The agri-tourism campaign, ‘Forbes in the Heart of the Country’, is a Forbes Shire Council initiative funded partially by Destination NSW, and was officially launched this week. 

To celebrate the launch, guests were taken on a mystery bus tour to the banks of the Lake Forbes Aquatic Centre ski dam where they were met by drovers on horseback, sheep dog trial demonstrations and a camp oven roast lunch.

The launch also showcased the nine agri-businesses and local producers that are already on board the campaign. 

Each business offers tourists a unique rural experience, from farm tours to droving and ‘catch and cook’ tours. 

Forbes’ deputy mayor Graeme Miller attended the launch and applauded Forbes in the Heart of the Country’s potential. 

“We are very proud to be the first regional centre to have a campaign like this,” Cr Miller said. 

“This will be a new income stream which will help put Forbes on the map and bring tourists to town.”

Forbes’ general manager Brian Steffen said that tourism is a “critical component” of the town’s economy and the new campaign showcases “what’s in the heart of our town”.

“The strength of Forbes has always been in agriculture and we hope to continue to grow that,” he said. 

“It offers farmers an opportunity to diversify and share what they know and love.”

Forbes Shire Council is encouraging anyone that would like further information or to be a part of the campaign to contact them. 

For more information on ‘Forbes in the heart of the Country’ visit Find it in Forbes.