Forrest was born in 1961 to Donald and Judith Forrest in Perth, Western Australia.
Forrest's early years were spent as a jackaroo at Mindaroo Station, in the Pilbara. He did his initial education at Onslow Primary School,before moving back to Perth to attend Christ Church Grammar School and then Hale School.
He completed his graduation in economics and politics from the University of Western Australia. After compeltiong his graduation he started his career as a stockbroker at the brokerage houses Kirke Securities and Jacksons.
