Forbes attracts many outdoors and sports lovers with a great range of
recreational options. Get active with a round of golf, a game of squash,
tennis or lawn bowls, a spot of fishing or a splash at the pool. Or
grab your hiking boots, a picnic, a camera, or a canvas and head into
the outdoors.
BIRD WATCHING
Great viewing is available at the Gum Swamp wildlife refuge where it is
possible to observe up to 70 species in a few hours from the hide.
Located 4km south of Forbes off the Newell Highway. Collect a brochure and list of bird species you might expect to see from the Forbes Visitor Information Centre, Railway Station, Union Street.
PICNIC & BUSHWALK
Picnic around Lake Forbes enjoying the 4.8 km of walking and cycle
tracks, find your own quiet spot on the Lachlan River or enjoy great
bushwalking within a 1 hour drive radius at Back Yamma State Forest or
nearby Weddin, Nangar, Goobang and Coonimbla National Parks. Information
available at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre.
SKATE PARK
LAWN BOWLS
Forbes Sport & Recreation Club
170 Lachlan Street
(02) 6852 1499
Enjoy a social game on championship standard greens at the Forbes Sport
and Recreation Club on Lachlan Street, then relax at the licensed bar
or enjoy a meal at the bistro. The Club is open 7 days. Phone: (02) 6852
1499 to find out more.
GOLF
17 Parkes Road. The Forbes Golf Course is a picturesque 18 hole, par
72, 6100m course. A licensed bar, restaurant and BBQ facilities are
available at the Forbes Golf & Sportsmans Hotel, with adjoining
accommodation overlooking the 1st fairway. Club and cart hire is
available, to book contact the pro shop on (02) 6851 1554.
Visit http://www.forbesgolf.org.au/
SQUASH
Forbes Services Golf Club
Parkes Road
Work up a sweat on modern squash courts at the Forbes Services Golf
Club and quench your thirst at the bar or with a meal at the bistro. To
book contact the pro shop on (02) 6852 2638.
SWIMMING
Forbes Town Pool
Lawler Street
Forbes' 6 lane, 50m Olympic Swimming Pool complex also offers
children's splash park and water features, learn to
swim pool and canteen facilities. Caters for early morning swimmers.Opening hours are 10am to 7pm every day for October
and March with 6am to 8am for lap swimming all season and then 9am to
7.30pm every day from November to February and will be open until 8pm on
Fridays.
AQUATIC CENTRE
Waterskiing can be enjoyed at the Lake Forbes Aquatic Centre, 2 km from
the town centre on the Bedgerabong Rd. There is 2.5 km of waterway with
a boat-launching ramp, carpark, toilets & showers, and BBQ
facilities. No camping permitted on site.
Forbes has a wide range of ovals and sporting grounds for recreational activities. From South Circle and Grinstead Oval on Lake Forbes, to Spooners Oval- home of the Forbes Magpies, the recently updated netball courts or the neatly landscaped botanical gardens (soccer fields).
Seasonal sports such as Netball, Basketball, Soccer, Cricket, Hockey, Touch & Rugby Football are run at various times throughout the year. Contact details for these sports can be found in our local Community Guide.
There are currently three gyms servicing the Forbes area for all its exercise and fitness needs. Forbes Health & Fitness, Curves Gym and Anytime Fitness are alllocated close to the town centre and are equipped with the latest exercise and health & fitness equipment as well as friendly trained staff.
For those opting for a more scenic exercise, there is a number of exercise equipment placed around the 4.8km of walkways on Lake Forbes available to the public at any time. For details on classes, opening times and bookings, phone Forbes Health & Fitness on 6851 1550, Curves Gym on 1300 796 811 or Anytime Fitness on 6851 540.