Truffle hunting on the Mornington Peninsula

Our fabulous Mornington Peninsula is only one hour out of Melbourne but a world away from city life. This year, Red Hill Truffles is excited to add a range of truffle hunting and dining options in conjunction with leading restaurants and accommodation venues to make the most of getaways to our winter wonderland. From truffle-hunting events for families just in time for school holidays to casual brunches and fine dining packages, we hope to cater for all truffle-lovers or those simply curious about the underground treasure. Each hunting adventure offers an introduction to truffles, their history and cultivation in Australia.

Red Hill Truffles owner and truffle aficionado Jenny McAuley adds her personal experience by explaining how her family farm was transformed into a truffiere, and the need for infinite patience over many years due to the uncertainty of success when it comes to growing and harvesting the treasured fungi.

The amazing truffle-hunting dogs have their own entertaining stories. Red Hill Truffles Facebook followers may be familiar with Thomas, who has deemed himself an Emeritus Chief Truffle Hunter after his retirement from regular hunts.

Guests can create their own truffle stories amid the oak and hazelnut trees; from kneeling, noses to the ground, to breathing in the aroma and uncovering a truffle, to holding the gnarly find and searching for words to describe the powerful scent. Some of the restaurants include freshly harvested truffle as part of the package menu.

Our house menu includes wood-fired pizza with truffle, winter white soup served with a generous shaving of truffle, truffled cheeses, crusty breads, and truffle custard cream stirred through pillowy marshmallow meringue.

Visit www.redhilltruffles.com to book hunting and dining packages, along with hunt discounts at participating hotels. Come for the truffles and stay awhile in our world.