It starts with the hunt

Your day begins on the farm, among rows of oak and hazelnut trees — the kind of place where things don’t happen quickly, but they happen properly.

Here, you’ll meet owners Ben Warner and Charmaine Warner, who have spent years building their truffle farm from the ground up.

What started as a vision has grown into a respected local operation producing premium truffles in the region’s rich soils — grounded in sustainability, education, and a genuine desire to share what they’ve created.

Then come the real stars of the show — truffle dogs Alby & Tazzy.

Watching them work is something else entirely. Nose down, tail up, moving with quiet purpose through the grove until — a pause, a scratch, a moment — and the truffle is revealed.

Fresh. Fragrant. Unearthed just moments before.

“Most people never get to see what goes into producing truffle — the land, the dogs, the patience involved,” Ben and Charmaine share.
“This experience lets people step into that story, then enjoy the reward of it at the table.”

It’s hands-on, grounding, and sets the tone for everything that follows.

Then, we feast

From the farm, the experience flows straight into what we do best at Rústico at Hay Shed Hill — a long, generous lunch designed to be shared.

The menu has been carefully curated to reflect the morning. Truffle isn’t just a feature — it’s woven throughout the experience, adding depth, aroma and a sense of occasion to each dish.

Our kitchen, led by Head Chef Mike McAllister, has taken a thoughtful approach.

“Truffle is all about simplicity and timing. When it’s fresh, you don’t need to overcomplicate it,” Mike says.
“We’re letting the ingredient lead — layering it through the menu in a way that builds flavour across the whole experience.”

Expect a five-course degustation that unfolds slowly — plates passed, glasses poured, conversations stretching out across the table.

This is not a quick lunch. It’s the kind you settle into.

A collaboration that just makes sense

For us, this experience was a natural evolution.

“It’s been a very brave, exciting journey for Ben and Charmaine and we are excited to help them bring the first Margaret River truffle experience to market in this way,” says owner Vanessa Phillipson.

“At the same time, we get to expand and develop the utilisation of the Rústico Ride — and what better way than creating a foodie tour experience that looks after our guests from the moment we pick them up to getting them home safely.”

That seamlessness is part of what makes Hunt & Lunch so special.

From the moment you’re collected, the day is taken care of. No driving. No rushing. Just the freedom to fully enjoy the experience.

More than just a meal

At its core, Hunt & Lunch is about connection.

To the land.
To the people behind the product.
To the experience of discovering something, then sitting down to enjoy it.

It also reflects a broader shift we’re seeing across the South West — where visitors are looking for more than just great food. They want something real. Something they can’t replicate at home.

This is that.

By bringing together farming and hospitality in one curated experience, we’re celebrating not just truffle season — but the strength of our local community and the stories behind it.

Your day, from start to finish

Hunt & Lunch includes:

Return transport via The Rústico Ride (pick-up and drop-off from Dunsborough, Cowaramup or Margaret River)
Guided truffle hunt at Margaret River Truffle Farm
Truffle tasting at the farm shop
Five-course truffle degustation lunch at Rústico at Hay Shed Hill
Optional Reserve Wine Pairing (available to add)

From $300 per person