Forbes, New South Wales

Forbes
New South Wales
Court house built in 1880
Forbes
Coordinates33°23′0″S 148°01′0″E / 33.38333°S 148.01667°E / -33.38333; 148.01667
Population9,319 (2021 census)
Established1861
Postcode(s)2871
Elevation245 m (804 ft)
Location
LGA(s)Forbes Shire Council
CountyAshburnham
State electorate(s)Orange
Federal division(s)Parkes
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall
23.8 °C
75 °F
10.0 °C
50 °F
526.3 mm
20.7 in

Forbes is a town in the Central West region of New South Wales, Australia, located on the Newell Highway between Parkes and West Wyalong. According to the 2021 census, Forbes has a population of 9,319. Forbes is probably named after Sir Francis Forbes, first Chief Justice of NSW.

Located on the banks of the Lachlan River, Forbes is 245 metres (804 ft) above sea-level and about 380 kilometres (240 mi) west of Sydney. The district is a cropping area where wheat and similar crops are grown. Nearby towns and villages include Calarie, Parkes, Bedgerebong, Bundabarrah, Corradgery, Daroobalgie, Eugowra, Ooma North and Paytens Bridge. Forbes is subject to a pattern of flooding, generally occurring to a significant level once every seven years, including 2016 and 2022.