Fast facts
- Prosperous rural town famous for its bushranger history
- Situated among farmland on the Lachlan River
- 384 km west of Sydney, population 8,500
Why go there
Rich in gold-mining history and the site of the biggest gold robbery in Australia's history, Forbes is renowned for its connections with notorious bushrangers Ben Hall and Frank Gardiner.
The town's Heritage Trail allows visitors to explore many handsome historic buildings and the remains of the tunnel system that was created in a bid to foil bushrangers.
History
A large tent city developed after gold was discovered here in 1861. Originally called Black Ridge, the town was renamed Forbes after the first Chief Justice of NSW, Sir Francis Forbes.
Bushranger Ben Hall and his gang started to "work" the area in the early 1860s, and tales of his exploits have passed into folklore. Hall is remembered alternately as a charming rogue and a vicious outlaw. Either way, Hall's reign was short-lived – he was brought down in a shower of bullets in 1865.
Forbes today is an agricultural centre for wheat, sheep, dairy and fruit.
Things to do
- Tour the town on foot and admire some fine examples of 19th-century architecture.
- See Ben Hall's grave in the cemetery.
- Sample wines at the local wineries.
- Go birdwatching in the Gum Swamp Bird Hide, a wetland sanctuary that's home to more than 158 bird species.
- Bushwalk, swim and enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors at Jemalong Weir.
Events
- Forbes Camel Races, on Good Friday, brings together all the fun of a country race meeting, with camels, yabbies and guinea pigs taking to the track.
- The Forbes Show, in September, features rural displays, exhibits and competitions.
- The Festival of Roses, in October/November, includes several flower shows.
Don’t miss
- A visit to the Bushrangers Hall of Fame, located under the Albion Hotel, to see a great display of bushranger memorabilia.
- The Forbes and District Historical Museum for an insight into the town's colonial, bushranger and Aboriginal history.
- The De Havilland Vampire Jet in Lake Forbes Park.
- Clinking glasses at the Albion, the town’s first hotel, a former Cobb & Co. depot and allegedly Australia's biggest seller of alcohol during the 1860s.
