A foodie adventure with a whole weekend of grazing? Sign us up

Posted on 4 July, 2022

Picture this: a tranquil river, gum trees gently swaying in the breeze, and nothing on the to-do list but wandering along the banks and indulging in an epic long lunch, feasting on local produce and matched drinks along the way.

Grazing down the Lachlan is a true foodie adventure, and it’s back this year on Saturday 17 September after a two-year hiatus. Based in Forbes, about a three hour drive north of Canberra, it’s a unique event celebrating the produce native to the Central West NSW region.

On the day, Grazers are transported by bus out to the site, 20 kilometres from Forbes. After the Welcome to Country, you’re free to wander along the 2.5-kilometre bush track between six stations offering delicious food with a matched beverage.

The menu itself is kept secret until the day, but is prepared by local restaurateurs and caterers under the guidance of creative director O Tama Carey, from the hatted Lankan Filling Station in Sydney. This year, they’re tapping into the local history and taking their inspiration from the gold rush era.

“During the gold rushes of 1850s and ‘60s, thousands of Chinese-born people migrated to the region. With them, they brought their cuisine”, says O Tama. “

The dishes will incorporate ideas of Chinese dishes found in regional restaurants of Australia with touches of native ingredients and flavours. As we have done in previous years, our ingredients and produce will be sourced locally.”

As well as celebrating the local produce, the event is also wholeheartedly respectful of the land that you’re feasting on, driven by their no-waste, environmentally responsible philosophy. Everyone is transported by bus to and from the site, to minimise the impact on the natural environment. Then all Grazers are given an event bag made from recycled fabric, packed with an enamel plate, recycled fork, donated drink bottle, event wine glass and lanyard, a menu map, and a napkin made from donated linens. At the end of the day, everyone is encouraged to donate the items back to be used the following year.

Grazing Down the Lachlan tickets are limited, and go on sale from 6pm, Thursday 7 July at grazingdownthelachlan.com.

And if you’re heading out there, why not make a whole weekend of it?

On Friday 16 September, you can ease into the Grazing weekend with Sundowners by the Lake at Lions Park from 6pm. BYO picnic rug, mates and drinks, and grab a bite from the pop-up vendors while listening to live acoustic tunes.

On Sunday morning, leave some room for the Amazing Grazing Breakfast. Head back to Lions Park for coffee and breakkie from the pop-up vendors alongside your fellow Grazers.

You can also explore a little further afield with Sculpture Down the Lachlan, a 100-kilometre inland sculpture trail featuring more than 20 sculptures by some of Australia’s leading creatives. There will be guided bus tours over the Grazing weekend, or you can navigate the trail yourself on a self-guided adventure.