Forster, a punt service commenced operations in 1890 using an open rowing boat for passengers and later vehicles, operating reliably for nearly seven decades and facilitating trade in timber, fish, and other goods. Significant infrastructural advancement occurred in 1959 with the opening of the Forster-Tuncurry Bridge on July 18, a 631-meter structure that replaced the aging punt service and greatly improved accessibility. This development, combined with rising car ownership post-World War II, transformed Tuncurry into a popular holiday destination, shifting the local economy from reliance on timber milling and toward , with the growth of caravan parks, holiday homes, and attractions like Nine Mile Beach. The bridge's completion boosted visitor numbers and residential expansion, establishing the twin towns as a key coastal retreat. In 2016, Tuncurry's administrative landscape changed when the Great Lakes Council, which governed the area, was amalgamated with the Gloucester Shire and City of Greater Taree to form the Mid-Coast Council under government proclamation on May 12. This merger streamlined regional governance and infrastructure planning, supporting ongoing development in the combined .

Demographics

Population Statistics

According to the conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Tuncurry had a total of 6,376 . Of these residents, 47.2% identified as male and 52.8% as female. The town's has grown steadily since its early development, with notable acceleration following the completion of the Forster-Tuncurry Bridge in , which enhanced connectivity and facilitated expansion in the twin towns. For context, the broader Forster-Tuncurry urban centre, encompassing Tuncurry, recorded 17,939 residents in the 2001 and 20,554 in 2021, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of approximately 0.7%. As of the 2024 Estimated Resident , the urban centre had 21,185 residents. Forecasts indicate Tuncurry's will be approximately 6,372 in 2025. Household data from the 2021 Census indicates an average size of 1.9 persons per household, with 3,857 private dwellings in total and 67.3% of occupied private dwellings (2,010 out of 2,988) being owner-occupied. Tuncurry forms part of the Forster-Tuncurry urban area, which had a of 629 persons per in 2021—substantially higher than the Mid-Coast Council's regional average of 9.8 persons per .

Ethnic and Age Composition

Tuncurry's ethnic composition reflects a predominantly Anglo-Australian heritage, with 83.5% of residents born in according to the 2021 . Among those born overseas, the largest groups hail from (3.6%), (0.9%), and (0.5%), indicating limited recent immigration and a legacy of earlier British migration. Ancestry data further underscores this profile, with English (43.7%) and Australian (43.4%) as the most commonly reported backgrounds, followed by Irish (11.0%) and Scottish (9.8%). The Aboriginal and Islander population stands at 5.3%, comprising descendants of the Biripi and peoples, the traditional custodians of the region. Language use in Tuncurry is overwhelmingly monolingual, with 90.5% of residents speaking only English at home, and the next most common languages—such as Nepali (0.4%) and (0.3%)—representing minimal diversity. Religiously, remains dominant, accounting for over half of affiliations, primarily Anglican (26.5%) and Catholic (20.6%), alongside smaller groups like the Uniting Church (4.0%); however, 30.9% reported no , aligning with broader secular trends. The age structure of Tuncurry highlights its role as a destination, with a age of 62 years—substantially higher than the national of 38. Approximately 82.9% of the is aged 25 and over, compared to about 70% nationally, while only 17.1% are under 25, reflecting a low youth presence. Notably, 45.7% are 65 or older, including 24.1% over 75, which underscores the suburb's appeal to retirees seeking a coastal amid minimal influx of younger families or recent migrants.

Government and Infrastructure

Local Government

Tuncurry became part of Stroud Shire by 1906, which was later renamed Great Lakes Shire in 1971 to reflect its coastal and lacustrine features. This shire provided local governance until further restructuring in the modern era. In 2016, Tuncurry's local administration was integrated into MidCoast Council, formed on 12 May through the amalgamation of the former Great Lakes, Greater Taree, and Gloucester councils under a New South Wales government proclamation. The council operates without formal wards, electing 11 councillors at large to represent the entire local government area, including the Forster-Tuncurry district, ensuring proportional community input from coastal communities like Tuncurry. Following the 2024 local government elections, the council welcomed six new councillors, with Claire Pontin serving as mayor as of 2025. MidCoast Council manages essential services such as waste collection and recycling at the Tuncurry Waste Management Centre, maintenance of public parks and reserves including Nine Mile Beach Reserve, and organization of community events like sustainability workshops during National Recycling Week. Politically, Tuncurry falls within the state electoral district of Myall Lakes and the federal Division of Lyne, where representatives address regional priorities. Key governance challenges include managing coastal erosion, as seen in ongoing studies and management programs for areas like Nine Mile Beach, and upgrading aging infrastructure across the MidCoast region. The council's annual budget exceeds $300 million as of the 2025-26 fiscal year. These efforts are supported through dedicated environmental and coastal management levies, though specific allocations prioritize critical risk mitigation.

