Adelaide Hills Fungi Festival 2026
Description
Join us for a weekend of curiosity, connection, and discovery as we venture into the kingdom of fungi at the second Adelaide Hills Fungi Festival.
Explore the many ways fungi are woven into our lives with expert talks, hands-on workshops, guided forays, exhibitions, and more.
Whether you’re a passionate fungi enthusiast or simply curious, come along to learn something new and discover why fungi are among Earth’s most fascinating organisms.
What's Happening at the Adelaide Hills Fungi Festival?
Saturday 27th June
Using iNaturalist: Citizen Science in Action with Ferox australis
Campfire Cirle Conversation: Reconciliation & Stewardship with David Booth
Slime Moulds of South Australia with Peter Bos
Mindful Mushroom Foraging with Malcolm from Ligaya Garden
Beginners Mushroom Cultivation Workshop with Daniel from Barossa Gourmet Mushrooms (Booked separately)
Intermediate Mushroom Cultivation Workshop with Dave from Dura Fungi (Booked separately)
Sunday 28th June
Cortinarius: The World's Largest Genus with Jess Bamford from Wild Webcap
Fungi of South Australia with Pam Catcheside from the State Herbarium of South Australia
Microbial Ecology with Dr. Jake Robinson from Flinders University
Fungi-Eating Foragers With Charlotte Devine, student ecologist from Adelaide University
Fungimap: Understanding and Conserving Australian Fungi with Dr. Jasmin Packer, Vice President of Fungimap
Fungi for Function Citizen Science Project Training Session with Sophie Green and Jess Bamford from Fungi for Function
Both days
Guided Fungi Forays
Fungi identification station
Children's Activities in the Eco Centre
Microscopy Workshops with Pam Catcheside from the State Herbarium of South Australia
Mushroom Market and displays featuring local producers, artists, makers and information stalls (Choice Mushrooms, Dura Fungi, Arcana Finery, Really Useful Pots, Fungimap and Adelaide Fungal Studies Group)
Artisan pizzas by Moongarden Pizza
Coffee/tea/drinks by Mrs Sippy
Additional event on Monday 29th June:
Tour of Choice Mushrooms and Pure Mushrooms in Woodcroft, followed by a light lunch.
Tickets sold separately - please select ticket type 'Choice Mushrooms and Pure Mushrooms Farm Tour.'
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Saturday 27th June 9.30am - 4.00pm
Sunday 28th June 10.00am - 4.00pm
Arbury Park Outdoor School, Bridgewater.
Bookings essential.
For further enquiries please contact:
Jess Bamford
Coordinator, Hills Environment Centre
coordinator@hecinc.org.au
0405 527 610
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our event sponsors and supporters: Fungimap, The Hut Community Centre, Dura Fungi, Choice Mushrooms, Wild Webcap, Adelaide Hills Council and Arbury Park Outdoor School.
Hills Environment Centre is proudly supported by Hills & Fleurieu Landscape SA Board and funded by Green Adelaide
We acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians of the land and waters, the Peramangk and Kaurna peoples, upon whose land we live, work, travel and visit at the Hills Environment Centre.
FAQs
- Where can I park?
General parking is located at Deanery Reserve, with additional parking at Arbury Park Outdoor School.
Please park at Deanery Reserve if possible, to allow closer parking for those that need it - if you need closer parking please park at Arbury Park.
Deanery Reserve is located on Old Mount Barker Road, just off of Arbury Park Road (before Arbury Park Outdoor School.)
There are 2 parking places here - a small car park on the right side, and a large car park on the left side a little further up the road.
Please allow at least 10 minutes to walk to Arbury Park Outdoor School from from Deanery Reserve.We encourage car pooling where possible.
No street parking.
See map below.
- How much are tickets?
Day passes (Saturday or Sunday only):
General admission: $30pp
Concession / student: $20pp
Children under 12: Free
Weekend passes:
General admission: $50pp
Concession / student: $30pp
Children under 12: Free
Mushroom Cultivation classes:
Beginners class, 2pm - 3pm, Saturday only: $5pp
Intermediate class, 3.10pm - 4pm, Saturday only: $5pp
(Please only book for these sessions if you have purchased a ticket for Saturday or Weekend Pass. $5 is the entry for any age including children.
