Nestled between the mighty Jarrah and Karri forests east of Margaret River, lies the fertile stretches of Manjimup. The richness of the soils and the cool climate here is ideally suited to grow premium grapes and black truffles, similar to those in renowned truffle destinations in France and New Zealand.
Manjimup lies 295 kilometres south of Perth and is the largest producer of Superior Perigord Truffles in the southern hemisphere. It’s a pleasant journey through the countryside with a scenic drive from Bridgetown, Nannup or Pemberton. Book Le Petit Chateau in Bridgetown today on Search and Stay, click here. Regarded as one of the world's most premier food delicacies, truffles are classified as a fungus and grow underground near the roots of particular trees, such as oaks and hazelnuts, as part of a symbiotic relationship.
Their taste and aroma are quite tricky to describe but some liken them to 'gourmet mushrooms'. They have pungent, intense, earthy, unique characters and are used in extremely small quantities in cooking.
The Australian truffle season runs from June to September with an annual event held in Manjimup to kick it off. Book a holiday rental at Manjimup with Search and Stay. The popular event brings people together from all over the world to showcase the region's export-quality rare black winter truffles (also known as Tuber Melanosporum).
Hunting for truffles at Truffle Hill
With black truffles coming into season in the Southern Forests region of WA’s South West, June is the perfect time to join the hunt for the prized delicacy. The truffieres, located near the towns of Manjimup and Pemberton, are among a small handful in the world that allow guests to experience a truffle hunt. During the months of June, July and August, visitors to the region can follow along with highly trained truffle dogs as they sniff their way through the orchards in search of the famous black truffle. The Australian Truffle Traders and Truffle Hill offer exclusive truffle hunts to a limited number of people each year, and are a must-do for foodies or those who love farm-to-plate experiences with the growers themselves. Book a holiday house at Manjimup with Search and Stay and join the truffle hunt.
For more information visit westernaustralia.com