Known as Galari to the local Wiradjuri people, the Lachlan River has been the lifeblood of the community for generations. Today, the festival celebrates the unique culture and the environment of the beautiful location. 

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Forbes has a rich tapestry of culture. From the Wiradjuri people, to the Chinese settlement of the 1840s, the Grazing Down the Lachlan festival is passionate about honouring heritage through food and experience.

Located 20km from Forbes, ‘Grazers’ are invited to wander the banks that stretch along the Lachlan River, stopping at six unique stations.  Each one features a different snack paired with a drink, created with local produce and foraged ingredients. 

As you walk along the 2.5km stretch, you’ll find all sorts of dishes to delight your taste buds. A previous event was inspired by the Gold Rush era of the 1850s and 60s, which saw thousands of Chinese immigrants migrate to the Forbes region. One stall served up crisp fortune cookies paired with a gin cocktail. A match made in heaven. Another dish. creatively titled ‘Ants Crawling On Trees’ (rice vermicelli and minced lamb expertly thrown together with native honey, muntries, rosella and lili pili) was a culinary treat. The final station served up gelato made from local bloodwood honey and star anise with a macadamia and Sichuan pepper praline. Delicious! 

One thing’s for sure – the menu is set to impress every year thanks to the talented local chefs and restaurateurs who turn their hand to Grazing Down the Lachlan.To get to the banks of the festival, head to Victoria Park on Harold Street, Forbes where event buses will take you to and from. Forbes has limited accommodation, so either get in quick or book a spot in the neighboring community of Parkes. Shuttle buses run from Forbes to Parkes for $20 per person return.