SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LACHLAN our town delivers the unexpected and the amazing Our picturesque lake and stunning sunsets will catch your breath and our warm and welcoming community will capture your heart. Walk in the footsteps of our pioneers, Gawaymbanha-dhu nginyalgir discover unique and interesting Wiradyurigu ngurambanggu works of art or enjoy a morning of Wiradyuri mayiny gadhaang nganha foraging at a local market. Ngindhugir nginhi yanhayi Mandaang guwu. A destination in itself, Lake Forbes lures locals and visitors alike so be Wiradjuri people are happy (that) sure to pack the bike, canoe and I am welcoming you all to fishing rods and, of course, that Wiradjuri Country. novel you never get a chance to read! You all to here have come. Thank you. Leave your willpower at home because you simply won’t be able We acknowledge the traditional to resist treating yourself to something custodians of this land, we pay special - a barista-prepared latte respects to Elders past, present and freshly baked pastry, a new and future. spring racing frock or that mouth-watering steak. We also acknowledge peoples from other Nations and Language groups who now have made Forbes their home. Incredible history 5 Fabulous sculpture 9 Glorious waterways 11 Marvellous nature 13 Cool events 15 Brilliant experiences 17 Fantastic freedom 21 For information about visiting Warmest welcomes 25 Forbes, contact one of our We have water views 26 Visitor Information Centres: We work 27 Forbes Visitor Information Centre We have freedom of choice 28 Union Street, Forbes (02) 6852 4155 We have health services 29 McFeeters Motor Museum We play we connect 31 Newell Highway, Forbes We are open for business 33 (02) 6852 3001 We have attractive values 35 Or visit amazingforbesnsw.com Page 2 amazingforbesnsw.com amazingforbesnsw.com Page 3 incredible history Meticulously restored vintage vehicles, lovingly renovated buildings and an historic streetscape combine to offer a glimpse into a bygone era and rural Australia two centuries ago. Kick-start your stay with a visit to Forbes’ history notes our Wiradjuri McFeeters Motor Museum. Over heritage, the arrival of John Oxley 60 exquisite vehicles, ranging in 1817, the heady-heights of the from veteran and vintage through to gold rush era and brushes with classic and street rod machines are bushrangers. on display. The museum attracts motor vehicle enthusiasts from all Our proud pioneering heritage corners of the state and beyond. has been preserved largely by Like fine art, the vehicles are lovingly the restoration of 19th Century preserved and showcased. Be sure buildings dotting our streetscape. to allow plenty of time to meander Our handsome, elegant buildings and browse and enjoy the warm help shape our town and share hospitality of the McFeeters’ family. stories of our past. Take a self-guided tour of our stunning heritage buildings and discover a rare mix of 19th Century colonial architecture. The Forbes Town Hall, which has been substantially restored, stands majestically in the heart of Forbes. A must see! #amazingforbes Page 4 amazingforbesnsw.com amazingforbesnsw.com Page 5 The Town Hall St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church St Laurence O’Toole Catholic Opened in 1891, Dame Nellie Melba Local master stonemasons assisted Church and Presbytery performed in the Hall in 1909. The in building this unspoilt, rusticated The cut stone chapel with Gothic Town Hall in its present form was stone church that was completed windows, porch and tower opened officially re-opened in 1991. Bo in 1877. in 1880, and the sanctuary and Diddley and Billy Thorpe have been among its performing artists alumni. Victoria Park sacristy in 1902. The Presbytery was blessed and opened in 1913. The Town Hall also made a guest Faced by the Town Hall, Court House, appearance in the movie, ‘The Dish’. Anglican and Presbyterian churches, Lachlan Arcade The Post Office this picturesque meeting place is one The three storey Lachlan Arcade Designed by distinguished colonial of Forbes’ showpieces. H.R.H Prince was opened in 1892 by Jewish architect James Barnett, the building Charles planted an elm tree in the merchant Daniel Berger. A brick was completed in 1881. Keep an park during his visit to Forbes in 1994. and stone arcade with mezzanine eye out for the faithful kelpie ‘Rosa’ Forbes Court House level with some original features waiting patiently for her owner remaining, a large glass fanlight is to return. Designed by James Barnett and built on the site of the previous featured on the first floor front wall. St John’s Anglican Church courthouse in 1879-80, Forbes In its early years to 1904, the shop Construction of the nave was Court House originally served a was a veritable heaven for Forbes completed in 1877, the chancel, shoppers, stocking everything from vestries and