The Mushroom Guys: Perth’s Gourmet Mushroom Pioneers at Manning Road Farmers Market

If you’re a food lover, a home cook, or a market regular, chances are you’ve heard of The Mushroom Guys. Founded by Adrian Acquado and Derek Novak, lifelong friends and business partners, this local venture has grown into one of Perth’s most respected suppliers of gourmet mushrooms.

Since launching in 2018, The Mushroom Guys have been on a mission to redefine how people experience mushrooms—bringing rare, high-quality, and freshly harvested varieties directly to the plates of home cooks and professional chefs alike. Now, you can find them every Saturday morning at Manning Road Farmers Market, offering an ever-changing selection of some of the most unique and flavourful mushrooms in Australia.

The Journey from Passion to Perth’s Premier Mushroom Farm

Adrian and Derek’s story began with a shared fascination for fungi and a realization that Perth lacked a consistent source of gourmet mushrooms. Determined to fill this gap, they immersed themselves in the world of mushroom cultivation, transforming their own homes into experimental grow spaces.

Their dedication paid off. By 2018, they had secured an industrial space in Kardinya, building a series of specialized growing rooms to cultivate mushrooms under carefully controlled conditions. Everything—from temperature and humidity to airflow and light cycles—was meticulously fine-tuned to replicate the mushrooms' natural environments, ensuring they grew at their peak quality.

What started as a personal passion project quickly gained momentum. As word spread, Perth’s top chefs and food enthusiasts took notice. Today, The Mushroom Guys supply over 100 of Perth’s finest restaurants while continuing to bring their freshest produce straight to customers at Manning Road Farmers Market.


What Makes The Mushroom Guys Unique?

While there are plenty of mushroom farms across Australia, few operate with the same commitment to quality, sustainability, and freshness as The Mushroom Guys.

  • Same-Day Harvest & Delivery: Unlike traditional farms that store mushrooms for days, The Mushroom Guys harvest and deliver their mushrooms within 16 hours—ensuring the freshest possible product.

  • A Wide Variety of Rare Mushrooms: They grow an unmatched selection of gourmet mushrooms, from Blue, Pink, and Phoenix Oyster Mushrooms to Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Maitake, and Golden Enoki.

  • Sustainability at the Core: Their mushrooms are grown on locally sourced, renewable jarrah sawdust, helping to divert nearly 30 tons of timber waste from landfills each year. Once harvested, their spent substrate is repurposed into compost, supporting local gardens and farms.

  • No Chemicals or Pesticides: Their mushrooms are 100% natural, cultivated without the use of harmful sprays or artificial additives.


More Than Just Fresh Mushrooms

At their Manning Road Farmers Market stall, The Mushroom Guys offer more than just fresh mushrooms. They also provide:

  • Grow-Your-Own Mushroom Kits – Perfect for home growers who want to experience the joy of cultivating their own gourmet mushrooms.

  • Dehydrated Mushrooms & Mushroom Powders – Great for cooking, making broths, or adding an umami punch to any dish.

  • Merchandise for Mushroom Lovers – For those who want to rep their love for fungi in style!

Whether you're an experienced home chef or someone just discovering the world of gourmet mushrooms, The Mushroom Guys offer an unparalleled selection and expert advice to help you get the best out of their produce.



A Market Experience Like No Other

For Adrian and Derek, Manning Road Farmers Market is about more than just selling mushrooms—it’s about connecting with the community.

Every Saturday, customers come by not just to buy mushrooms, but to talk, learn, and discover new varieties. Some regulars visit to grab their usual weekly selection, while others love exploring new and unusual mushrooms they’ve never tried before.

Their stall has also become a favorite for kids who are fascinated by the colors and textures of their mushrooms, making it a fun and educational experience for families.

“We love seeing the excitement on someone’s face when they try a new mushroom for the first time,” says Adrian. “Every conversation is different, and that’s what makes this market so special.”



Challenges, Achievements & Future Plans

Building The Mushroom Guys from the ground up hasn’t been easy. The first three years saw seven-day work weeks, no days off, and an unrelenting commitment to quality. They built everything themselves—from the grow rooms and shelving to the custom climate control systems—learning through trial and error along the way.

Despite the long hours, their hard work has paid off in major ways. They’ve won multiple awards, including:

🏆 The Good Food Guide’s Producer of the Year 2023 – Voted on by chefs across Perth.
🏆 Harvey Norman Delicious Produce Awards (2021-2023) – Recognizing the best produce in Australia.

Looking ahead, The Mushroom Guys are focused on expanding their range even further, experimenting with new varieties, and continuing to champion sustainable urban farming.

Where to Find The Mushroom Guys

If you want to experience Perth’s best gourmet mushrooms, head down to Manning Road Farmers Market and visit The Mushroom Guys’ stall.

Can’t make it to the market? You can also find their mushrooms in restaurants across Perth or order directly via their website: www.themushroomguys.com.au

For more updates and mushroom inspiration, follow them on social media:

📘 Facebook: The Mushroom Guys Perth
📷 Instagram: @themushroomguys

Experience the Best in Gourmet Mushrooms

The Mushroom Guys aren’t just selling mushrooms—they’re changing the way Perth experiences them. Whether you’re looking for the freshest produce, expert knowledge, or a friendly chat, their stall at Manning Road Farmers Market is the place to be.

Come down this Saturday and discover why their mushrooms are considered some of the best in Australia!

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