Transport and Education

Tuncurry's transport infrastructure supports connectivity for residents and visitors primarily through road and bus networks, as the town lacks direct rail access. The Pacific Highway (A1) passes nearby, offering a primary route north to and south to , with the drive to taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Local bus services are provided by Forster Buslines, which operate routes linking Tuncurry to nearby Forster, (about 33 km south), and further to Newcastle (around 170 km south), running multiple times daily. School-specific buses, such as the Owl Bus (S365) from Nabiac via Failford to Great Lakes College Tuncurry Campus, facilitate student travel under the regional network. There is no passenger rail service in Tuncurry itself; the closest station is Railway Station, connected by bus. For , Regional Airport lies about 38 km south, serving regional flights, while is approximately 109 km north, offering connections to major cities like and . Cycle paths and shared walkways, including the Coastal Cycleway along the lakefront and through the Forster-Tuncurry area, promote sustainable local mobility. Educational facilities in Tuncurry emphasize comprehensive schooling from primary through secondary levels, with options tailored to diverse student needs and integrated vocational pathways. Tuncurry Public School serves students from Kindergarten to Year 6 in a co-educational setting, focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy, and community engagement. For secondary education, Great Lakes College Tuncurry Campus caters to Years 7-10 with a multidisciplinary approach, enrolling approximately 529 students as of 2024 across mainstream and support classes, and emphasizes high-quality relationships and achievement in a collaborative environment; senior Years 11-12 are available at the college's Forster Campus or through options in Taree. Margaret Jurd College Tuncurry provides specialized secondary education for Years 9-10, targeting at-risk youth and students with diverse needs through individualized learning plans, wellbeing programs, and tailored curricula aligned with NSW standards to support academic, emotional, and transitional growth; it opened in 2024 with enrolments expanding for 2025. Vocational training is accessible via TAFE NSW Great Lakes campus in nearby Forster, offering hundreds of courses in areas like building, trades, environment, and community services, with flexible online and on-campus options. The School Student Transport Scheme subsidizes public transport for eligible students traveling to and from school, enhancing accessibility across the mid-north coast. Local curricula incorporate coastal and environmental themes, such as Earth and Environmental Science courses that explore human impacts, climate change, and field-based expeditions in the surrounding ecosystems.

Economy

Tourism

Tuncurry serves as a popular holiday destination on the , particularly attracting families from seeking relaxation and water-based activities amid its coastal and lake settings. The Forster-Tuncurry area, which includes Tuncurry, draws over 2.3 million visitors annually as of 2021–22, with a focus on pursuits such as , , and . This appeal is enhanced by the town's mild summer climate, enabling extended outdoor enjoyment along its beaches and waterways. Recent regional trends indicate continued growth, with North Coast visitation up 11.1% to 6.3 million in early 2025, emphasizing eco-tourism opportunities. Key attractions in Tuncurry emphasize its natural coastal features. Nine Mile Beach offers opportunities for surfing, fishing, and swimming, stretching from the town's breakwall to Black Head and accessible via 4WD with a permit. Adjacent to the beach, the Tuncurry Rockpool provides a netted enclosure for safe, family-friendly swimming in calm, clear waters. The lakefront wharves and jetties along Wallis Lake support boating and fishing, while the lake itself—spanning 99 square kilometers—facilitates kayaking and exploration of its white sands and oyster-rich shallows. Tourism infrastructure supports visitor stays through holiday parks and motels, such as the Forster Tuncurry Holiday Park and Reflections Holiday Parks Tuncurry, offering beachfront cabins, campsites, and amenities like pools and playgrounds. Local events, including the weekly , add to the summer vibrancy with fresh produce and crafts. The sector contributes significantly to the local economy, with tourism generating around $608 million in expenditure across the MidCoast region as of 2021–22, much of it from accommodation and food services that form a core part of Tuncurry's visitor-driven revenue. Visitor patterns peak from December to February, when warm weather draws crowds for beach and water activities, accounting for over half of annual leisure visits in the area. Eco-tourism is emerging, particularly through birdwatching in nearby wetlands like Cattai Wetlands, a sanctuary for over 180 bird species including kangaroos and wallabies along interpretive trails.

