Experience the thrill of hunting for coveted black Périgord (Tuber melanosporum) truffles during the winter months of June to August. Prized by foodies for their intense, earthy taste, these buried delicacies prefer to grow in rich soil in a cold climate, with frosts adding to the intensity of flavour. So rug up, pull on your gumboots and join the hunt while relishing a gourmet getaway to one of New South Wales's truffle hotspots.

Uncover truffles near the Blue Mountains

Follow truffle dogs on an exhilarating hunt among the oak and hazelnut trees at Lowes Mount Truffière in Oberon, an hour's drive west of the Blue Mountains, which hosts truffle hunts throughout the season. Then discover how foods rich in natural fats (think: butter, cream and eggs) unlock the truffle's flavours as you tuck into a delicious tasting platter. You can also treat yourself to a selection of truffled products, such as truffle honey and truffle salt, to enjoy at home.

Time your visit to coincide with the Oberon Community and Farmers Market, held on the first Saturday of each month, to stock up on more locally grown produce as well as handmade arts and crafts. Then retreat to Wild and Seek's Tiny House, a beautifully crafted off-grid stay for two, hidden on a local property. Order a locally crafted food hamper to enjoy on your private deck as you soak up the rural views, or fire up the barbecue to cook up your own feast with your market goodies.

Or check out RedGround Truffle Hunts, where the hunting season spans an impressive 8 months of the year from February through to October. Guests also have the option to stay onsite at the truffle hunting lodge to immerse themselves in Alpine climate, rich soil and stunning views.

Feast on a truffle degustation in Orange

Uncover a pioneer of Australia's truffle industry at Borrodell Estate near Orange, a 3.5-hour drive west of Sydney, where the largest truffle harvested weighed in at a whopping 10.5kg. Visit Borrodell during winter to buy wine, truffles and truffled goods or celebrate the truffle harvest at the Black Tie and Gumboot Truffle Hunt and Dinner, a five-course degustation feast with matched estate wines. Flop onto a comfortable bed in one of the on-site Cider Suites or cottages, or make yourself at home in one of the charming 22 rooms at the Byng Street Boutique Hotel in central Orange, which combines the history of an original homestead with contemporary furnishings.

Greet a new day with a heart-starting coffee at the Byng Street Local Store, or unleash your appetite at The Agrestic Grocer, known for its excellent food using local, seasonal produce.

Celebrate truffles in the Canberra region

Feel enlivened by the cool climes of Sutton, just 20 minutes' drive north of Canberra, where Blue Frog Truffles runs truffle hunts, lunches and tastings on Sundays during truffle season. Or slow down and seize the opportunity to explore the nearby historic village of Bungendore, enjoy a pub lunch at the historic Carrington Inn (circa 1885). Soak up more history on a stay at the Old Stone House; the lovingly restored 1860s property now operates as a boutique hotel.

Indulge in more truffle-related fun at Turalla Truffles on the outskirts of town, which offers a truffle hunt and degustation experience including a range of tantalising truffle-infused dishes, as well as truffles for sale. You'll also find in the area Tarago Truffles, a small mixed farm with hands-on truffle hunts on Saturdays from mid-June until early September.

Learn how to grade truffles in the Southern Highlands

Find truffle joy just a two-hour drive south of Sydney in the Southern Highlands. With its cold climate and regular rainfall, the town of Robertson is another ideal truffle-growing area. Learn how Robertson Truffles became one of the first operating and producing truffle farms in Australia on one of its Thursday hunt tours during the harvest season. Marvel at the live harvest and a washing and grading demonstration before a tantalising tasting overlooking the truffière.

Tempt your tastebuds with more gourmet local produce at the Robertson Cheese Factory, a lovely café and dairy store, stocked with cheese, chutneys, oils and more. Spend a novel night at Redleaf Carriages, a duo of restored railway carriages converted into characterful accommodation at Redleaf Farm, near the spectacular Fitzroy Falls.

Take another mouth-watering tour to a local truffle farm with Experience Nature. After foraging for truffles, you'll be served a three-course, truffle-infused lunch, and a tasting of four cool-climate wines.

Find more truffles in southern NSW

Slip on your winter woollies and follow your passion for truffles to the NSW Snowy Mountains in Bredbo, where Macenmist Black Truffles and Wine offers truffle hunts, including a family-friendly option, tastings and three-course lunches in scenic rural surrounds.

Then make for the NSW South Coast via the enlivening wilderness of Wadbilliga National Park. Stretch your legs on the Cascades or Tuross Falls walking tracks that lead to waterfalls and spectacular views en route to Gulaga Gold, a truffle farm scenically situated between Cobargo and Tilba. Enjoy a truffle hunt in winter, experience the life of a truffle farmer in spring, or join a 'treasure hunt' from home at any time of the year – the first truffle produced from the tree you chose on its treasure map will be posted to you so you can savour it at home.

Drift off to sleep to the peaceful sounds of the Pacific Ocean in a cottage, cabin or glamping tent at the nearby Mystery Bay Cottages, perched on a headland overlooking the ocean at Mystery Bay. Be inspired to prepare your own truffle feast, with kitchen facilities available for all room configurations.

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