Country Hospitality in the Heart of Forbes

Right in the heart of historic Forbes, the Globe Hotel is a classic country pub and a great place to stop when exploring the Lachlan Valley.

For riders travelling through Central West NSW, Forbes makes an ideal destination or overnight stop. With its historic streets, heritage buildings, waterways and strong connection to Australia's bushranger era, there is plenty to discover once the bike is parked.

The Globe Hotel sits close to the centre of town, making it easy to grab a meal, enjoy a drink and then head out to explore everything Forbes has to offer.

A Town Built on Gold

Forbes has a fascinating history that began with European exploration and changed dramatically with the discovery of gold.

The area is part of Wiradjuri Country, and the Lachlan Valley has a much older history stretching back thousands of years.

Explorer John Oxley travelled through the region in 1817, but it was the discovery of gold in the 1860s that transformed Forbes into a bustling gold-rush town.

Thousands of people arrived hoping to strike it rich, and the town developed rapidly. Hotels, shops, businesses and other services sprang up to cater for the booming population.

Many of Forbes' historic buildings have survived, giving today's visitors a chance to see the architectural legacy of that extraordinary period.

The Bushranger Connection

Forbes is also closely associated with one of Australia's most famous bushrangers — Ben Hall.

Hall and his gang operated throughout the Central West during the 1860s, and Forbes became the setting for the final chapter of his story.

Ben Hall was ambushed and shot by police near Forbes on 5 May 1865.

Today, visitors can follow the area's bushranger history through the Ben Hall Historic Site, the Forbes Museum and the historic graves walk at Forbes Cemetery, where Hall is buried.

For anyone interested in Australian history, it's a fascinating side of Forbes that is easy to explore.

Things to See & Do

🏍️ Explore the Forbes Heritage Trail

Forbes has an impressive collection of historic buildings, many of which are still in use today.

The Forbes Heritage Trail provides a self-guided walking tour through the town, covering 18 historic sites and giving visitors an insight into the architecture and people that shaped Forbes.

It's a great way to spend an hour or two after arriving in town.

🌊 Lake Forbes

Just a short distance from the town centre, Lake Forbes is a natural lagoon connected to the Lachlan River.

The lake has walking and cycling tracks, picnic areas, BBQ facilities, playgrounds and plenty of birdlife.

It's a peaceful place to stretch the legs after a day's riding.

🏛️ Forbes Historical Museum

History enthusiasts should make time for the Forbes & District Historical Society Museum.

The museum is housed in the former Osborne Hotel's dance hall and contains an extensive collection covering local life, agriculture, Aboriginal history, machinery and the region's famous bushranger stories.

There is also a dedicated exhibition exploring the myths and stories surrounding Ben Hall.

🚗 McFeeters Motor Museum

For a motorcycle touring program, this one is worth highlighting.

McFeeters Motor Museum houses a collection of more than 60 historic and classic vehicles and is a great stop for anyone with an interest in motoring history.

It makes a natural addition to a Great Aussie Pub Feed ride through Forbes.

🎨 Sculpture Down the Lachlan

Forbes is also home to the beginning of Sculpture Down the Lachlan, a permanent outdoor art trail stretching approximately 100 kilometres between Forbes and Condobolin.

The sculptures are installed throughout the Lachlan Valley landscape, creating a very different kind of touring experience.

🟥 The Amazing Forbes Sign

Don't leave town without grabbing a photo at the enormous “Amazing” sculpture on the Lachlan Valley Way.

The two-and-a-half-metre-high letters were constructed from eight tonnes of steel and were created through a community effort involving local farmers, tradespeople and engineers.

It's become one of the recognisable symbols of Forbes — and a pretty good spot for a rider photo.

Did You Know?

Forbes has appeared on the big screen.

Several of the town's historic buildings were featured in the Australian film The Dish, helping showcase Forbes' remarkable heritage architecture to audiences around Australia and beyond.

📖 Add the Globe Hotel to Your Great Aussie Pub Feed Passport

When you're riding through the Central West, Forbes and the Globe Hotel deserve a place on your itinerary.

Pull in, grab a feed, enjoy a drink, explore the town's remarkable history and take some time to discover the roads and attractions around the Lachlan Valley.

And, of course, don't forget to get your Great Aussie Pub Feed Passport stamped.

Because the best motorcycle trips aren't just about the kilometres you ride — they're about the towns you discover, the people you meet and the stories you take home.

Every pub has a story. Every ride creates a memory.

🏍️ Ride • Eat • Explore • Support