Mushrooming
Mushroom warning
Some mushrooms contain toxins and can make you extremely sick.
When it comes to mushrooms: If in doubt, throw it out! We cannot emphasise strongly enough that you must correctly identify your mushrooms before picking them.
NSW Health does not recommend picking and eating any wild mushrooms as some species can cause poisoning including liver and/or kidney failure. Effects may be delayed and deaths have occurred. If you become unwell after eating wild mushrooms call the Poisons Centre on 13 11 26.
Also, don't mix mushrooms together when collecting, as poisoning mushrooms will contaminate edible ones.
Finding a mushrooming spot
Mushrooms can be found in many NSW pine plantations.
The Oberon Visitor Information Centre can provide assistance on how to pick and select mushrooms and where to find the best areas. The Oberon Visitor Information Centre is on the corner of Edith Road and Ross Street, Oberon.
The Centre is open daily from 9.30am to 5.00pm. Telephone (02) 6329 8210.
You can buy the Forestry Corporation of NSW Central West Forest Map that will help you find these areas.
Start safe
- Let someone know which forest you are planning to visit and when you expect to be back.
- Be prepared and take enough food and water.
- Wear appropriate clothing and be visible at all times.
- Ensure you have knives for cutting the mushrooms and containers to store mushrooms so they do not get bruised.
- Be aware that mobile reception is limited in many forest areas.
Mushrooming permits
If you are harvesting mushrooms as part of a commercial activity (ie selling them), you need to get a forest events and activities permit.
Likewise, if you are organising a commercial foraging, picnicking or cooking event, you also need a forest events and activities permit.
If you are collecting mushrooms for personal consumption, no permit is required.
While mushrooming, please note also that timber in the area cannot be taken out of the plantations without a permit. Find out more about getting a firewood permit.
Removing bush rock from State forests is not permitted.
Take a look at important tips on safety and sustainable recreation when visiting State forests.
Further reading on mushrooming
To find out more about mushrooming in State forests, including which mushrooms are safe and unsafe to eat, please read the guide below.