Visit Historic Forbes Australia

The Forbes Post Office
Photo Credit: Forbes Shire Council

When visiting Forbes make sure you see the many historic buildings in the town.

The Forbes Post Office

This outstanding building was designed by distinguished colonial architect James Barnett. The building was completed in 1881. When you visit the Post Office, keep an eye out for the faithful kelpie “Rosa” waiting patiently for her owner to return.

The Forbes Town Hall

Opened in 1891, the Town Hall has been the home to many dances, concerts and social functions. Dame Nellie Melba performed in the hall in 1909. The town hall in its present form was officially re-opened in 1991. Bo Diddley and Billy Thorpe have been among its performing artists alumni. The town hall also made a guest appearance in the movie, “The Dish”. Living in Forbes at the time the movie was made, it was interesting to see the transformation of the building and streetscape to suit the time period of the movie.

St. John's Anglican Church
Photo Credit: Forbes Anglican Church

St. John's Anglican Church

The construction of this church took place over many years. Construction of the nave was completed in 1877, the chancel, vestries and bell tower in 1909. It's beautiful memorial stained glass windows look back to early district families. When visiting Forbes, enjoy the beauty of the exterior and interior of this church.

 

Vandenberg Hotel

Fronting Victoria Park and the Court House, the original part of the hotel was built in the 1860s. The premier Sir Henry Parkes addressed 2000 people from its expansive balconies in 1887.

Lands Office

Completed in 1898, this building is a sophisticated example of late 19th Century timber architecture.

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church

Local master stonemasons assisted in building this unspoilt, rusticated stone church that was completed in 1877.

Victoria Park Photo
Credit: Visit NSW

Victoria Park

Faced by the Town Hall, Court House, Anglican and Presbyterian churches, this picturesque meeting place is one of Forbes showpieces. H. R. H Prince Charles, now King Charles, planted an Elm tree in the park during his visit to Forbes in 1994. I was one of the many people in the gathered crowd who witnessed this.

Forbes Court House

Designed by James Barnett and built on the site of the previous courthouse in 1879-80, Forbes Court House originally served a vast western district which included the towns of Parkes and Condobolin.

Forbes Library

The current Forbes Library, also fronting Victoria Park, began life as The School of Arts then became a Library Institute. Construction started in 1898 and completed in 1929. The original building was an important meeting place for the movers and shakers for the town. At the back of the current building is the base of the Forbes Family History Group.

Saint Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church and Presbytery

The cut stone Chapel with gothic windows, porch and tower opened in 1880, and the sanctuary and sacristy opened in 1902. The Presbytery was blessed and opened in 1913.

Lachlan Arcade

The three storey Lachlan Arcade was opened in 1892 by Jewish merchant Daniel Berger. The brick and stone arcade with mezzanine level retains some original features, including a large glass fan light featured on the 1st floor front wall. In its early years to 1904, the shop was a veritable haven for Forbes shoppers. Stocking everything from dress materials, mens suits in silk or serge, boots, cards, groceries, wine and beer to novelties of all kinds. Since this time, it has been a garage, paint shop, second hand store, cafe and restaurant.

Anglesey House Photo Credit:
Forbes Shire Council

Anglesey House

Built in 1884 it's beautifully restored decorative two story Victorian townhouse in Templar St reflects the success of its first owner, local merchant William Thomas.

 

Visitor Guide

For more information and to plan your trip to Forbes, visit the website www.amazingforbesnsw.com and view the Visitor Guide , or if you prefer to have it posted to you, please email tourism@forbes.nsw.gov.au with your postal details.

Forbes Visitor Information Centre

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday, 10am - 3pm Saturday and Sunday
Phone: 02 6852 4155
Address: Railway Station, Union Street, Forbes
Email: tourism@forbes.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.amazingforbesnsw.com