Best places to find mushrooms in NSW

Australia is home to 250,000 species of fungi!

Where are the locations to find forage for mushrooms in NSW?

Australia is home to a diverse range of colorful, unique, and vibrant mushrooms, typically found in bushland environments. The majority of these mushrooms are not edible, and have no known medicinal effects, but are extraodinary to observe in the native Australian bushland. Please note that while these fascinating fungi can be observed in national parks, foraging is not permitted.

If you're looking to forage for edible or medicinal mushrooms these tend not to be native but originate from Europe, and grow in regions that are similar to the European forrests, such as state forrest parks. Popular culinary mushrooms Saffron Milk Caps, Slippery Jacks, Slippery Jills, and Morels flourish in these areas due to the mycorrhizal relationships they form with pine trees, mutually supporting each other's growth. In our experience, State Forrests are the best place to begin foraging for mushrooms.

Top 5 Locations to Find Mushrooms

1. Oberon

2. Belangalo State Forrest

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3. Blue Mountains (Katoomba, Blackhealth)

4. Belligen & Dorrigo

5. Kurragai Nation Park (North Sydney, Hornsby)

Looking for a specific mushroom specie?

iNaturalist is a citizen science app that enables nature enthusiasts to document the geolocation of various species, including mushrooms. Thousands of Australians have contributed mushroom sightings, making it a valuable resource for foragers.

The app provides insights into where specific mushrooms have been found and helps identify key factors such as habitat, environment, season, tree species, and the time of year they grow.

Always practice sustainable and safe foraging by following National Parks, council, and local regulations. Be mindful of potential chemical sprays or environmental impacts that may affect the mushrooms and their surroundings.