December 2020: Wiradjuri Country
What we loved
In a large clearing beside a spectacular wetland just out of Forbes, a giant galvanised steel goanna surveys the surroundings.
It’s the latest addition to Somewhere Down the Lachlan sculpture trail – a spectacular work by northern NSW sculptor Glen Star, which he has named Varanus (Gugaa).
This sculpture was installed in July this year and tells the significance of Gugaa to Wiradjuri people, as a totemic animal and important food source.
It also represents the steady expansion of a fascinating public art and tourism concept being driven by Forbes Art Society.
It might not yet be as well-known as Sydney’s Sculptures by the Sea, but Somewhere Down the Lachlan has the potential to become just as iconic to inland NSW.
The trail was started in 2014 and attracted more than $5m in government funding in 2019. The ongoing project will see the installation of large-scale sculptures over an area of 100 kilometres through the Lachlan Valley to create an art trail of potential international significance.
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It’s a far cry from Forbes’ usual claims to fame – bushrangers, history and agriculture – but one of the many things Two Minute Postcards loved about the town and the region.
What we did
Forbes Sculpture trail
We picked up a Somewhere Down the Lachlan map from the Tourist Information Centre and went on a sculpture treasure hunt. Many are in easy walking distance from each other in the CBD, others can be found in a tranquil setting down by Lake Forbes. Others like the wonderful goanna work are a short drive away out of town.
Heritage walk
Forbes is justifiably well known for its stunning heritage buildings – too many to detail here. You can pick up a heritage map at the tourist office – which is itself in the charming 1893 railway station.
The grandeur of the 1891 Forbes Town Hall was recaptured with a restoration project back in 2013, costing almost $200,000. It’s brought this landmark building back to life.
Operatic soprano and superstar of her age Nellie Melba performed there in 1909 as part of her “back blocks” tour of regional NSW and Queensland. She arrived in Forbes by train on June 8 and was whisked away by car to her hotel.
St Johns Anglican and St Andrews Presbyterian churches (both 1877), the Vandenberg Hotel and the Court House (1880) are clustered around lovely Victoria Park and well worth a look. The heritage listed Post Office is nearby, built in 1862. Take a drive around – there are lots of wonderfully restored homes from a range of architectural eras.
Lovely Lake Forbes
On a hot afternoon, our walk around the Lake Forbes was just the ticket. It’s a focal point for local life with picnic areas, and 10km of bike and walking paths around its picturesque edges.
It’s a magnet for birds with a colony of pelicans making themselves right at home on a small island.
We particularly enjoyed Wiradjuri Dreaming area where story poles, each depicting a part of the Wiradjuri culture and their totem animals, are installed along the lake walk between the Dreaming Centre and the Camp Street bridge.
The feature sculpture, Family Matters, by Brett Garling depicts two women and a child returning from gathering food.
Car lovers
We had bit of time to spare so decided to pop into McFeeter’s Motor Museum which has been a fixture on the Forbes tourist circuit for many years. It contains a collection of classic vehicles dating back to 1902, including the world’s first all-white Rolls Royce – a 1953 model Silver Dawn. Museum founder Bill McFeeter was on hand to answer questions and share his extensive automotive knowledge.
Where we ate
There are some great eateries in Forbes, and this is not an exhaustive list – just where we ended up. The historic Vandenberg Hotel was a cool respite on a hot day, and we enjoyed a classic pub schnitty. When we needed morning tea, The Bakehouse came through with the goods with their fantastic lamingtons. If eating outdoors is your thing, then try Sweet Three by The Lake – a cool little container cafe overlooking Lake Forbes in Lions Park. Good food. Great setting.
