A popular midbreak on the Newell Highway, Forbes is nestled on the Lachlan River in the heart of the luscious Lachlan Valley. The historic town is celebrated for its magnificent heritage buildings, beautiful natural environment and distinctive local attractions.
Things to Do
Forbes offers a great range of attractions so you can do as much or as little as you like. The town is situated on Lake Forbes, a natural lagoon on the Lachlan River, offering 4.8km of walking and cycle tracks, abundant birdlife, shaded picnic areas, BBQ facilities, a playground and an RV rest area. The Lachlan River also offers many great spots for picnics, fishing and bushwalking. Forbes has a reputation as a unique shopping location, with locally owned boutiques and speciality stores. ‘Somewhere down the Lachlan’ is a significant sculpture project from Forbes to Condobolin via the stock route by the Lachlan River. Albion Park hosts a curation of sculptures from world renowned artists. There is also a great range of quality art and craft on offer at the Platypus Gallery or you can get your motor running at McFeeters Motor Museum housing a private collection of meticulously restored motor vehicles, cellar door and café.
R&R
If you are interested in outdoor activities and love sport, Forbes is the place for you! Get active with a round of golf, a game of squash or lawn bowls, a spot of fishing or a splash at the Olympic pool. Why not grab your hiking boots, a picnic, a camera, or a canvas and head into the outdoors. For bird watching enthusiasts Forbes offers The Gum Swamp Bird Hide which is home to over 70 bird species. Visit finditinforbes.com.au to discover Catch & Cook, Farm Experiences and Stock Routes; to truly delve into the Heart of the Country. There are a number of free activities where you can go off the beaten track. For a unique sight-seeing adventure, head to Ootha (70km west of Forbes) to check out the quirky ‘Utes in the Paddock’ exhibition, featuring Holden Utes transformed by some of Australia’s most renowned artists. Pick up a driving map at one of the Forbes Visitor Information Centres.
History & Heritage
Forbes is famous for its historic buildings and important heritage places, many listed by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and some you will recognise from the hit film ‘The Dish’. Pick up a copy of the Centenary of Federation Heritage Trail brochure at the Railway Arts & Crafts Visitor Information Centre and follow the markers throughout the town learning about the remarkable places and people that contributed to the development of Forbes. One of these was Ben Hall, who was amongst Australia’s most notorious bushrangers. Hall was linked with hundreds of robberies during his three year bushranging career in the 1860s. Find out more about the legend of Ben Hall with a visit to the Forbes Historical Museum on Cross Street (open 2pm – 4pm daily) and to the Ben Hall Experience Room at the Forbes Railway Arts & Crafts Visitor Information Centre. Pick up a driving map to the place where Ben Hall was shot dead by a police party in May 1865. Hall is buried at the Forbes General Cemetery on Churchill Street.
RV Friendly
Forbes has established a great reputation amongst the caravan, campervan and motorhome communities as a friendly and welcoming town, and has become a very popular half way stop on the Newell Highway. As an RV Friendly Town, Forbes offers a range of amenities, caravan parks and rest areas making it a perfect destination for the mobile traveller.
Events & Conferences
Forbes has a range of modern venues and facilities for all your event needs. Packaged with a great range of accommodation, dining, attractions and services, Forbes is a popular pit stop for both corporate and private events. The newly refurbished Jemalong Regional Education Centre is a facility that incorporates accommodation and conference rooms that are equipped with the latest IT and communication technology.
Dine
Forbes enjoys a diverse selection of local dining options. Appreciate a relaxed meal at a cosy café or restaurant, enjoy hearty fare and a yarn with a friendly local at one the town’s pubs, pick up a takeaway or make a picnic to enjoy leisurely at your own quiet spot in one of the many idyllic locations. Or you can hire equipment to catch and cook your own meals, complementing the dishes with local garnishes and wine from our friendly farmers. Go to one of the Forbes Visitor Information Centres for more information.
Attractions
Visit Find it in Forbes website www.finditinforbes.com.au for a detailed description of attractions and activities in Forbes.
Places to stay
Forbes offers country hospitality and a great range of places to stay. Enjoy the comfort of up to 4 star motel rooms or self-contained cabins, be a special guest at a B & B or relax with a beer at a local pub. A range of holiday parks offer great amenities for RVs, together with a rest area for safe R & R while touring the region. Most accommodation venues in Forbes are within walking distance of the CBD.