The long lunch on the Lachlan River won the Festivals and Events category at the State awards in Sydney on Thursday night, in front of 500 industry representatives.

"Shocked, excited and delighted sums up Team Grazing's response to the Gold award win last night," Chair of Grazing Down The Lachlan Committee Wendy Muffett said.

"It was great to see events and businesses from the bush take out so many of the awards, and it was truly an honour and a privilege to share the stage with them.

"Heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, caterers, many volunteers and our friends at the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre.

"This win belongs to all of us and just goes to show what this amazing town of ours can do when we work together."

The Festival and Events category recognises leisure festivals, events and exhibitions that enhance the profile/awareness and appeal of the destination they are held in as well as creating economic impact, increased visitation and community involvement.

Deni Ute Muster was awarded silver in the category, and Lismore Lantern Parade took out bronze.

Grazing has grown from strength to strength since its inception just three short years ago.

Each year has sold out fast: this year 900 Grazers from all over the Eastern seaboard hit the trail for a foodie adventure.

But with the awards open to events of up to 50,000 people, Wendy admits she was shocked when Grazing was announced the winner.

She attributes it to the event's incredible volunteer backbone, its authenticity, and the way it unites the community.

"It is the whole story," Wendy said.

IN PICTURES: Grazing 2019 just amazing in wild weather

"We're showcasing farmers, we have the support of an amazing mining company, we showcase conservation, Wiradjuri involvement - they are deeply embedded and have been since the beginning.

"And it runs on volunteer labour."

Grazing also showcases "this amazing western landscape" - and it's given organisers and their guests just about everything in the past three years.

Herds of cattle and truckloads of bee boxes have appeared on the stock route just hours out from the event.

A total fire ban was declared one year, and this year they soldiered through a dust storm.

And we love it.

Although the committee could be forgiven for putting their feet up after hosting lunch for 900, they literally put the event to the pub test each year, heading out in their Grazing shirts.

"(This year) We could not get past the Sydney-siders at the doors just saying 'it was amazing!'," Wendy said.

Grazing Down The Lachlan will progress to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Canberra on Friday March 6, 2020.

It returns to the banks of the Lachlan River in Forbes on Saturday September 18, 2021.