Now on its 10th year, the annual Canberra Truffle Festival is well underway with a plethora of exciting events and activities in celebration of the prized Black Truffle. Running from now to August, the festival has earned Canberra a spot as a top destination during truffle season. Events range from truffle hunts, degustation dinners, cooking classes and more.
To help you dig into the festivities, we’ve put together a list of the best things to see, eat and do at this year’s festival. Experience one of the world’s most treasured and tasty culinary delicacies and read all about it below!
Images via Visit Canberra
For generations, this elusive fungus has been prized by chefs and foodies all over the world for its delectable flavours and aromas. They grow and fruit underground in late spring, through summer and autumn, and mature with the onset of winter for harvest.
Canberra is home to five of the best truffle growers in the country - Blue Frog Truffles, L’Air du Wombat Truffles, Tarago Truffles, Turalla Truffles and Macenmist Black Truffles and Wines. All of which host their own hunt, tasting, luncheons and masterclasses.
From truffle hunting, tastings, immersive tours, cooking classes and more, the Canberra Truffle Festival has continued to raise the bar year after year by hosting new events as well as well-loved mainstays. Dive into the truffle celebrations with our top picks of things to do below!
Images via Blue Frog Truffles
Kick-off truffle season with a Sunday truffle hunt by Blue Frog Truffles, the people behind the establishment of the Australian Truffle Growers Association and the Truffle Festival itself. This unique tour takes place at a sweeping truffiere lined with oak and hazelnut trees. Starting at 10am sharp, the experienced guides will teach you everything you need to know about growing and harvesting truffles all the while trailing behind the well-trained truffle hunting dogs. You’ll even get a chance to hunt and dig up some of these black diamonds yourself.
After the hour-long tour, you’ll be treated to a variety of delicacies, such as truffle ice cream, truffle cheeses and soup of the day topped with truffle shavings.
Our Tip: Their produce has been embraced by local chefs and food lovers across the region so it’s well worth it to buy a few grams to take home and inject a piece of truffle heaven in your home-cooked meals.
Located at 63 Goolabri Drive Sutton, NSW
When: June 18 to July 2 2023; Sundays from 10 am to 12 pm
Cost: $100 for adults, children aged 5-15yo $50, children under 5 free
More information here.
Images via L'Air du Wombat Truffles
Set in the banks of the Shoalhaven River, L'Air du Wombat Truffles offer an exciting Sunday truffle hunt which are perfect for connoisseurs and first-time hunters alike. As the clever truffle dogs trail for the scent, the passionate guides will take you through their truffière while they share their stories and unmatched truffle expertise.
Guests are also rewarded with refreshments and a light snack with black truffles as the hero ingredient.
Our Tip: The hunt is set amongst the stunning 10-acre farm so be sure to rug up and wear warm clothing and closed shoes.
Located at 1211 Oallen Road Oallen, NSW
When: June 17 to August 19 2023, Saturdays only
Cost: $110 for adults, $55 for children 5-12yo, free for children under 5
More info here.
Images via Tarago Truffles
For a truly personalised experience, Tarago Truffles offer immersive small group tours and hunts. Each group is limited to just 16 people so you won't have to worry about getting lost in the shuffle. You'll also get a chance to ask your guide all your pressing truffle questions and get expert tips throughout the tour.
From only $80 per person, guests can participate in a hunt guided by truffle hunting dogs Dusty and Joker, delightful truffle tastings, and an insightful education session on all things truffle.
Our Tip: Because the groups are so small and hunts are only offered on Saturdays, advance bookings are absolutely essential. Reserve your spot now so you don't miss your chance!
Located at 173 Willandra Lane Tarago NSW
When: TBC
Cost: TBC
More info here.
Image via Foodish / Facebook
Get hands on with truffles and join Foodish Cooking School’s Truffle Magic Cooking Class and Truffle Lunch. Featuring the freshest truffle from Blue Frog Truffles in Sutton, Foodish’s qualified chefs will teach patrons how to best use the prized ingredient to make tantalising dishes. You’re guaranteed to feel like a master chef after just one session!
Learn how to make Truffle souffle with truffle oil and fresh truffle shavings, impress with a Truffle-infused beef wellington with a Madeira and truffle jus, and indulge with a Chocolate-chestnut roulade with truffle ice-cream.
And to top it off, you get to enjoy all your truffle creations accompanied by paired wines!
Our Tip: Foodish’s mantra is ‘Connecting through cooking’, designing experiences that are meant to be shared with friends. They make for a great present or something fun to do for a corporate function or a girls day out. Be sure to book their Truffle Magic classes as they sell out quite fast!
