|
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS
|
|
LAKE FORBES:
The lake or "billabong" offers a resting area for picnickers, weary
travellers and fishermen. Grassy banks, barbecue and picnic facilities,
abundant wildlife and shady trees make a tranquil setting to relax in. Take
time out to enjoy a stroll around it. Toilets are available at 2 picnic
spots, Lions Park on the southern side of the lake and nearby Apex Park on
the northern side of the lake.
Back To
Index: Text "L"
Back To
Index: Photos "L"
|
|
THE CEMETERY:
A visit to the cemetery is sure to give you an insight to the past in Forbes.
Among the graves you will find not only those of French author Paul Wenz,
bushranger Ben Hall, Kate Foster, (Nee Kelly) sister of Ned Kelly, and
Rebecca Shields, (Captain Cook's Great Grand niece), but also many headstones
that tell their own story of life and death in the district in the past.
Located 1km west on Bogan Gate Road. Listed as significant by the National
Trust.
Back
To Index: Text "C"
Back To
Index: Photos "B"
|
|
BEN HALL:
For many years Ben Hall has been at the centre of much discussion regarding
aspects of his somewhat colourful career. Some say he was a likeable
bushranger who charmed the rings off women's fingers and the money out of
their purses, that he would tip his hat and bow to tellers as he left with
the contents of their banks. They insist he was a hard working dedicated
cattleman, driven to crime as a result of constant victimisation from the
local police inspector.
But there are those who maintain he was a
dangerous outlaw with a deep seated hatred for the law and especially those
who enforced it.
They say he was a thief just like his father before him, a womaniser, a liar
and a foul mouthed rogue.
So, the notorious
bushranger, is still causing as much controversy in the Lachlan Valley today
as he did more than 130 years ago.
For further details of the life of Ben Hall, contact the Forbes Visitors
Centre and ask for a free brochure. (The article is written from material
provided by Edgar Penzig).
|
|
BEN HALL'S PLACE
In 1865 Ben Hall was shot - 26 times. Ben Hall's Place is located on the
Yarrabandai Road - turn right just before Cotton's Hill and follow the signs.
Back To
Index: Text "B"
|
|
|
|
MUSEUM:
Located in Cross Street and open daily from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, (Winter) and
3.00 pm to 5.00 pm (Summer), the museum offers a varied and interesting
display of relics from the bushranging days of Ben Hall; a vintage kitchen;
antique farm machinery and many other items of interest including an
excellent display of Aboriginal artifacts. Also, an excellent and
comprehensive photographic section offers many views of life in the days now
gone by. The building housing the museum was originally a music hall known as
the "Osbourne Hall", and origionally part of the "Osbourne
Hotel". It has seen many changes during the years and is now
headquarters for the Forbes and District Historical Society, who encourage
you to visit and browse around and enjoy their display.
Back
To Index: Text "M"
Back To
Index: Photos "M"
|
|
GUM SWAMP and BIRD
HIDE:
(See separate page for bird listings)
Featured in the Australian Geographic Magazine.
This wildlife refuge, with its spectacular array of birds, small animals and
insects is well worth a visit. View not only the magnificent scenery, but
also the wildlife, from the bird hide which is nestled on the edge of the
swamp.
Access is via a sign posted, gravel road off the Newell Highway, just four
kilometres south of Forbes. Open - Always. Best viewing, sunrise and sunset.
Back
To Index: Text "G"
Back To
Index: Photos "G"
|
|
ARTS and CRAFTS:
Visit the upstairs Art Gallery at the Forbes Handicraft Centre and see the
district through an artist's eye. Exceptional local work is exhibited and is
available for sale. Crafts are a lively "cottage" industry in the
Forbes District and exhibitions and sales take place within the two arts and
crafts centres listed.
Forbes Railway Arts and Tourist Centre
Union Street, Forbes.
Phone: 02 6852 4155
Open 7 Days except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.
Tourist Information, Arts and Crafts for sale.
Forbes Handicraft Centre & Upstairs Gallery
67 Lachlan Street, Forbes.
Phone: 02 6851 4591
Open 7 days except Christmas Day and Good Friday
Open 9-5 Mon-Sat and 10.30-4 Sun
Mothers Room and Toilets.
Back To
Index: Text "A"
|
|
WINERIES:
Forbes has two award winning wineries and there's not only a good drop of
wine, but bottled history too! Both wineries are in rustic rural settings,
with BBQ, picnic facilities available for the visitor who likes to linger and
enjoy the old stone cellars. (Both are closed Good Friday and Christmas Day).
|
|
SANDHILLS VINEYARD:
Established by a French wine maker in 1920. Drive two kms along the Orange
Road and turn left onto the Sandhills Road, travel three kms and watch for
sign- view the antique copper distillery. Open Monday - Saturday Taste
regional wines, Open 7 days.
9am - 5pm, Sunday 12 - 5pm.
Phone 02 68521437.
Go 1.9 klm from Flint St roundabout, turn left onto Sandhills Rd, go 2.9klm.
Winery on right.
Back To
Index: Text "S"
Back To
Index: Photos "W"
|
|
CHATEAU CHAMPSAUR:
Established by a french wine maker in 1886, situated 2-3 kms from Forbes
along Wandary Lane, which branches off the Cowra Road, immediately after the
Iron Bridge. (Continue ahead over railway line) after the bridge. Sign on
left. Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5.30pm. Sunday 1 - 5pm. Single bottle
sales available.
Phone 02 6852 3983 or 02 6852 3908 AH.
Back To
Index: Text "L"
Back To
Index: Text "W"
|
|
|
|
HANG GLIDING:
Each year, in January, the skies around Forbes are dotted with a magnificent
sight. Soaring above are competitors in the Flatlands Hangliding
Championships. You can go and watch the launching at "Bogonol" on
the Henry Lawson Way ( Grenfell Road ), or simply watch and admire from the
ground.
In January 1998, Forbes played host to their first ever World Hangliding
Championships. 200 elite athletes competed over 12 days with many new world
records set.
Back
To Index: Text "H"
Back To
Index: Photos "H"
|
|
WATER SPORTS:
Water skiing -
Forbes Aquatic Centre
Bundaburrah Creek
Wirrinya Aquatic Centre (seasonal)
Kayaking and canoeing - Also welcome at these centres
Back To Index: Text "W"
Fishing - Throw in a line from the Lachlan River
bank - or utilise Lake Forbes and fish in a natural Billabong.
Best Spots
* Lachlan River
* Jemalong Weir
* Bundaburrah Creek
* Aquatic Centre
* Lake Forbes
* Fitzgerald's Bridge
Back
To Index: Text "F"
Back To
Index: Photos "F"
Back To
Index: Text "W"
|
|
|
|
FOSSILS:
There are several excellent fossil sites within Forbes Shire:
* Cottons Hill
* Jemalong Range
* Off Edward Street.
* Bedgerebong Road (West of Aquatic Centre)
Back To
Index: Text "F"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BUSH WALKING:
Along the Lachlan River
Jemalong Range
Cottons Weir
Nearby National Parks
Back To
Index: Text "B"
|
|
|
|
Back To
Index: Text "T"
|
|
|