Explore the dazzling underground world of fungi in an intimate and interactive discussion over lunch at the fantastic Northern Republic restaurant with ecologist and author Alison Pouliot.

Over a delicious three-course lunch of various gourmet fungal delights Alison will share first-hand stories gleaned from the writing of her recent book Underground Lovers. She will take us on a adventure from the Australian desert to Iceland’s glaciers to America’s Cascade Mountains. We’ll dwell with fungal allies and aliens, discover how fungi hold forests together, and why humans are deeply entwined with these unruly renegades of the sub-terrain.

Alison will launch her new book Underground Lovers: Encounters with Fungi in the courtyard of the restaurant prior to the lunch and seminar from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Come along to hear about the stories that inspired her book while you relax in the restaurant courtyard.

What can we learn from the lives of fungi? Underground Lovers brings us to our knees, magnifier in hand, to find out.

Alison’s new book as well as her previous books, The Allure of Fungi and Wild Mushrooming will be available for purchase.

As part of the same festival, further events will take place in Wooragee and Beechworth the weekend before, Friday 19 May to Sunday 21 May 2023.

Tickets: $68

We look forward to seeing you there!