Last Updated on 21 July 2026 by Ariana Svenson
Manjimup is Australia’s truffle capital, producing premium black truffles that are served in restaurants around the world. Each year, food lovers travel to the Southern Forests to taste Manjimup Truffles fresh and discover how these prized fungi are found.
We were thrilled to get down and dirty during a truffle hunt in Manjimup, Western Australia, at the annual Truffle Kerfuffle!
Between June and August, you can join guided tours through truffle orchards planted with hazelnut trees and oak trees, watch highly trained truffle dogs sniff out prized black truffles, and even help dig these gourmet treasures from the ground.
After spending the day alongside expert handlers and their incredible dogs, we quickly discovered why Manjimup is known as Australia’s truffle capital. In this guide, we’ll explain how truffle hunting works, why Manjimup’s truffles are so highly regarded, what to expect on a tour, and whether it’s a good activity for families visiting the Southern Forests.
Disclosure: Through my site there are links to affiliates, which means that I might receive commission if you buy something after clicking them. This costs you no more, and you definitely don’t pay extra. However, I do get a small amount which contributes to the upkeep of this blog. Thanks so much for all of your support. We hope you have a ball in Western Australia!
How do you Hunt Truffles?
There are a few different ways you can hunt for truffles. Some people also call it truffle foraging.
A person can head out on their own searching for truffles along the base of certain types of trees where truffles are known to grow.
Also, in the case of the Manjimup truffle hunt, you can use a specially trained truffle dog. The dog uses its keen sense of smell to search out ripe truffles. ome searches also use truffle pigs. How cool is that?
Truffles in Australia Vs Europe
While they are still truffles, Australian truffles are a bit different and have a different flavour and aromatic profile. Also, Australia exclusively produces only black truffles. They are known as “black Gold” in Australia. The white truffle variety is only naturally harvested in Italy.
Italy and France were once the top truffle-producing countries, but in recent years Australia has been put on the map. Australian truffles now fetch high prices at market just as their European cousins do.
Our Truffle Hunt Manjimup WA Experience
Our encounter with the black truffle was exciting on a number of fronts. We learned about new food, and we learned how to HUNT them. This was a real element of excitement that you don’t get if you are, say, fruit picking. Truffle hunting was an unforgettable experience, and the town offers plenty of other amazing things to do in Manjimup!
We also learned that there is a whole mythology surrounding the black truffle, way back to the days of Mesopotamia. Black truffles were reserved only for the rich. Through the centuries, it has been associated with wizardry and witches, in part due to the difficulties of finding them, as these fungi only grew in the wild.
Originally, truffles were hunted by pigs. The pigs are attracted to the musty, sensual aroma of the truffle. However, the pigs could remove the fingers of people who were hunting with them and were loath to let go of their find. Dogs have no such qualms; they are not so interested in the truffle but the treats that their handlers give them.
It is the mythology that surrounds the black truffle that makes it so exciting. We were delighted to go on a Manjimup truffle hunt to find them. There is still an air of specialness and privilege! How do you find them then? Essentially, this is the answer: have well-trained truffle dogs. They run sniffing through the orchards of oak and hazelnuts and arrive at a tree that looks like any other tree, and scratch on the ground. Then, the truffle hunters (in this case, us) begin to get down on all fours and SMELL the dirt for the pungent aroma of the truffle and dig in that spot.
Enthusiastic digging in the ground couldn’t be more perfect for kids! Our 3.5-year-old called it “searching for treasure”, and he didn’t know how close to the truth he was! Our group pulled out of the ground truffles that were worth several hundred dollars (AU). The Black Truffle sells for approx. $2500 AU a kilogram! Our truffle hunt in Manjimup was definitely fruitful.
We were delighted to dig up some truffles and run in the orchard; we were greatly impressed by Gabby the truffle dog and the presentation from Gavin Booth of Australian Truffle Traders. Throughout the weekend, the powerful relationship and rapport between the dog handlers and the truffle dogs were evident and a delight to watch!
The black truffle is a new industry in Manjimup, Western Australia. In just over a decade, it has grown to produce 70% of Australia’s truffle production. The rich Karri loam soil as well as the high rainfall in the area create the perfect conditions for truffle cultivation.
