Where to go truffle hunting in NSW

As rare and elusive as they are delicious, truffles are prized all over the world. Growing in super-specific conditions under equally rare trees (for up to six years), these aromatic nuggets are gold to the agricultural and culinary communities. Periodically, parts of NSW become pilgrimage sites for foodies fond of fungus.  

Truffle hunting in the Blue Mountains 

Prized by foodies for their intense, earthy taste, truffles prefer to grow in rich soil in a cold climate, with frosts adding to the intensity of flavour. Small wonder they thrive in the Blue Mountains region of NSW. 

There are a number of places where you can get hands-on truffle hunting, including Lowes Mount Truffiere in Oberon, an hour’s drive west of the Blue Mountains. Follow truffle dogs on an exhilarating hunt among the oak and hazelnut trees, then discover how foods rich in natural fats (think butter, cream and eggs) unlock the flavour of truffles as you tuck into a delicious tasting platter. You can also treat yourself to a selection of truffled products, such as truffle honey and truffle salt, to enjoy at home. 

Lowes Mount Truffiere, Oberon - Credit: Lowes Mount Truffiere

Or check out RedGround Truffle Hunts, nestled in the high country of Oberon. The estate here boasts 722 truffle trees, and offers a symphony of truffle varieties for year-round foraging with dogs Sarge and Scout. Guests also have the option to stay onsite at the truffle hunting lodge to immerse themselves in the alpine climate, rich soil and stunning views. And yes, there are plenty of tastings on the menu.  

RedGround Truffle Hunts - Credit: Jill O'Grady | RedGround Australia

Make a beeline for truffles in Orange 

Borrodell Estate near Orange, a 3.5-hour drive west of Sydney, is one of NSW’s pioneers when it comes to truffle hunting. Fun fact: the estate once hauled in a truffle weighing a whopping 10.5kg.  

Borrodell Estate, Canobolas

Visit Borrodell during winter to buy wine, truffles and truffled goods or celebrate the truffle harvest at the Black Tie and Gumboot Truffle Hunt and Dinner, a five-course degustation feast with matched estate wines.  

Borrodell Estate, Canobolas

During the winter months you can begin your day with a heart-starting coffee and truffle-laced eggs, perhaps, at the Byng Street Local Store, or pick up truffled produce to take home from The Agrestic Grocer, known for its excellent food using local, seasonal produce. 

Agrestic Grocer, Orange

Celebrate truffles in the Canberra region 

You only need to drive 20 minutes north of Canberra to be in Sutton’s truffle country. And it’s here that you’ll find Blue Frog Truffles, an estate that runs truffle hunts, lunches and tastings on Sundays during truffle season. Indulge in more truffle-related fun at Turalla Truffles on the outskirts of town, which offers a truffle hunt and degustation experience including a range of tantalising truffle-infused dishes – savoury and sweet – as well as truffles for sale. In the area you’ll also find Tarago Truffles, a small mixed farm with hands-on truffle hunts through the winter season. 

Tarago Truffles, Tarago

Sniff out truffles in the Southern Highlands 

The closest wine region to Sydney is also home to truffles: welcome to the Southern Highlands. With its cold climate and regular rainfall, the Highlands’ town of Robertson is an ideal truffle-growing area. Learn how Robertson Truffles became one of the first operating and producing truffle farms in Australia on one of its Thursday hunt tours during the harvest season. Marvel at the live harvest and a washing and grading demonstration before a tantalising tasting overlooking the truffière. At the end of the season you can also indulge in a long-table lunch, where every dish you’re served comes with a liberal shaving of truffles.  

Take another mouthwatering tour to a local truffle farm with Experience Nature. After foraging for truffles, you’ll be served a three-course, truffle-infused lunch, and a tasting of four cool-climate wines. 

Roberston Truffles, Roberston - Credit: Delly Carr 2022

Winter mornings in the Southern Highlands are particularly pretty, with mist rising over neat rows of vines and the sun’s first rays casting the countryside a glorious golden colour. Dive into the world of fungus here in Greenwich Park at Ganymede Truffles, where you can enjoy a four-hour truffle hunting (and eating) experience. The pretty estate hosts 900 English and holly oak trees. At the base of these beauties you’ll find black Périgord truffles, with highly trained dogs able to sniff out the prized packages, intuitively knowing when they are ripe and ready for unearthing. Here you’ll discover the full-cycle farming process: growing, harvesting, drying, grading – and finally eating, with kitchen tips, should you wish to take one home. Or, try some of Ganymede’s truffled honey and salt, for an instant earthy hit. 

Ganymede Truffles, Southern Tablelands 

Find more truffles in the Snowy Mountains 

Slip on your winter woollies and follow your passion for truffles to the NSW Snowy Mountains in Bredbo, where Macenmist Black Truffles and Wine offers truffle hunts, including a family-friendly option; tastings; and three-course lunches in scenic rural surrounds.

Macenmist Black Truffles and Wine, Bredbo

Visit the South Coast & Shoalhaven for truffle indulgences 

Then make for the NSW South Coast, where a number of truffle experiences await. Drop in to Gulaga Gold, a truffle farm scenically situated between Cobargo and Tilba, to enjoy a truffle hunt in winter, experience the life of a truffle farmer in spring, or join a ‘treasure hunt’ from home at any time of the year – the first truffle produced from the tree you chose on its treasure map will be posted to you so you can savour it at home. 

In the Shoalhaven region, you can get your hands dirty foraging at L’Air du Wombat Truffles. Join a farm tour and truffle hunt followed by a tasting. Can’t bear to leave? There’s onsite accommodation that you can check in to overnight.   

Gulaga Gold, Dignams Creek - Credit: Gulaga Gold