Forbes is named after Sir Francis Forbes, the first Chief Justice of New South Wales and was first
visited by Surveyor John Oxley in 1817. Gold was discovered in 1861 and the subsequent rush of hopefuls soon saw the population reach 30,000 on the busy diggings. With them came bushrangers who intercepted the gold transports on the route to Sydney. The best known of these are Frank Gardiner, and Ben Hall who with his gang occasionally helped themselves to the rich cargoes of the gold escorts. Ben Hall was ambushed in his sleep near Forbes and is buried in the cemetery on Bogan Gate Rd. west of the town centre. Forbes is an historic and pretty town to visit and there are lots of things to see and do. Entering the town from the south you will cross Lake Forbes and the large picnic and rest area. It is easily recognised by the de Havilland Vampire fighter-bomber mounted on a pedestal above the park. A little further on Victoria Park offers a peaceful spot to relax and watch life in Forbes go by. A well stocked Information Centre can suggest tours, walks and historic buildings to see and is located in the old railway station just north of town off the main highway near the rail crossing. You will enjoy Forbes, now the gold is gone it has become a peaceful rural city at the centre of a large cereal and wool producing area. A modern city, it offfers all faclities. PLACES OF INTEREST: Lake Forbes: On the Newell Hwy on the south side of the sity centre it has picnic areas, BBQs, abundant wildlife, and a realxed and picturesque atmosphere. The Forbes Cemetery - Ben Hall's Grave Notorious bushranger Ben Hall is buried here. Ambushed and killed near Forbes at 27 his story is an interesting and sometimes sad one. You will also find the graves of Ned Kelly's Sister (Kate Foster), and Rebecca Shields, a great grand-daughter of Captain Cook who plotted and discovered Australia's east coast in 1770. Museum Located in Cross St. the museum is open from 2-4pm. daily in winter and 3-5pm in summer offering an interesting collection of memorabilia and artefacts relating to the bushranging era and the development of Forbes. Agricultural machinery, furnishing and much more can be seen. Gum Swamp & Bird Hide Situated off the Newell Highway 4km. south this wildlife refuge has a spectacular array of birds and small animals which can be viewed from a hide on the edge of the swamp. It has been featured in the Australian Geographic Magazine. Lachlan Vintage Village This complex is a re-creation of life in the district from the 1860's goldrush to the 1900s. Displays include huts, homesteads, and the original buildings of Henry Lawson's house, Nelungaloo Homestead, and a replica home of Ben Hall. There is a restaurant and snacks for picnics are available. The village is located 1km. south of Forbes off the Newell Hwy. and is open daily from 8am to 5pm except Christmas Day. Wineries There are 2 wineries around Forbes which you can visit. The Sandhills Vineyard 2km along the Orange Rd. and turn left, and Lachlan Valley Wines, 2-3 km. from Forbes along Wandary Lane off the Cowra Rd. Arts and Crafts There are several art and craft shops and galleries around Forbes and you can find out more about these at the information centre. MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS
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