Manjimup truffles are known throughout Australia. They are a fine specimen of truffles from Western Australia. The development of the industry in orchards has centred on the Manjimup area, and the use of dogs rather than pigs to find the truffles. They started being cultivated commercially back in 1990.
Apart from doing a truffle hunt, the Truffle Kerfuffle is a glorious celebration of winter and southern produce food. This is the kind of event that is both fun but deeply fulfilling on an educational level. You discover new foods grown locally, learn about the people who grow this food, and how to use those products to spice up your own kitchen!
Where to Try Truffles in Manjimup and Nearby
Being one of the truffle capitals of the world, of course, it would be silly not to try some of the gorgeous truffles during your trip. Manjimup black truffles are often paired with fatty ingredients to bring out their flavour. They are often served shaved or grated on dishes such as pasta and risotto.
Here are the top places to try seasonal Manjimup truffles:
- Truffle Hill – The perfect choice if you’re joining a truffle hunt. Stay afterwards for a paddock-to-plate lunch with fresh black truffles grown on the property, or visit the tasting room for local wines, cheeses and truffle products.
- Tall Timbers – A local favourite serving seasonal Southern Forests produce. During truffle season, the restaurant has a dedicated truffle menu.
- Wild at Heart Café – A cosy café in Pemberton known for showcasing local produce. During truffle season, keep an eye on the specials board for dishes that include fresh Manjimup truffles.
- Sööma Restaurant – A Scandinavian-inspired restaurant where seasonal Southern Forests ingredients take centre stage. If you’re visiting in winter, look for dishes finished with freshly shaved local truffles.
Need More Information about the Truffle Hunt Manjimup?
Tickets and extra activity information can be found at the Truffle Kerfuffle website.
If you just want to enjoy a fun Winter Festival with your family, check out How to enjoy the Manjimup Truffle Kerfuffle Festival.
Heading Further South after a Truffle Hunt?
Check out our range of different posts about the south coast of Western Australia.
Walpole is the ideal destination for a nature-based holiday. We thoroughly love it for its clean air and isolation. If you are making a stop, read our guide to the Best Accommodation In Walpole. One of the highlights of the Walpole region is the Tree Top Walk.
Why are Truffles so Expensive?
Truffles are exotic cousins of the mushroom. They are fungi or tubers like mushrooms, but different. Truffles are known for their aromatics and taste unlike anything else. They are expensive because they grow only in certain regions and are not easy to find.
You need to be skilled in the art of truffle hunting or have a specially trained dog or pig that has been trained to sniff out the truffles. Truffle hunting is a very labour-intensive and time-consuming quest.
Another reason they are expensive is that they are notoriously difficult to cultivate on their own or produce in mass quantities.
While some farmers have had success in planting truffle orchards, it is not easy. It can take upwards of six years to even be able to harvest any truffles.
The Verdict – Going on a Truffle Hunt Manjimup WA
Our truffle hunt in Manjimup was such a good time. Getting to search for and taste Australian truffles was a great experience for the entire family. We would definitely consider visiting the Truffle Kerfuffle each year. Have you ever had an experience like our Manjimup truffle hunt? If so, let us know your truffle hunting tips and experience below.
FAQs
A Manjimup truffle is a premium black Périgord truffle (Tuber melanosporum) grown in the Southern Forests of Western Australia. Thanks to the cool winters and fertile soils in the area, Manjimup produces around 90% of Australia’s black truffles, which are exported to top restaurants around the world.
Most truffles in Western Australia are grown in the Southern Forests region, particularly around Manjimup, Pemberton and Northcliffe. Manjimup is the centre of Australia’s truffle industry and produces the majority of Australia’s black winter truffles.
The best time for truffle hunting in Western Australia is during the winter truffle season from June to August. This is when black truffles reach peak ripeness and trained truffle dogs can easily detect their aroma beneath the soil. July is the best time, and you can also experience the Truffle Kerfuffle taking place in Manjimup.
Truffles are known to develop an intense, complex aroma often described as earthy and nutty.
Most Manjimup truffles weigh between 30 and 300 grams, although exceptional truffles can grow much larger. The size depends on growing conditions, with larger, high-quality truffles often fetching premium prices.
Disclosure: We received a sponsored visit from Australian Truffle Traders & the Truffle Kerfuffle, but we were not compensated in any way to write this post. All travel and associated travel costs (meals) were paid for us, and all opinions, as always, are our own.
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