Located at 14 Ibbott Lane, Belconnen, ACT
When: 04 and 11 August 2019; from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Cost: $120 pp no wine pairings, $140 pp with wine pairings
Images via Fyshwick Markets
Excited to put your truffle knowledge in the kitchen? Head to the Fyshwick Markets to shop for all things truffle related. Available throughout the festival, the market will be lined with stalls stocking fresh truffles, truffle oil, butter, gin, and even truffle-infused eggs to use for your own culinary executions.
You can even sample delicious truffle dishes made onsite using the very best of the season’s harvest.
Must-Try: Transport your taste buds to truffle heaven with Deli Planet’s made to order Truffle-infused pizza! Bite into a mouthful of fresh truffles and truffle brie on a handmade crust - all working together in perfect harmony.
Located at 36 Mildura Street, Fyshwick, ACT
Open Thurs to Sun from 7 am to 5.30 pm
More information here.
Canberra boasts an array of amazing restaurants and cafes so there’s truly no shortage of truffle goodness at this year’s festival. From truffle pizzas, truffle on toast, and even truffle beer, here's our top spots to get your truffle fix.
Image via Poachers Pantry | Visit Canberra
The Poachers Pantry hosts a truly decadent four-course Truffle Lunch at their Smokehouse Restaurant - celebrated for its exceptional cured and smoked meats. The set menu is available for patrons to enjoy from Thursdays through Sundays during the festival. For the ultimate indulgence, pair it with a glass of vino straight from their cellar door where you can find an exclusive list of Wily Trout wines.
Must-Try: Smoked chicken breast with black truffle - they only make this succulently tasty dish during the Truffle Festival!
Located at 431 Nanima Road, Springrange NSW
When: June 25 to July 30, 6.45pm for 7pm start
Cost: $95 per person, $130 with wine pairing. More info here.
Images via BentSpoke Brewing Company
BentSpoke Brewing Company’s truffle-infused beer has been a Truffle Festival mainstay and for a good reason. You can enjoy the rich and complex flavours of this dark, malty strong ale at their Braddon based brewery. Flavour notes include nutmeg, cinnamon, star anise and kumquat, all of which work together to highlight the star of the show - truffles. This not-so-secret ingredient adds an umami flavour which beautifully complements Silverback’s boldness and spice characters.
Our Tip: Their food menu is crafted to perfectly match their beers so be sure to grab a bite with your pint. You’ll find grain crusted hot wings, smoked mac ‘n’ cheese balls, and even a 300g Sirloin steak perfectly cooked to your liking.
Located at 48/38 Mort Street, Braddon, ACT
When: Available from June 21 to July 5 2023
Cost: Prices vary. More info here.
Image via Contentious Character
If you prefer your truffles with a view, head to Contentious Character to indulge in their three-course truffle degustation menu. Set in the gorgeous hills of Wamboin, the event features a menu expertly curated by the Contentious Chef and is available every weekend throughout the festival.
While reservations aren't required, they are recommended to secure your spot, especially if you have any dietary restrictions.
Our Tip: To truly elevate your dining experience, Contentious Character’s sommeliers expertly pairs each dish with old and new-world wine varieties for an extra $30.
Located at 810 Norton Road Wamboin, NSW
When: Sat July 1 and July 29 2023, 10 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: $85 per person
More information here.
Images via Lake George Winery
Lake George Winery, Canberra’s oldest winery and vineyard, is known to produce delicate and aromatic wines that have earned permanent wine list spots in some of Australia’s top dining venues.
This Truffle Festival, the winery is hosting tastings every Saturday and Sunday where patrons can sample their new Rosé and Shiraz, paired with a platter of truffle-infused cheeses, meats and oils, courtesy of The Truffle Baron. For only $50, the Truffle Platter for Two includes two glasses of wine.
Even if you’re not a wine drinker, there’s plenty to enjoy at Lake George Winery; from spectacular views, invigorating atmosphere, and fantastic culinary delights.
Our Tip: Serious oenophiles can also try their famed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Semillon, Merlot and Botrytis Semillon - some of which are highly rated by wine-maker and critic James Halliday.
Located at Federal Highway, New South Wales, Australia
Open Thurs to Sun at 11 am to 4 pm.
When you’ve officially eaten and drank everything truffle, retire in comfort at Pavilion on Northbourne, perfectly situated close to the CBD to help you take advantage of everything the festival has to offer.
Book your Truffle Festival Accommodation now from just $111 per night!