Activities
Autumn fungi spotting & photography walks
Self-guided, free with a stay. Look and photograph only.
After autumn rain, the paddock edges, stumps and forest margins on Tower Hill come alive with fungi. Orange brackets on old stumps, bright red fly agarics with white spots, and big brown-capped mushrooms pop up for a few short weeks. Bring a camera or phone, walk slowly, and see how many you can find.
Please read first: Safety
- Some fungi in Tasmania are poisonous and some can be deadly. Many look alike.
- Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), the red one with white spots, is poisonous.
- Never eat any wild fungi you find here. Wash your hands after touching any fungi, and keep a close eye on children and dogs.
- If anyone eats a wild mushroom, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, or 000 in an emergency.
When to go
Autumn is best, a few days after good rain. Cool, damp mornings and overcast days are ideal for both finding fungi and photographing them.
Look, don't pick
This is a spotting and photography activity only. Please don't pick, kick, break or eat any fungi. Leave them where they are for the next guest and for the forest.
Photo tips
- Get low and shoot at cap level.
- A small torch or phone light shows off gills and textures.
- Overcast light beats harsh sun.
- Use a stick or your hand for scale, not by touching the fungi.
Where and permissions
Fungi spotting is for guests with a stay, on the areas shown at induction. Stay out of stock paddocks unless told otherwise, and leave gates as you find them. If you head into nearby state forest or reserves, follow the land manager's rules and don't collect anything.