The Forbes River originates west of Spokes Mountain, on the northern slopes of Abbotsmith Ridge in the Great Dividing Range, located within Willi Willi National Park.

It then flows southward and eventually joins the Hastings River near Yarras.

The river spans a distance of 53 kilometres (33 mi) and descends 965 metres (3,166 ft) in elevation over its course.

[2] The river was named by Surveyor-General John Oxley in tribute to Francis Forbes, who later became the first Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court.

[citation needed] The Forbes River is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dingos, carpet pythons, and goannas in certain sections.