Both classes include a take-home mushroom-growing kit.)
Fungi for function training session
3 - 4pm, Sunday only: FREE
Please book your free spot separately.
Note: If you are only attending the training session, you do not need to pay for the rest of the festival.Please note that if a ticket type is sold out, it will only become available if someone cancels. You can join the waitlist to be notified, but tickets will be offered automatically on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Do I need to book in for each session?
Most sessions do not require booking and can be attended freely throughout the festival.
Please note the following exceptions:
Mushroom Cultivation classes:Beginners class, 2pm - 3pm, Saturday only: $5pp
Intermediate class, 3.10pm - 4pm, Saturday only: $5pp
(Please only book for these sessions if you have purchased a ticket for Saturday or Weekend Pass. $5 is the entry for any age including children. Both classes include a take-home mushroom-growing kit.)
Fungi for function training session:
3 - 4pm, Sunday only: FREE
Please book your free spot separately.
Note: If you are only attending the training session, you do not need to pay for the rest of the festival.
Microscopy Workshops:
Running on Saturday and Sunday.
No separate booking required. However, space and facilitator capacity may limit how many people can participate each day.
We will accommodate as many participants as we can.Mushroom Farm Tour:
Monday 29th June, 10am - 1pm: $30pp
Please book separate ticket type.
(See further details in separate FAQ 'What are the details for the mushroom farm tour?') - Are tickets available on the day?
This event is sold out and no tickets are available on the day.
- Weekend passes are sold out, what happens if I want to come on both days?
We are only able to offer a limited number of discounted weekend passes.
Once sold out, no more will be released. If you wish to attend both days, please purchase a ticket for each day.
Thank you for your understanding.
Please note that if a ticket type is sold out, it will only become available if someone cancels. You can join the waitlist to be notified, but tickets will be offered automatically on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Can children attend?
Yes - children are welcome at the AHFF.
Entry for children under 12 is free.
Activities for children will be running on both days.
Families can also attend the fungi forays, in fact children are often incredible fungi spotters!
We ask that a parent or guardian is supervising at all times.
Please note that if a ticket type is sold out, it will only become available if someone cancels. You can join the waitlist to be notified, but tickets will be offered automatically on a first-come, first-served basis. - Is there access for people with disabilities?
There are a number of accessible car parks allocated at Arbury Park Outdoor School. Please advise our parking officers and they will direct you.
A disability access bathroom is available.
The main speaker room, gym (for mushroom market & art exhibition), microscope room and eco centre (for children's activities) are accessible for wheelchairs however may require some assistance.
We advise that the pathways for forays and to reach the campfire circle conversation are not suited for wheelchair or mobility aid access.Please be advised that Arbury Park has a lot of slopes and uneven ground.
For attendees who are neurodiverse, or have sensory sensitivities, please be advised that indoor areas (for talks and workshops) may become loud or incur some background noise.
Please BYO earplugs/ear defenders if needed. If you need a quiet moment to yourself, there are several outdoor seating areas across the grounds.If you have any further questions regarding accessibility, please get in touch.
- Is there food available?
We’re delighted to welcome local food/drink vendors to the festival all weekend long.
Moongarden Pizza will be serving artisan pizzas (with locally grown mushrooms available!) Moongarden can accommodate some dietary requirements including GF, vegan, vegetarian and nut allergies (there will also be pizzas with meat available.)
Please note they can not cater for pescatarians.Mrs Sippy Coffee Van will also be joining us, serving delicious coffee, drinks and treats.
Please note that these food vendors will set their own opening hours and may not be open for the entire duration of each day.
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If you have very strict dietary needs, we recommend you BYO lunch.We will have a scheduled lunch break from 1- 2pm where no speakers/workshops are running.
The Bridgewater Inn is a 5 minute drive away. - What are the details for the mushroom farm tour?
Date: Monday 29th June
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm (approx.)
Location: Woodcroft, SA (address provided prior to event)Join in on a special behind-the-scenes tour of two local mushroom farms in Woodcroft. Attendees will receive a guided tour of both Choice Mushrooms exotic mushroom farm, and Pure Mushrooms button mushroom farm.
Following the tour, we’ll gather for a shared light lunch.
