The township of Forbes is situated along the Lachlan River in the heart of the luscious Lachlan Valley on the Newell Highway. We are fortunate to have beautiful Lake Forbes as the gateway to our town; you will love its cycle and walkways, BBQ facilities and amenities. Forbes has long been known for its historic buildings, many of which were built on the back of the gold boom in the late 1800's and still in use today. You may recognise many which were featured in the movie "The Dish".
History will come alive as you explore our town and learn of its gold rush history, including the deeds of bushrangers Ben Hall and the Gardiner Gang who were well known for their daring robberies of stage coaches and banks. Bushranger Ben Hall and Kate Kelly (Ned's sister) are both buried here and Frank Gardiner staged New South Wales's only gold escort robbery east of the town.
A full and exciting events calendar, arts, crafts, wineries, nature reserves and a relaxed country atmosphere all combine to make our shire an interesting and refreshing place to explore. In recent years, Forbes has gained quite a reputation as a boutique shopping capital, and with an extensive range of quality locally owned stores, restaurants and cafes it is easy to see why. There really is something to suit everyone.
Photo: Lake Forbes
Photo: Central West Livestock Exchange
Photo: Apex River
Photos courtesy of Forbes Shire Council
Places of interest in Forbes
Gum Swamp Bird Hide
Gum Swamp is located approximately 4km North-West of Forbes on The Newell Highway. The Gum Swamp area is a wildlife sanctuary, home to up to 70 species of birds including the rare and endangered "Freckled Duck". This number fluctuates due to the season and weather conditions. For a full list of bird species please visit the Visitor Information Centre in Union Street.
McFeeters Motor Museum
Located on the Newell Highway west of Forbes is a stunning new purpose built facility for displaying a vast collection of meticulously restored motor cars. Also located at the Museum is a gift shop, Banderra Estate Cellar Door and the Superbee Car cafe.
Utes in The Paddock
In the heart of Lachlan River Country at the centre of NSW, iconic model Holden Utes are taking on a new life as part of an ambitious artists' tribute to life in the outback. For more information visit the website www.utesinthepaddock.com.au.
Ben Halls Place
The Weddin Mountains were a useful vantage for bushrangers on the edge of settled lands near Young and Forbes. Ben Hall's Cave is reputed to be the gang's hideout where they hid supplies. It was a great vantage point to observe approaching troopers. GPS location: 33° 54' 22.80" S 147° 56' 55.10" E. Address: Nowlands Road, Weddin Mountains National Park.
Ben Hall's Grave Site
Ben Hall was buried at the Forbes Cemetery on Sunday 7 May 1856, two days before his 28th birthday. To this day, Hall's grave is maintained by committed locals and it is not uncommon to find floral tributes adorning the site. GPS location: 33° 22' 18.00" S 147° 59' 44.40" E. Address: Forbes General Cemetery, Churchill Street.
Temperatures for Forbes
Forbes has hot summer temperatures. The summer high temperature for Forbes is approximately 32 °c. The summer low temperature is approximately 16 °c.
Forbes has mild winter temperatures. The winter high temperature for Forbes is approximately 15 °c. The winter low temperature is approximately 3 °c.
Forbes Accommodation
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