Is Forbes the perfect reset for Canberra families?
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Forbes has transformed over the last decade and is full of interesting things to do (some of them a little unexpected!). Around four hours’ drive from Canberra, we think this could be one of the best places to take the family for a relaxing reset.
Is Forbes on your ‘want-to-visit’ list? New South Wales’ Central West is road trip heaven, with stop-offs every hour or so from Canberra, beautiful scenery, rolling hills, great food, and more eye-spy fodder than you’ll ever need.
We’ve done the research; all you need to do is drive a few hours and enjoy.
What to do
One of the most unexpected parts of the visit was Sculpture Down The Lachlan, a collection of large-scale artworks by Australian artists from across the country that line the Lachlan River. It’s a peaceful way to spend the first half of your day, and a great way to see the countryside.
The enormous goanna sculpture ‘Varanus’ by Glen Star.
While you’re there, you can also check out the bird hides at Gum Swamp. A refuge for a huge variety of Australian bird species, expect to see kites, pelicans, ducks, swans, kingfishers, herons, spoonbills, and parrots.
A double-storey bird hide at Gum Swamp.
Next, we headed into the centre of town for a self-guided walk through the historical parts of Forbes, covering the Town Hall, Victoria Park, the Railway Station, the Library, and much more.
Within walking distance of Town Hall is the central shopping district, where you can explore jewellery and homewares at Farmhouse Florae and Little Extras Lifestyle Boutique, or shop fashion at Allure on Main and Euphoria.
The Aussie Biscuit Factory is also nearby, with regular free tours held throughout the day. Employing people with disability and producing up to 120,000 biscuits a day, their range of shortbread, ANZAC, and ginger snap biscuits is served on flights and in motels, hotels, and boutique stores throughout Australia.
Finally, you could spend hours walking or cycling the banks of Forbes Lake and exploring the playgrounds and parks that surround it. In the warmer months, the free water park is particularly popular, and there’s water skiing down the road.
It’s worth mentioning that we started the trip at the Forbes Tourist Information Centre – the team there were super helpful and had so many ideas for how to spend our time. They can help with attractions, events, accommodation and a lot more.
Where to stay
We were lucky enough to stay at Top Paddock Silo Stay, a farm-stay about 25 minutes’ drive from the centre of town, where you can sleep inside a converted grain silo. There’s space for the kids (and pets are welcome!), a hot tub, fresh sourdough upon arrival, and great local dinner boxes you can pre-order before you arrive. You can also opt in for a farm tour, where you’ll learn about the family’s approach to regenerative farming and get the chance to meet the horses, cattle, and a beautiful steer named Braveheart that call it home.
A few of the residents you’ll get to meet at Top Paddock Silo Stay.
For those looking to bring their home with them, there are also four caravan parks in Forbes and free camping spots at Wheogo Park.
There are also great campsites within 30-minutes drive of Forbes, and motel, hotel, and cabin options in town too.
Where to eat
There are heaps of cafés and restaurants dotted about Forbes, but lunch highlights include The Bakehouse Café, Sylo, and Thorpey’s in the Paddock at the Condobolin Tourist Information Centre (a great pit stop after exploring the Sculpture Trail!).
A standout was visiting Sheldricks Fine Food, a family-owned providore that sources produce locally, where you can select from a range of delicious pre-prepared dinners to heat back at your accommodation. We had their signature chicken pot pie, and it was genuinely spectacular! It’s well worth a visit to Leanne and the team.
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So if you’re looking for a relaxing reset for you and the kids, Forbes is worth throwing into the mix!
