Visit Historic Forbes

Ben Hall. Credit: Forbes Shire Council

The story of Forbes is sprinkled with boom days of the gold rush, legendary bushrangers and a rich agricultural history.

Ben Hall

One of Australia's most notorious bushrangers, Ben Hall’s three years bush ranging career began in 1862 when he started associating with career bushranger, Frank Gardner. Ben Hall was linked with hundreds of robberies including the heist of an escort coach at Eugowra Rocks, east of Forbes, reportedly carrying 14,000 pounds worth of gold and money. The site is now known as Escort Rock. Halls career came to an end at Billabong Creek near Forbes in 1865 when he was shot down by a police party. Ben Hall was buried at Forbes cemetery, two days before his 28th birthday.

Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly. Credit: Facebook

The sister of Ned Kelly arrived in the Forbes district in 1885 she was described as ‘a nice looking girl with long dark hair’ and ‘a good servant’. It is claimed that Kate went under the name of Kate Hennessy or Ada because she did not want it known that she was the sister of the Kelly boys. In 1888 Kate Kelly married William Henry ‘Bricky’ Foster and they had four children. Kate Kelly drowned in the Forbes Lagoon in 1898 and is buried at the Forbes Cemetery.

The Gem in our Crown

Forbes Livestock. Credit: Forbes Shire Council

Generations of farmers and graziers tilled the soil and tendered the stock to help establish Forbes's reputation as a rich centre for agriculture. The story of Forbes agricultural success started in the 1830s when pioneering squatters pushed into the frontier district, then boomed in the 1890s when rail arrived in the river Township. Forbes now boasts one of the nation's most successful livestock selling facilities turning over some $330 million annually. Visitors can watch buyers and sellers in flight at the Central West Livestock Exchange each Monday and Tuesday, as well as every second Friday.

McFeeter's Motor Museum

McFeeter's Motor Museum

This stunning purpose-built facility is home to a private collection of meticulously restored motor vehicles and motorcycles. Showcasing veteran, vintage, classic and modern cars, this complex also houses a souvenir gift shop and a cafe. Family owned and operated, the museum is a must see when in town. Open seven days 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Location corner Newell Highway and Oxford St. Forbes. Phone 02 68523001  Email mcfeeters@motormuseum.com.au

Website: https://motormuseum.net.au/

Collect information on Ben Hall, Kate Kelly and the award-winning Heritage Trail from the Forbes Visitor Information Centre located in this historic Railway Station in Union Street, Forbes.

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