Leisure

The Lachlan River is picturesque and accessible, offering a choice of secluded locations to immerse yourself in Mother Nature and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Aussie bush.

Lake Forbes

Studded with majestic fountains, interesting sculptures and quaint pedestrian bridges, Lake Forbes is a magnet for visitors, a popular place for families to gather and for friends to meet. Walk or cycle the entire 10km journey, work out at one of the sets of outdoor fitness equipment or grab a friend and paddle an hour or two on the water. Head to the ‘ski-dam’! The Forbes Aquatic and Recreation Area provides a dynamic space and ideal conditions for water skiing, wakeboarding and inflatables. The banks of the ‘’ski-dam’’ are easily accessible and sandbased creating the perfect mix for the professional skier through to beginner. Slow the pace a little and stroll along the walking paths to discover bronze, steel and timber installations or discover our Aboriginal culture with a visit to the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre. Enjoy a family day out under the shade of an all-abilities playground featuring a liberty swing and flying fox. Or keep the kids cool and have loads of fun at the Water Park featuring water sprays and delights for all ages. As the sun lowers, hang a hammock and swing in the breeze of the afternoon when only the sound of native birdlife competes for your attention.

Bird watching

Located only 4kms south of Forbes off the Newell Highway, Gum Swamp Wetlands provides a protected habitat for rich and diverse birdlife. Drawing ornithologists and twitchers from across the globe, the wetlands have been known to attract more than 188 varieties of birds including rare and endangered species. The bird hide provides the ideal place to sit and observe the beauty of this wildlife sanctuary where species such as whistling kites, black swans, herons, egrets, cormorants and sea eagles perch amongst the timber.

Fishing

Nestled between the Bedgerabong Road and Lachlan Valley Way is the scenic Lachlan River abundant with native animals, plants, birds and fish. The river’s slow, winding waters provide the perfect conditions to snag a murray cod, catfish or yellow belly. Find out what the locals know and collect a copy of the ‘Escape to the Lachlan’ brochure from the Forbes Visitor Information Centre. The brochure outlines five key fishing spots including the popular Jemalong Weir located 24km west of Forbes along Lachlan Valley Way.

Swimming

There is nothing like sinking your feet into the cool sand of a river bed. Paddle in the shallows of the Lachlan River and take in the sights and sounds of this picturesque riverine environment. If doing a few laps is a daily routine, Forbes offers two swimming pools. One is heated and perfect for those cool winter mornings. Forbes Olympic Pool is 50m and boasts six lanes so there’s no excuse for not keeping to that daily exercise regime.