Beltana Farm

A countryside escape just minutes from Canberra

Beltana Farm sits quietly in Pialligo, only a short drive from the city centre. The property is hidden behind a large green hedge on Beltana Road, and arriving here for the first time can catch people off guard. Inside the gate, over 800 truffle trees stretch across the orchard, and the restaurant building sits at the far end of the property, looking out over the farm. The architecture is striking: vaulted timber ceilings, towering glass windows, a two-sided fireplace and earthy stone and marble throughout. It is a beautiful space that encourages guests to settle in and stay a while.

Farmhouse food done with real care

The kitchen at Beltana Farm is led by Chef John Leverink, who has taken a share-plate approach, inspired by fresh, seasonal, and unashamedly Australian ingredients. The menu leans toward light, creative fare rather than heavy, formal dishes, and dishes change with the seasons. Standouts that keep returning guests coming back include the potato damper with whipped brie, the charcoal ox tongue skewers with lilli pilli and horseradish, and the truffle and cuttlefish salami. Desserts are inventive too, with the Anzac biscuit cheesecake finished tableside with a spritz of whisky becoming something of a signature.

A tasting menu is available alongside à la carte, and the all-Australian wine list has been thoughtfully curated to match the style of the food. There is an enclosed, climate-controlled terrace that overlooks the truffle orchard, adding something to every meal, regardless of the season.

Truffle season is something special

From mid-June to mid-August, Beltana Farm runs a series of truffle experiences that go well beyond a standard hunt. Guests head into the orchard with trained truffle dogs to watch the search, learn how truffles are grown and checked for maturity, and then taste the results in the restaurant. It is one of those rare experiences that is genuinely educational and genuinely enjoyable at the same time.

Stay on the farm

Four purpose-built accommodation options sit among the orchard: a one-bedroom yurt with a luxurious bath, a two-bedroom yurt, a three-bedroom yurt, and a two-bedroom cottage. Each is fully self-contained and designed to blend rustic charm with contemporary comfort. Mornings here are slow and peaceful, with views across the farm and very little noise from the outside world.

A place worth discovering

Beltana Farm works just as well for a long-weekend lunch with friends as it does for a special-occasion dinner or a private event. The farm also hosts weddings and corporate gatherings, and a private dining room sits off the main pavilion for smaller groups wanting something more intimate. For Canberra locals and visitors alike, it is the kind of place that surprises you the first time and draws you back regularly after that.