belltower in 1909. vast western district which included Parkes and Condobolin. dress materials, men’s suits in silk Its beautiful memorial stained or serge, boots, cards, groceries, glass windows look back to Forbes Library wine and beer to novelties of all early district families. The current Forbes Library also kinds. Since this time it has been Vandenberg Hotel fronting Victoria Park began life as a garage, paintshop, second hand Fronting Victoria Park and the Court The School of Arts then became a shop, café and restaurant. House, the original part of this hotel Literary Institute, with construction was built in the 1860’s. The Premier Sir starting in 1898 and completed in Anglesey House Henry Parkes addressed 2000 people 1929. The original building was an Built in 1884, this beautifully from its expansive balcony in 1887. important meeting place for the restored, decorative two storey Lands Office movers and the shakers of the town. Victorian town house in Templar Completed in 1898, this building is a At the back of the current building Street reflects the success of its sophisticated example of late 19th is the base of the Forbes Family first owner, local merchant Century timber architecture. History Group. William Thomas. The story of Forbes is sprinkled with boom days of the gold rush, legendary bushrangers and a rich agricultural history. Ben Hall the Kelly boys. In 1888 Kate Kelly One of Australia’s most notorious married William Henry “Bricky” Collect information on Ben Hall, bushrangers, Ben Hall’s three year Foster and they had four children. Kate Kelly and the award-winning bushranging career began in 1862 Kate Kelly drowned in the Forbes Heritage Trail from the Forbes when he started associating with lagoon in 1898 and is buried at the Visitor Information Centre located career bushranger, Frank Gardiner. Forbes Cemetery. in the historic Railway Station in Ben Hall was linked with hundreds Union Street, Forbes. of robberies including the heist of an escort coach at Eugowra Rocks, The Gem In Our Crown east of Forbes, reportedly carrying Generations of farmers and graziers £14,000 worth of gold and money. tilled the soil and tended the stock to The site is now known as Escort help establish Forbes’ reputation as a Rock. Hall’s career came to an end rich centre for agriculture. The story of Take a photo with Ben MCFEETERS MOTOR MUSEUM MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM Forbes’ agricultural success started in at Billabong Creek near Forbes in Hall at the Forbes Visitor This stunning purpose built facility is home to a Mitchell Conservatorium in Forbes offers a broad 1865 when he was shot down by a the 1830’s when pioneering squatters pushed into the frontier district, then Information Centre. private collection of meticulously restored motor program of tuition offerings, ranging from school- police party. Ben Hall was buried at vehicles and motorcycles. Showcasing veteran, based programs through to quality individual and Forbes Cemetery, two days before boomed in the 1890’s when rail arrived in the river township. Forbes #amazingforbes vintage, classic and modern cars. group tuition for all ages, and our array of inclusive his 28th birthday. community music ensembles. now boasts one of the nation’s most The complex also houses a souvenir gift shop successful livestock selling facilities Kate Kelly and a café. Our focus is on guaranteeing continuity for students turning over some $330 million in their music education journey from beginner The sister of Ned Kelly arrived in annually. Visitors can watch buyers Family owned and operated, the Museum is a must through to the advanced. the Forbes district in 1885. She was and sellers in flight at the Central West see when in town. described as ‘a nice looking girl, Livestock Exchange each Monday with long dark hair’ and ‘a good Open 7 Days 9 am to 5 pm daily and Tuesday, as well as every second (closed Christmas Day). servant’. It is claimed that Kate went Friday. under the name of Kate Hennessy or Ada because she did not want it known that she was a sister of Cr Newell Hwy & Oxford Street, Forbes 128 Lachlan Street, Forbes P (02) 6852 3001 P (02) 6852 3766 E [email protected] W mitchellconservatorium.edu.au Page 6 amazingforbesnsw.com amazingforbesnsw.com Page 7 fabulous sculpture “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together” - Vincent Van Gogh. Somewhere Down the Lachlan Moving on from the Gallery head Sculpture Trail is an exciting new towards Albion Park and Gillie addition to Forbes. Curated by and Marc’s “Pyramid’’. The 1.9m the Forbes Arts Society, the Trail high dog/human hybrid installation encapsulates the imagination and was donated to Forbes in 2016 passion of its creative volunteer and continues to evoke robust members. Based on a concept conversation among locals and similar to Sculptures by the Sea visitors alike.