About Forbes & Central NSW
Forbes is a working agricultural town in central NSW, positioned as a base for exploring the surrounding tablelands and ranges. The area offers quiet walks within town, riverside camping, and access to hiking trails that climb into the Mount Nangar and Mount Murga peaks to the southwest.
Walks & Trails
The Gum Swamp Bird Hides Trail is just 3km from town and provides easy local birdwatching. For more substantial hikes, the ranges southwest of Forbes offer several peak walks: Mount Nangar Track, Mount Nangar Walking Track, Mount Murga Track, and the Mt Murga-Nangar Link Track are all within 50km. The Chinaman's Garden Track and Escort Rock offer further exploration options for those with extra fuel and time.
Camping
Forbes has several caravan parks within or near town: Forbes River Meadows Caravan Park, Forbes Rest Area, Forbes Holiday Park, and Forbes Apex Riverside Tourist Park are all within 3km of the town centre. For those venturing further, Jemalong Weir – Upstream and Jemalong Weir Park (free camping) are 21km south, and several rest areas and parks lie along routes to the ranges.
Attractions & Things to See
The Parkes Observatory is 68km northeast and offers tours of one of Australia's major radio telescopes, a worthwhile side trip for those interested in astronomy and space science.
Golf
Forbes Golf Course is 4km from town. Parkes Golf Course is a further option 41km away.
Pubs & Dining
The Vandenberg Hotel is centrally located just 2km away. For those travelling to nearby towns, The Parkes Hotel, Cambridge Hotel, and Broadway Hotel are all in Parkes, 44–45km away.