Further details will be provided to registrants prior to the event.
Lineup
Pam Catcheside
Pam is an Honorary Research Associate at the State Herbarium of South Australia and co-author of Fungi of Kangaroo Island and Beyond. Although Pam’s interests in fungi are wide ranging and non-discriminatory, Pam has a particular interest in Ascomycetes (cup fungi.) She has made close to 5000 collections of various types of fungi, describing three new species and one new genus throughout her career. Pam formed the Adelaide Fungal Studies Group in 2001, which will celebrate its 25th year in 2026. Pam will be speaking on Sunday 28th and running microscopy workshops on both days.
Dr. Jake Robinson
Dr. Jake Robinson is a microbial ecologist, author and science communicator whose work explores how ecological, biological and cultural processes interact to shape resilient futures. Jake is a senior researcher in Restoration Genomics at the Frontiers of Restoration Ecology lab and an Editor for the scientific journal ‘Restoration Ecology.’ Jake's third and newest book, The Nature of Pandemics: Why Protecting Biodiversity is Key to Human Survival examines historical and contemporary pandemics and considers the importance of conservation and restoration efforts, revealing how climate change and human activities such as habitat destruction and the wildlife trade contribute to the emergence of infectious diseases. Catch Jake's talk on microbial ecology on Sunday 28th.
Dave Verts (Dura Fungi)
Dave Verts is the founder of DuraFungi, a South Australian urban farm specialising in high value, gourmet mushroom species. By combining artisanal, small batch care with modern vertical farming and automation, Dave produces premium Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, and Maitake with a footprint that prioritises sustainability and local food resilience. Beyond the grow room, Dave consults for boutique and commercial operations, helping growers implement smarter systems and energy efficient practices. He is driven by a mission to demystify exotic cultivation and build community focused food systems through transparency and practical innovation. Ready to level up your grow? Join Dave for the Intermediate Exotic Mushroom Cultivation Workshop on Saturday 27th to refine your technique, master consistency, and scale your results. You can also visit the Dura Fungi stall all weekend for fresh mushrooms and mushroom grow kits.
Jess Bamford
Jess is a fungi researcher with a background in ecology. Her research focuses on the diversity, taxonomy and ecology of the Cortinarius genus in the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges through the Wild Webcap Project. She is the convenor of the Adelaide Fungal Studies Group, a technical assistant on Fungimap’s Fungi for Function project, hobbyist mycological illustrator and founder of the Adelaide Hills Fungi Festival. Jess will be speaking on Sunday 28th, as well as running identification workshops and co-leading forays on both days.
Daniel Starr (Barossa Gourmet Mushrooms)
Barossa Gourmet Mushrooms specialise in growing premium, farm-fresh exotic mushrooms for South Australia’s finest restaurants and wineries. Supplying chefs with exceptional quality, locally produced mushrooms is the main effort. Join Daniel for the Beginners Mushroom Cultivation Workshop on Saturday 27th (tickets sold separately.)
David Booth
David is a Warumunga/Yuggera man born on Yuggera country in Brisbane, QLD. now living in Peramangk country, with have a strong connection to the Ngarrindjeri/Peramangk people through his partner and children. As well as being a professional artist, David is a a representative of culture and a holder of Aboriginal knowledge, and his practice includes dance, storytelling, visual art, mural painting, and didgeridoo. Join David for Acknowledgement of Country and Conversation Circle on Saturday 27th.
Dr. Jasmin Packer
Jasmin is a wildlife ecologist and research fellow with Adelaide University, the Vice President of Fungimap Inc. and Committee Member of the Australian Citizen Science Association. Jasmin is the founder and lead of 'Bandi Bunch', a community ecology research group which work across flora, fauna and funga and builds on long-term conservation and research for threatened species. Jasmin will be speaking on Sunday 28th.
Peter Bos
Peter is a researcher specializing in the diversity and distribution of South Australian Slime Moulds. Peter is an active member of the Adelaide Fungal Studies Group and a skilled photographer specialising in macro photography of slime moulds and fungi. Catch Peter's talk on Slime Moulds on Saturday 27th.
