FORBES Forbes is the next town encounted after Parkes when traveling southwards. Now, Forbes is a really nice town and has a lot to offer the visitor. A stopover here is a must. Magnificent churches, old pubs and an interesting history is the magnet. John Oxley passed through in 1817 during one of the first inland expeditions. He was unimpressed. After a non event gold discovery, settlers moved into the district in 1834. The name "Forbes" celebrating Sir Francis Forbes was declared from Sydney as the result of a possible government administrative error. But stuck.   One of Australia's most renowned bushrangers, Ben Hall, was shot dead in gun battle about 20 kilometres (12 mi) to the north-west of town on 5 May 1865. Hall and his gang were famous for stealing.  He is buried in the Forbes Cemetery. Kate Kelly, the sister of bushranger Ned Kelly, lived in the town, and drowned in Lake Forbes while saving an aboriginal child during one of the lake's floods. She is buried in Forbes Cemetery. There is no ‘on display’ information to this historic fact. The hotels in Forbes are mostly represented by the old vintage style pubs. The churches are all classic designed 100 year old buildings and quite magnificent. The Forbes War Memorial is located in the town’s central gardens and is a worthy testament. The Forbes Museum is the Vintage Car Display on the southern entry to the town. This is well worth the visit. The Historical Museum is the cbd area. Forbes is a really nice place that deserves a stop over at a minimum. Diary notes