[2] Forrest's first position was with the Colonial Sugar Refining Company, with which he remained connected throughout most of his life, being for many years their Queensland director.

In 1872 he came to Brisbane to work for the firm of Parbury, Lamb & Co., rising to be managing partner in Queensland.

Subsequently, he was appointed one of the commissioners to inquire into the working of the Colonial Stores Office.

[2] Forrest was a keen yachtsman and the owner of the Isabel, the fastest yacht in Queensland waters.

[2] Forrest died in St Helen's Private Hospital in Brisbane on Monday 30 March 1914 following an illness of several months.