Things to do in Forbes, NSW: Your free expert guide

The best things to do in Forbes, NSW, include walking the Sculptures Down The Lachlan sculpture trail and learning about bushranger Ben Hall at the Forbes Historical Museum.

Forbes, NSW, is one of several fairly interchangeable towns in the Central West region of New South Wales. Overseas visitors are most likely to pass through if driving from Brisbane to Melbourne along the Newell Highway.

There are a few things to do in Forbes, NSW, however. The town centres around Victoria Park, which acts as a focal square. The lakeside parks are arguably nicer, though.

Victoria Park in Forbes, NSW. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

Things to do in Forbes, NSW: Lake Forbes parks and walks

Lake Forbes is a natural lagoon just off the Lachlan River. To all intents and purposes, it’s a river in its own right – it’s long and winding, rather than rounded. There are several spots around the river for picnics and barbecues. Take your pick from Lions Park, Apex Park and Wheogo Park, although the Lake Forbes Water Park with splashing fountains is more popular with kids.

A little further west of the town centre is the Lake Forbes Ski Dam, where waterskiiers get a work out.

There are several walking trails around the lake, which can be combined using the bridges. But the most enjoyable walk is following the Sculptures Down The Lachlan sculpture trail, which continues down to the Lachlan Valley Way.

Things to do in Forbes, NSW: Museums

In terms of cultural attractions in Forbes, the main two options are the Forbes Historical Museum and McFeeters Motor Museum.

Unlike many regional museums in Australia, the Forbes Historical Museum tells an engaging story or two – mainly about legendary bushranger Ben Hall.

The McFeeters Motor Museum is for car-lovers only, and is basically just a display of vintage cars.

Driving times to Forbes, NSW

Bathurst to Forbes: Distance 175km, driving time 2h1m.
Condolbin to Forbes: Distance 100km, driving time 1h4m.
Dubbo to Forbes: Distance 153km, driving time 1h45m.
Melbourne to Forbes: Distance 681km, driving time 7h26m.
Parkes to Forbes: Distance 33km, driving time 24m.
Orange to Forbes: Distance 116km, driving time 1h19m.
Sydney to Forbes: Distance 378km, driving time 4h49m.
Wagga Wagga to Forbes: Distance 235km, driving time 2h38m.

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