Taste the Highlands: A Culinary Journey Through Forage & Feast 2026

Forage & Feast

A Five-Week Celebration of Regional Flavours

The Central Highlands will come alive from 12 January to 15 February 2026 with Forage & Feast, an immersive food and drink festival showcasing the region’s finest producers, growers and culinary artisans. This five-week program offers travellers the chance to taste, learn and discover the heart of regional Victoria through hands-on workshops, gourmet dining experiences and behind-the-scenes farm tours. For food lovers seeking authentic connections to local makers, Forage & Feast is one of the most flavourful summer events on the calendar.

Discover Unique Culinary Experiences

Forage & Feast brings the best of the region together in a curated celebration of seasonal produce and creative gastronomy. From beekeeping sessions to long lunches, the program invites visitors to meet the people behind the food, hear their stories and taste the results of their craft. With venues ranging from historic pubs to contemporary distilleries and boutique farms, the festival highlights the diversity of the Central Highlands food scene.

Pork & Pinot at Buninyong Hotel

One of the festival’s standout events is Pork & Pinot at the Buninyong Hotel. Guests can enjoy a Western Plains Pork main dish paired perfectly with a glass of Attwoods Pinot Noir. This dining experience highlights the exceptional quality of local producers and the strong connection between regional food and wine.

Beer and Bread at Aunty Jacks

Forage & Feast

At Ballarat’s Aunty Jacks, visitors can dive into the region’s brewing heritage with a tasting board and beer paddle created especially for the festival. The session celebrates local brewing stories and showcases the craftsmanship behind the city’s thriving beer culture. It is an ideal event for travellers who enjoy combining artisan flavours with local history.

Progressive Feast with Itinerant Spirits and The Turret Café

Food adventurers will love the progressive dinner hosted by Itinerant Spirits and The Turret Café. This curated culinary journey highlights exceptional regional produce through a series of courses served across two of Ballarat’s favourite venues. It is a chance to savour inventive dishes and experience the artistry of local chefs.

All Things Goat Long Lunch

Meredith Dairy’s renowned goat products take centre stage at the All Things Goat long lunch. This five-course paddock-to-plate celebration showcases the versatility and quality of goat cheese, milk and yoghurt, all set against the backdrop of one of the region’s most iconic farms. It is a must-experience event for gourmands seeking fresh, local flavours.

A Celebration of Community, Culture and Cuisine

Forage & Feast offers a rare opportunity to explore the Central Highlands through its most defining ingredient: its food. With a program built around learning, tasting and connecting, the festival invites visitors to experience the creativity and passion of the region’s growers and makers. Whether joining a hands-on workshop or sitting down to an expertly crafted meal, travellers will leave with a richer appreciation for this vibrant culinary community.

Visit Ballarat

Website: https://www.centralhighlandsgrowers.com.au/forageandfeast
Phone: 1800 44 66 33

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