Amazing Forbes has an abundance of exciting attractions and activities to explore. Whether you’re here for a few days or just a few hours, there is so much on offer. Discover Wiradjuri history, walk in the footsteps of pioneers and bushrangers, stroll the extensive lakeside pathways, unearth unique and interesting works of art or spend time in nature. Find yourself… in Amazing Forbes!
Learn about Wiradjuri culture, and Forbes’ interesting heritage, mesmerizing public art and breathtaking natural landscapes. From museums and sculpture trails, heritage walks and natural attractions like Lake Forbes and the Lachlan River and nearby nature reserves, gold rush history and a brush with bushrangers, to incredible architecture, unique boutiques, local growers and producers. We invite you to experience it all along with our warm country hospitality.
See below for itinerary inspiration and choose your favourites to explore. Find out more about our boutique shopping precinct, local producers, health and beauty services and more in the full Forbes Business Directory. Find out here where to stay, dine and shop the Forbes way!
When visiting Amazing Forbes, an obvious must-see is the "Amazing" sign. The large red structure (standing at 10 feet) is part of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) art and culture trail stretching from Forbes to Condobolin (see listing for more). The Amazing sign can be found at the "Nine Mile" along the Lachlan River on Lachlan Valley Way (west) (aka South Condobolin Road).
The Aussie Biscuit Factory Forbes is a business of Aruma (formerly known as House with No Steps). The home of the Aussie Biscuit that is all about GOOD. It's the biscuit that gives back, creating employment for people with a disability in the beautiful community of Forbes, Central West NSW. Classic Anzac, Jam Drops, Ginger Crunch, Macca Nut Crunch, Shortbread and Chocolate Chip - there's a flavour for everyone! Come and meet the team, learn about the history, and take a tour through the factory.
The Ben Hall Trail can be followed by collecting a brochure from the Forbes Visitor Information Centre. Ben Hall wrote himself into Australian history with a crime spree of robberies across regional NSW. This trail enables you to visit locations of importance to the story of this infamous bushranger, including the area where he was shot and his final resting place in the Forbes Cemetery. A short film on Ben Hall can be viewed at the Visitor Information Centre, and you may wish to learn more by visiting Forbes Historical Museum.
The CWLE is a state of the art facility and proven choice for buying and selling premium quality cattle, sheep, lambs and pigs. Located just 12kms North from the centre of Forbes and ideally positioned just off the Newell Highway (Back Yamma Road); the main inland roadlink from Victoria to Queensland which runs parallel to the East Coast about 400km inland. In 2019 FSC decided to expand the cattle yards adding another 54 selling pens. This expansion includes a road train ramp for side loading and multispecies yards that can be utilised by sheep as well. The CWLE offers buyers and sellers a modern, safe and fully maintained facility that is second to none. Tours by appointment. Y
Cenwestours Forbes, showcasing the best of Forbes and the surrounding Central West. Cenwestours offers local and regional bus tours by appointment. Available for charter, sporting or group bookings.
Forbes Cinema is conveniently located within Club Forbes, showing latest release films for your enjoyment. Session times are available via the website and tickets can be purchased online or at Club Forbes.
Forbes Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course located beside the Newell Highway on the northern side of town. Situated on a natural watercourse which forms part of Lake Forbes the golf course boasts fully watered fairways and greens. It is a 6100m, Par 72 course (hosting Pro Ams) with Slope ratings of 123 for Men, and 116 for Women. There are four par 3s ranging from 130-192m, ten par 4s ranging from 311-411m, and four par 5s ranging from 419-493m. Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the course.
Forbes Heritage Trail provides a self-guided tour showcasing the magnificent architecture across the town. View the lovely heritage buildings and historically important sites in and around Forbes. Each site is marked with a plaque detailing this importance, and you can collect a brochure from the Forbes Visitor Information Centre to get you on your way to discovering more about the history of Forbes and its historic buildings.
The Forbes Historic Museum is a great place to explore all things from days of old. Browse the aisles of artefacts and historically important pieces to get a feel for what life has been like over the decades. And centuries... Unearth ancient carved trees by Indigenous Australians found on properties right here in the Lachlan Valley. Learn about the Escort Robbery and Ben Hall's gang, view the many different tools and instruments, and kitchen "appliances" of yesteryear - and try to work out how things were done in the "olden days".
Forbes is quickly becoming known for its artistic culture and amazing artworks. Part of the public art trail in Forbes includes the exciting murals that are dotted around the town. Sites include Rural Fire Service (RFS) building on Union Street, Peter Maher Shearing Services on Lower Rankin Street, Forbes Skate Park behind Woolworths, side of the Vinnies building on Hughes Lane and the incredible Wool Mural (currently in storage).
Forbes Olympic Swimming Pool opened in November 1937 and boasts a 6 lane, 50m Olympic Swimming Pool, 8m Program pool with a children’s splash park and water features. The complex offers enjoyable large open spaces, canteen facilities, learn to swim, swim squad and aqua aerobics programs and is the home of the Forbes Fins and Forbes Amateur Swimming Clubs.
Forbes Riverside Community Gardens is a place to grow and share, assist with planting tips and selling of local produce. The Garden is run by local community volunteers who have a passion for growing and a love for sharing with the community. Open between 9-11am Monday to Saturday.
