We've learned over the years that some of the best discoveries are entirely unexpected. Forbes, New South Wales, was one such place. We pulled into town not expecting much, frankly, and were completely blown away. So much so, that we decided to extend our stay by a few days. Forbes presented itself as a treasure trove of heritage and art.
The day we arrived, we immediately set about exploring the town's many heritage buildings, parks, and sculptures, both within the town and just outside its boundaries.
The Forbes Post Office, dominating the main street, is an imposing structure, a testament to a bygone era of grand civic architecture. You can almost imagine the hustle and bustle of a busy postal service within its walls, now replaced by the quiet hum of modern efficiency.
The town is filled with civic buildings of the late 1800s. The old Forbes Court House, built in 1880, is a particularly fine example.
The architecture is impressive. One can easily imagine all of the people who walked through those doors seeking justice. It's a stoic and important building.
Beyond the buildings, Forbes also has a surprising amount of public art. The sculptures scattered throughout the town and in the surrounding parks add a touch of whimsy and intrigue to the landscape. We even saw a giant metal goanna lizard just on the edge of town!
We're not sure what the goanna signifies to Forbes, but it's a very creative display.
Slightly north of the Post Office is the gorgeous St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
It's a stunning church! We walked around it, admiring the facade and beautiful architecture. It seems very well-maintained.
One of our favourite spots was Victoria Park. The fountain at the center is beautiful and peaceful.
Surrounding it, we also saw a festive decoration.
It was December 5th, so Christmas must have been just around the corner.
We also spent some time by Lake Forbes. The lake itself is quite pretty, and the fountain in the middle adds a nice touch. We even found a picnic table in the lake!
It certainly provided a good photo opportunity.
Forbes is a reminder that hidden gems often lie just off the beaten path. It is a place where history and art intertwine, offering a rewarding experience for those willing to take the time to explore. We certainly enjoyed our detour, and we'd recommend it to anyone passing through central New South Wales.
