Iconic WA Events: Truffle Kerfuffle

Truffles – people bloody love ‘em! Those sweet little nuggets of gold subterranean ascomycete fungus are an obsession for many, and it’s why some regions of our south west light up over the winter months. Nestled quaintly amongst the mighty jarrah and karri forests down near Margaret River you’ll find Manjiump, WA’s truffle heaven.

The combination of rich soils and cool climate around the middle of the year create a haven not dissimilar to world-renowned truffle-rich destinations like France and New Zealand. And it’s also why the Truffle Kerfuffle Festival has quickly become one of WA’s most iconic events, attracting thousands of visitors keen to learn more about – and indulge in – the delicacy.

Where is it?

You’ll find Manjimup almost 300km south of Perth, part of a network of quaint countryside towns that includes Bridgetown, Nannup and Pemberton. Once you get to Manjimup head a little further south to the delightful Fonty’s Pool Caravan Park & Chalets on Seven Day Rd.

When is it?

Truffle Kerfuffle usually fires up around mid- to late-June, and the 2021 edition takes over the splendid surrounds of Fonty’s Pool in Manjimup from Friday 25 until Sunday 27 June.

What to do:

A weekend of earthly delights, there’ll be long table dinners, bespoke brunches, fireside feasts, free cooking demonstrations, masterclasses with globally-renowned chefs, wine tastings and of course, freshly unearthed truffles. Read on below for a few highlight events you can still grab tickets to, and head to the Truffle Kerfuffle WEBSITE to book now.

Festival Village

The heart and soul of this year’s Truffle Kerfuffle will be the massive Festival Village, situated along the idyllic banks of Fonty’s Pool and your gateway to the rest of the fest. Explore the regional market place, buy fresh truffles and truffled-laden delicacies, meet farmers, truffle growers and winemakers, listen to live music and watch cooking and truffle dog demonstrations to your heart’s content.

Whiskey! presented by Limeburners + Giniversity presented by Margaret River Distilling Company

Spirit aficionados can join in a couple of very special distilling masterclasses with two of the best in the biz. Albany’s Limeburners invite you to join fun and interactive whisky tasting masterclasses, going through the history of their products and distilleries while tasting four different flavours with an expert on hand. Or if gin is more your thing, the Margaret River Distilling Company will have you graduating Giniversity in no time, running through the history of their award-winning gin while enjoying four gins, in the process taking your G&T game to the next level.

Akoya presented by Leeuwin Coast

A delicate shellfish native to WA, akoya are traditionally famous for their stunning saltwater pearls, but Leeuwin Coast’s sustainable aquaculture techniques have turned akoya into a delicacy in their own right. This masterclass matches Leeuwin Coast akoya with Larry Cherubino Wines, Limeburners whiskey and Shelter Brewing Co. beers.

A Humble Brunch with Chris Howard

On Sunday keen brunchers will be delighted with brand new event A Humble Brunch, hosted by Humble Onion Head Chef Chris Howard. You’ll be treated to a sensational four-course feast filled with seasonal produce from the south, and of course freshly unearthed truffle courtesy of the Australian Truffle Traders. Tickets to this will also give you access to the Festival Village all weekend.

For more info on the rest of the fest and to book a masterclass or Festival Village ticket, head to the Truffle Kerfuffle WEBSITE.