Forbes Sport and Recreation Club is a friendly, community-oriented club located on the banks of picturesque Lake Forbes. Enjoy the excellent facilities, including three bowling greens which play host to many competitions, group sessions and special events. There is also a bar, pool table and restaurant. The covered, outdoor deck offers beautiful water views across Lake Forbes and is the perfect place for a relaxing meal or drink. The outdoor deck is also available as a venue for private functions.
Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge (aka Gum Swamp Bird Hide) is an altered wetland and reserve, providing a habitat for a diversity of wildlife. The four bird hides provide an opportunity to observe and enjoy the beauty of the 'swamp' and the associated bird life. These structures are aptly named after the life-sized bronze sculptures located at the entrance to each bird hide. Collect a brochure with a list of birdlife you might encounter, from the Forbes Visitor Information Centre.
The Historic Graves Walk of Forbes Cemetery is interesting for the stories told on the headstones of people from many distant lands including convict emancipists and fortune seekers lured to the rich Lachlan Diggings. This self-guided walk highlights a varying range of architectural styles including Gothic Revival, Neoclassical and High Victorian style monuments. Discover the graves of infamous bushranger Ben Hall, Kate Foster - the sister of Ned Kelly, and Rebecca Shields who was Captain James Cook's great-grand niece. Collect a brochure on the Forbes Cemetery from the Forbes Visitor Information Centre.
Lake Forbes is a tranquil watercourse right through the heart of Forbes, surrounded by a 10km walking & cycling track. The central section of the pathway is illuminated by solar bollard lighting in the evenings. Select one of the many idyllic locations around Lake Forbes for a picnic, make use of the BBQ facilities dotted around the Lake, or simply relax, take in the atmosphere and enjoy the plentiful birdlife. Try your luck at fishing from the fishing pontoon just off Lions Park or find a grassy spot to kick a ball.
The Lake Forbes Ski Dam (aka Aquatic and Recreation Area) provides a dynamic space and ideal conditions for water skiing, wakeboarding and inflatables. The banks of the ‘’ski-dam’’ are easily accessible and sand based, creating the perfect mix for the professional skier through to beginner. BBQs, playground equipment and toilets facilities are available at the Aquatic Area.
McFeeters Motor Museum is conveniently located on the Newell Highway. This stunning facility has been purpose built to house a collection of meticulously restored motor vehicles, bikes and other ranging from vintage and veteran, to some modern-day high-powered vehicles - many of which are owned by the curators. The museum also houses a gift shop with toys, models and souvenirs.
Midwest Limousines Forbes provides tours by appointment. Offerings include luxury travel for weddings and formals, cruise terminal & airport transfers, wine tours and more. "Midwest Limousines Forbes, where we under promise and over deliver". Price for hire is $220 for the first hour and $110 for every hour after. Contact us for further information.
Forbes NSW has several wonderful Parks & Playgrounds to set up a picnic, kick a ball, throw a frisbee or let the kids utilise the playground equipment. Lake Forbes is surrounded by many parkland areas, and playgrounds can be found at Lions Park on Junction Street, Apex Park on Gordon Duff Drive, Jenny Murphy Park on Belah Street and Nelson Park on Johnson Street. View all park and playground locations and facilities by clicking the button below.
Sculpture Down the Lachlan is a magnificent public art trail in Central West NSW. It is a project of the Forbes Arts Society, in conjunction with Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils, Evolution Mining and Destination NSW. The trail commences in the township of Forbes, with sculptures located at the Wiraduri Dreaming Centre, along parts of the Lake shoreline and in the CBD before taking you south down the highway, stopping in at the Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge, then following the Lachlan River to the town of Condobolin via the Lachlan Valley Way (west).
River Dreaming Aboriginal Corporation provides a range of tours in the heart of Wiradjuri country at Forbes. From tag along cultural discovery tours to intimate overnight cultural immersions, they cater for both the general public and corporate groups. Tours are crafted to immerse you in the rich tapestry of Wiradjuri culture. Whether you re looking for a brief yet enlightening experience or a more extended adventure, their tours promise a memorable journey that will resonate long after you have left.
The water spray park is located on the banks of Lake Forbes on Bandon Street. It features spray jets, tipping buckets and more under shade to keep the kids entertained for the best summer fun. There is plenty of grassy areas perfect for a picnic or just to relax and watch the kids and take in the idyllic view. A new two plate electric BBQ has been installed with shelter over one of the existing tables to provide shade and protection from the weather.
The Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre (WDC) is an iconic project initiated by the Forbes Wiradjuri Community to promote Wiradjuri culture and stories. The Centre is a unique hub for educating the community and regularly hosts cultural events, meetings and workshops conducted largely by enthusiastic and dedicated local volunteers. The site is host to interpretative signage featuring aspects of Wiradjuri culture. Nearby cultural sculptures include several totem poles (both sides of the Lake) telling the cultural stories from this remarkable community, a yarning circle and sand dance ring, and a bronze statue entitled “Family Matters”. This breathtaking piece features two Indigenous women with child returning from gathering food.
Woolerina, soft Australian Merino garments. From hand-selecting Merino fleece, to creating beautifully made garments locally, they are a proudly Australian family business. With a focus on ethics, quality and care – Woolerina uses only the finest, Australian Merino wool, to produce some of the softest, yet most durable Merino clothing. Made with love, to be loved, Woolerina are devoted to bringing you the softest fibres of Merino wool garments, fashionably flexible and resilient - staples you can rely on for years to come.
