I use this post office regularly and it's lovely because it's really spacious and not too cluttered, so there's plenty of room for the kids to roam around while you fill out addresses etc. They have a great range of small priced gift and stationery items, and we've bought good educational PC games there a few times too. I find the service to be outstanding at this outlet and especially recommend it in summer when it's a bit of an air-conditioned oasis!

We're lucky to have a great bunch of taxi drivers here. We use taxis a lot as we don't have a car, so we know most of them by name and they certainly know us. They often help us with shopping trips, groceries, even furniture, poor guys. And recently when we were sick they were even kind enough to let us book a driver just to go pick us up some takeaway...well, we are regulars I guess. Their telephonists are, without fail, polite and helpful, and we never have to wait too long for our taxi to arrive. All in all a great trustworthy taxi service.

I've had these guys around twice in recent times, to our rented house. First when the owners wanted to get remove a couple of trees that weren't in a good spot, and to trim back a few of the out of control shrubs and other big trees on our property. The guys did a fantastic job of neatening it all up and thinning it out. The second time I used these guys was when the wind knocked a tree down over the neighbour's fence; they came soon enough and sawed it up and removed it. No fuss, no chitchat, they just get on with the job, well done boys.

We use the Eggins Bus Co for the Forster to Taree trips we do, and we have also used it as a school bus service. Most of their buses are modern but they do still have a couple of older ones with narrow steps which can be annoying if you have a pram or much shopping with you. The drivers are all friendly and I've never had any issues with any of them. The price is pretty reasonable. The buses also connect with the train services. The only complaint I have is that their last weekend return out of Taree is around 1.30pm Saturday, and I think they could definitely use a Sunday service.

This cafe has been operating for decades (I think it does close down in winter though). I haven't been there in a while, but over the years have been there many times. When I lived at the Lake it was a regular hangout. It's down at Smiths Lake boat ramp, and the cafe itself extends out into the water. They have the usual cafe fare, some more fancy choices and the usual beachside treats (icecream, chips). It's a magic location and in summer when Smiths Lake fills up with holidaymakers it is a great people-watching spot. Looking forward to visiting again this summer!

We go to Chilli Jam when we have city friends visit as it's one of the more upmarket cafes in Forster and not too daggy! It is always busy and they make great coffee and cakes, and the kids have enjoyed their mueslis and juices. If you are after a cafe that reminds you of a city cafe, this is it. It's a stylish place with very professional staff. We would happily recommend it.

This is a really beautiful spot, right on the north end of Forster Main Beach, your toes are practically in the sand. Amazing views (usually complete with dolphins) and simple beach fare. We just get hot chips usually but I've also tried their burgers (ok, though I wouldn't say great). It's great for a leisurely child-friendly coffee with friends and in summer we walk up from the Bullring to get icecreams. The location really is hard to beat!

This is our newish local chemist just five minutes down the road, so we use it very frequently. Every single staff member there really is friendly, and in a very genuine way. They have quickly endeared themselves to our family by being so kind and warm and helpful, and always having time for a chat about the kids and your various ailments! I expected this chemist to be similar to others in price but have been pleasantly surprised to find their prices are way lower. They also have a loyalty card which entitles you to big savings on all products. I really like that they stock natural products like Sukin (a huge range, and really low prices) and that they give away free samples when you spend certain amounts, that aren't even that high. This week I think I spent $30 and got a huge tube of Colgate for a freebie, not bad. All up I can definitely recommend this chemist for their great atmosphere and specials.

This is the best fish'n'chip shop in Australia. Seriously! We reckon these guys make the best hot chips we've ever eaten, perfectly cooked each time, golden, crunchy, with just the right amount of chicken salt. And the best thing is you can get a huge serve (2 person, but more like 4 person) for just $4, half the price of similar size portions in Forster. They make equally yummy battered fish, scallops and burgers, nuggets and all the usual chippery foods. While I rave about their fish and chips, I don't think they've quite nailed nuggets, as the two times I tried getting them for the kids (who won't eat fish!), they came dark brown and rubbery...so we don't bother with those anymore. They do make great milkshakes, just like your old-fashioned corner store ones. You can phone in your order and come pick up five minutes later, and they also have tables and chairs outside on the friendly Fairways Shops strip if you feel like people-watching!

This post office shop is cramped and tiny but they pack a lot in! They have a lot of small price gifts and kids toys for sale which is kinda dangerous when there's a queue as you end up grabbing stuff you didn't really know you needed...They do have a great variety of birthday etc cards, including some more interesting lines than the stock standard ones. As far as actual posting goes, the staff are very efficient and process customers quickly. I have no complaints about this store and use it regularly.