Tasmania

Truffle bounty and a kid-friendly MONA visit

A renowned Tassie restaurant and hotel now leads you on a limited-edition gourmet pursuit,

Launceston

When Craig Will moved back to his hometown of Launceston in 2008, one of the first things he did was visit Marcus Jessup, the manager of Tamar Valley Truffles.

Jessup was then a fledgling Perigord truffle producer awaiting his first harvest. Will was about to become executive chef and part owner of two of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants — Black Cow Bistro and Stillwater. For the farmer and the chef, it was a match made in culinary heaven. Since that first harvest, says Will, “I’ve been using his truffles every year.”

Now winter-time guests at Stillwater’s seven-room boutique hotel, Stillwater

Seven (stillwater.com.au), can indulge their love of the delicacy in Every Day I’m Trufflin’, a three-night package that promises, among a raft of other delights, truffles from frosty sunrise (freshly shaved over scrambled eggs at breakfast in bed) to toasty bedtime with truffle-inspired dinners at Stillwater and Black Cow Bistro. True enthusiasts also have the option of visiting Jessup’s farm and a Tamar Valley winery.

It’s a small window of opportunity. The season, which is dependent on dry summers and frosty autumns (not to mention well-trained detection dogs), only runs for three months at most. “People are interested in truffles and their origins,” says Will, who’s joined guests to hunt for the elusive fungus.

“They’re not your everyday item.” And Stillwater Seven is not your everyday hotel.

The property’s architect-designed rooms are housed in an 1830s flour mill with waterfront views. Plus, there are two other new packages available. If truffles aren’t your thing, have some “me” time with two nights in a luxury suite, sparkling wine (plus a masterclass if you want to pretend your interest is academic), brekkie in bed and a facial. The hotel also has a six-night Best of Both Worlds experience incorporating three nights at Stillwater Seven and three at King Island’s Kittawa Lodge, a short flight away.

We’ll take the lot, thanks.