Join us this May for a guided wild mushroom foraging tour through the pine forests of Red Hill and Main Ridge on the Mornington Peninsula.

Over 2.5 relaxed hours, you’ll learn how to confidently identify edible wild mushrooms that grow locally during autumn — and finish with a relaxed forest cook-up and lunch in the pines.

If you’ve ever wandered through the pines in May… kicked through fallen needles… breathed in that damp, earthy, slightly magical air…

… and thought,

“There has to be something good hiding out here.”

You’re right.

After proper autumn rain, cool nights and damp pine needles — the sort of conditions mushroom people quietly smile about — the forest begins to stir, and the 2026 season is shaping up beautifully.

15 Years of Guided Autumn Foraging

For fifteen years now I’ve been walking those same pine-lined roads each autumn, teaching people what’s actually growing beneath their feet — and how to recognise it properly.

Not confidently-ish.
Not “pretty sure.”
Properly.

We focus on two visually distinctive edible wild mushrooms that grow reliably in pine forests across Red Hill and Main Ridge during autumn.

Safety is non-negotiable.

Small groups (maximum 15 participants) mean proper instruction, real questions, and no guesswork.

Yes — mushrooms have had a bit of publicity lately.
No — this is not that kind of adventure.

We’re not experimenting.
We’re not gambling.
And nobody’s bringing an eye fillet and a roll of puff pastry…

What You’ll Learn

• How to recognise two highly distinctive edible wild mushrooms found on the Mornington Peninsula
• Why autumn rain and cool nights trigger mushroom growth
• Where to look — and why they grow there
• What to leave alone (very important)
• How to harvest responsibly and sustainably
• How to clean and prepare them properly

Every year someone says to me:

“I can’t believe I’ve walked past these for years.”

That’s the moment I love.

Because once you see them, you can’t unsee them — and you’ll never walk those pines the same way again.

The Forage & Cook-Up

We meet up the hill (location confirmed prior to each session after pre-season scouting — quality control is taken seriously, butter included).

From there, we head off on a relaxed 2.5-hour wander with purpose through the pine forests of Red Hill and Main Ridge.

We take our time.

We build a respectable little stash.

And then — at the end — we cook.

Out comes the camp stove.
Proper French butter.
Smoked bacon.
Homegrown herbs.
Proper crusty bread.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are happily catered for — just let us know when booking and we’ll look after you.

We cook what we’ve just found, right there amongst the pines, and eat it while it’s still warm.

It’s simple.
It’s honest.
It’s deeply satisfying.

2026 Dates

Saturday 9 May
Saturday 16 May
Saturday 23 May
Saturday 30 May

Limited early-season sessions now available.

Spots are strictly limited to 15 participants per session.

Event Details

Location: Red Hill & Main Ridge, Mornington Peninsula
Duration: 2.5 hours (11:00am – 1:30pm)
Price: $85 per person
Group Size: Maximum 15 participants
Includes: Guided forage, identification session, relaxed forest cook-up and light lunch

Full payment required at time of booking.
Tickets are non-refundable due to limited group size.
Transfers to another available date may be accommodated with at least 72 hours’ notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this mushroom forage safe?

Yes. We focus only on two highly distinctive edible species that grow reliably in local pine forests, and we teach clear visual identification markers. Safety and clarity are central to every session.

Do I need prior experience?

No experience is required. Beginners are very welcome.

What should I wear?

Sturdy walking boots or gumboots and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Conditions can be damp underfoot.

Is the walk difficult?

The walk is gentle, along dirt roads with slight hills. A moderate level of mobility is required, but it is not strenuous.

Are children allowed?

Yes — provided they don’t bring an iPad, ask “are we nearly there yet?” every three minutes, or expect to be piggy-backed up every hill…

Under 12s attend free.
Participants aged 12–15 receive 50% off the standard ticket price.

Child and youth bookings must be noted at the time of purchase (include ages in the booking notes), and we’ll follow up with a separate payment link where required.

All under-16s must be accompanied by a paying adult

If you’ve been meaning to learn this skill — this is your season.

Spots are limited. Early-season sessions are now live.

Important Ticket Information

All event tickets are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable to other dates.

You may transfer your ticket to another person by notifying us in writing before the event.

Refunds will only be issued if the event is cancelled by The Kitchens.

We are unable to offer refunds for illness, travel disruption, or other unforeseen circumstances.

🍄 See you up the hill.