Malcolm Haines
Malcolm is a folk herbalist, forager, educator and gardener out of Ligaya Garden, a holistic suburban food forest in Gawler. Malcolm is known for his travelling show of herbalism talks and workshops and his popular foraging tour ‘Food Underfoot’ where he shares his knowledge of wild edible plants and fungi. Come along for Malcom's talk on mindful mushroom foraging on Saturday 27th.
Sophie Green
Sophie is the Project Coordinator of the Fungi for Function citizen science project, and is employed by Fungimap Inc. Prior to this she was the Fungimap Coordinator for 4 years. Sophie developed an interest in fungi through revegetating a heavily degraded 50 acre property together with her young family, and seeing the magical emergence of many different mycorrhizal fungi species helping restore the landscape. This was just the start of realising how mind-blowingly amazing fungi are! Sophie is an active member of the Adelaide Fungal Studies Group and a keen citizen scientist who loves recording the diverse and beautiful fungi found in local national parks. With a background in community services and environmental activism, Sophie’s work with Fungimap involves encouraging citizen scientists to contribute to fungal research and conservation. Join Sophie (and Jess) for the Fungi for Function citizen science project training session on Sunday 28th June.
Ferox Australis
Ferox australis, Latin for Wild of the South, is an Australian based not-for-profit organisation aimed at engaging citizens in science globally. The team have delivered successful citizen science projects including Mozzie Monitors, Activating Australians for Citizen Science, and the Great Southern BioBlitz, Their ethos is to increase public environmental education through the use of citizen science-related tools and initiatives. Join Jamie, Seamus and Nicole from Ferox Australis for an iNaturalist training session on Saturday 27th.
Charlotte Devine
Charlotte is a student ecologist studying a Bachelor of Science Advanced at Adelaide University. She is excited to present a snapshot of her research into the relationships between furry foragers and underground fungi produced under the mentorship of Dr Jasmin Packer. In this presentation she explores the mystery behind the missing mycorrhizal fungi in Arid Recovery, a nature reserve in South Australia filled with fungi-eating mammals, yet seemingly not much fungi. Charlotte developed her passion and wonder for the natural world from a young age, delivering her first presentation on mycorrhizal fungi at 13. Since then, her fascination of the ecological relationships that define Australian ecosystems and the diverse members involved has only grew, and is shaping her research and career beginnings. Come along to Charlotte's presentation 'Fungi-eating foragers in arid ecosystems' on Sunday 28th.
Choice Mushrooms (Stall)
Choice Mushrooms cultivate and sell a variety of gourmet mushrooms. Grown indoors and outdoors, Choice Mushrooms are locally grown in the Fleurieu Peninsula by Brittany Jones & Phil Musson. They cultivate a year long range at the market with varieties including Oyster and Lions Mane. Each one has its own taste and uniqueness. Visit the Choice Mushrooms stall all weekend for fresh gourmet mushrooms and mushroom growing kits.
Arcana Finery (Stall and Art exhibitor)
Arcana Finery creates a wide selection of lovingly hand sculpted polymer clay trinkets and jewellery inspired by nature, delivering unique quirkiness, delicate beauty and whimsy. Stop in at their stall all weekend for fungi-themed jewellery, trinkets and décor.
Really Useful Pots (Stall - Saturday only)
Really Useful Pots provides unique, handmade pottery lovingly crafted in the Barossa Valley. Stop by their stall on Saturday to get your hands on a mushroom mug!
Fungimap (Stall)
Fungimap is mapping the distribution of fungal species over time around Australia, thanks to the work of hundreds of volunteers – professional and amateurs – who provide records of their observations from the remotest parts of Australia to parks and gardens in our cities. Fungimap advocates for fungal conservations and investment in mycology and spreads the word about the ecological importance of fungi. Stop by the fungimap stall on Saturday or Sunday to hear about how you can get involved with Fungimap (and maybe pick up some fungi identification tools while you're there)
Adelaide Fungal Studies Group (Stall)
AFSG is a special interest sub-group of the Field Naturalists Society of South Australia. They aim to stimulate interest in and promote the study of macrofungi through forays across the greater Adelaide area. They encourage the appreciation and understanding of fungi and their ecological roles, as well as fostering the conservation of Australian macro fungi. Stop by the AFSG information stall to learn about the group and how you can get involved.
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