Forbes: Discover Water, Trails and Culture

Visitors looking to enjoy a variety of days in Forbes can choose between water and outdoor activities, architecture, history and public art. Lake Forbes is a tranquil waterway that runs through the centre of Forbes. Other options include a self-guided architectural trail, a museum with a Ben Hall exhibition and the Sculpture Down the Lachlan art trail. These different highlights offer practical starting points for planning your trip.

Trails by the water and water sports

A 10 km trail circles Lake Forbes and is suitable for walking and cycling. Exploring the trail on foot or by bike gives your day a different focus. Conditions on the trail may change; check them before setting out.

For water sports, there is the Lake Forbes Ski Dam, also known as the Aquatic and Recreation Area. It is located on Bogan Gate Road in Forbes. Conditions there are suitable for water skiing, wakeboarding and inflatable water sports equipment. Operating conditions at the site may change; obtain up-to-date information before making plans. When planning your day, it is worth distinguishing between a trail by the water and the water sports listed here.

Architecture, history and art

The Forbes Heritage Trail is a self-guided walk showcasing the architecture of Forbes. The route through the central business district has 18 stops and takes 110 minutes. Route details may change; check them before setting out. Compared with the 10 km trail around Lake Forbes, the Heritage Trail’s time estimate offers a different basis for planning: it indicates how long the walk takes, while the figure for the lakeside trail describes its length.

The Forbes Historical Museum has an exhibition about Ben Hall. Visitors can also see artefacts and historically significant items there. The exhibition and visiting arrangements may change; check in advance. The museum offers a different way to explore local history than the Heritage Trail: it focuses on Ben Hall and historical objects, while the trail focuses on architecture.

The Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail begins in Forbes. This adds a distinct focus on art to the architectural and historical experiences. Visitors planning their day around cultural interests can choose between local architecture, the museum and public art.

Nature and information

Nearby Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge offers passive recreational activities such as photography. Access conditions may change; check them before visiting. The Forbes Visitor Information Centre is located in the historic railway station building. Its services may change, so it is advisable to check what is currently available in advance if you are looking for practical information there.

Plan your stay and accommodation

If you are travelling with different interests, compare your priorities and then check which hotels are well located for your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lord Howe Island, Glenbrook, Springrange, Villawood, Junee, Pagewood, Lawson, Wisemans Ferry.

Return to the main travel overview: New South Wales.