Other Sectors

The economy of Tuncurry, beyond , is characterized by a retiree-oriented focus on , retail, and , supporting a stable but modest employment base. and Social Assistance is the dominant sector, employing approximately 24% of the regional workforce in the area as of February 2025, with local facilities such as Estia Health Tuncurry and GLAICA House providing aged care services to the community's older population. Retail Trade follows at around 8%, centered on local shops and supermarkets serving daily needs, while accounts for about 9%, driven by residential developments for retirees. Primary industries contribute modestly, with , , and representing roughly 7% of jobs regionally as of February 2025, including nearby and farming as well as in Wallis Lake through operations like the Wallis Lake Fishermen's Co-operative. The area's historical timber industry, prominent in the 19th and early 20th centuries, has diminished to minimal activity today. Overall employment statistics reflect a low-pressure labor market suited to retirees, with an unemployment rate of around 5% and a of approximately $600 as of 2025, below the national average due to part-time work and pension reliance. Key employers include the Mid-Coast Council for public services and local health providers like Forster Private Hospital. The retirement economy notably influences and rental services, supporting and housing for seniors. Small-scale persists in niches like , echoing the legacy of John Wright's 19th-century shipyards that constructed numerous vessels in Tuncurry.

Community and Culture

Sporting Clubs

Tuncurry's sporting landscape is characterized by a variety of community-focused clubs that promote and , particularly among families and retirees. These organizations utilize shared facilities such as the Tuncurry Sports Complex, which includes soccer fields, ovals, and courts, as well as the nearby North Tuncurry Regional Sports Complex for rugby and touch football. Local beaches also support informal activities, fostering a year-round culture of participation that strengthens community ties. The Forster Tuncurry Golf Club operates two 18-hole courses—one in Forster and one in Tuncurry—offering year-round play on well-maintained fairways suitable for all skill levels. Established in 1950 with expansions over the decades, the club welcomes visitors and emphasizes a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere with dining and social events. Soccer is prominent through the Tuncurry Forster Football Club, founded in 1973 as one of the oldest clubs on the , competing in community leagues with teams for juniors, seniors, and women. The club plays at the Tuncurry Sporting Complex and promotes inclusivity, with registrations open annually to encourage broad participation. is represented by the Forster Tuncurry Football Club, known as the Hawks, which fields senior, junior, and ladies teams in local Group 3 competitions. The club, with roots dating back over a century for its junior arm, trains and plays at the North Tuncurry Regional Sports Complex, emphasizing community development and youth involvement. Other notable clubs include the Tuncurry Forster Jockey Club, which hosts events at its Chapmans Road track, licensed since 2009 and featuring popular race days like the Gold Cup. The Forster Tuncurry Touch Association runs mixed, men's, women's, and junior competitions on Tuesday, Monday, and Wednesday evenings at Peter Barclay Sports Field, supporting seasonal leagues for all ages. Lawn bowls hold particular appeal for seniors at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club, which maintains three championship greens and over 8,000 members focused on social and competitive play. The club integrates with community events, providing a welcoming space for retirees to stay active. Overall, these clubs collectively engage hundreds of locals, with and touch football showing strong participation among older demographics.

Notable Residents

John Wright (1835–1907) was a pioneering Scottish-born shipbuilder and sawmiller who played a foundational role in the establishment and development of Tuncurry. Arriving in in 1858, Wright settled in the area in 1875, initially known as North Forster, where he co-founded the settlement with partners Abraham Mills, Andrew Delore, and Harry Colvin by establishing a camp for timber operations. By 1878, he had constructed a , a , a shipbuilding yard, and housing for employees, laying the groundwork for the local timber and maritime industries that shaped the town's early economy. Wright maintained positive relations with the local Aboriginal people, adopting the name "Tuncurry," meaning "plenty of fish" or "good fishing place," for the settlement at their suggestion. He also initiated community infrastructure, including a on what is now Peel Street, which was later replaced by a government school in 1881. The village was officially proclaimed in 1893, and Wright's contributions are commemorated by the John Wright Park and a centenary monument unveiled in 1975.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.