Tasmanian producers are some of the best in the world, and its cheesemakers are no exception.
From creamy brie to tangy cheddar, there’s something for everyone on this cheese lover’s tour of Tassie.
Ashgrove Cheese
Located just 25 minutes from Devonport, Ashgrove Cheese has been a family owned business since 1908. In fact, the original factory was built by the family from recycled mining equipment purchased in Tasmania.
Ashgrove is known for its delicious cheese, as well as ice-cream, milk, cream and butter. Their popular visitors centre, known as the Dairy Door, offers behind-the-scenes access to the cheese making process. Stop by the viewing window to watch cheesemakers in action, or head to the cafe for a cheese flight. For serious cheese lovers, it’s hard to go past the High Cheese experience, an inventive take on a classic high tea.
Standout: Hells Gate is a creamy Havarti cheese infused with jalapenos for a zingy kick.
Pyengana Dairy
Pyengana Dairy has been making cheese for more than 130 years, resulting in award-winning cloth-matured cheddar. Their cheese is matured in a cave-like space beneath the on-site cafe, using natural air ventilation to maintain the perfect environment. The cheese is aged in traditional cheese cloth, resulting in a unique flavour profile.
At the farmgate cafe, you can sample a range of delicious cheeses, or join a guided tasting where the friendly staff will talk you through the process from paddock to plate. Kids will love the playground, which overlooks the surrounding fields and pastures.
Standout: The traditional cloth matured cheddar is aged for twelve months, giving a crumbly and bold flavour.
Grandvewe Cheese
A short 40 minute drive from Hobart, Grandvewe Cheese is Australia’s only certified organic sheep dairy. Their cheese, gelato and yoghurt is made using fresh sheep milk, revered for its high protein, amino acids and Vitamin C content.
At the cellar door, you can sign up for a tasting experience set against the stunning backdrop of Birchs Bay. On the farm, guests are also encouraged to join a sheep-milking demonstration, or tour the brewery. Grandvewe run “Australia’s smallest distillery”, where they used sheep whey to produce vodka and gin.
Standout: Gin Herbalist is a sheep milk cheese flavoured using native botanicals from Grandvewe’s gin, resulting in a floral taste with hints of lemon myrtle, wattleseed and Tasmanian pepper leaf.
King Island Dairy
All of the products at King Island Dairy are made using fresh milk from dairy farms across the island. In fact, the whole King Island community is involved in the cheese-making process, including farmers, truck drivers, cheese makers, wrappers and packers.
The fertile soil and salty grass that the cows graze on produces sweet, rich milk unlike any other. At the cheese store, you can purchase any number of cheeses or book a tasting. However, we recommend buying a cheese platter or baked brie and taking it with you for a picnic anywhere on the stunning island.
Standout: The Lighthouse Blue Brie is a mix of creamy brie and sharp blue cheese, best enjoyed with a drizzle of honey.
Coal River Farm
Coal River Farm is a family-run business that produces a range of smooth chocolates and rich cheeses. Their head cheesemaker, Tim Gadischke, has won medals in both Australian and international cheese competitions.
A visit to the farm offers the chance to watch both cheese and chocolate being produced. Their restaurant is open 7 days, with a menu featuring fresh Aussie ingredients as well as hot chocolates and cheese tipples. As the farm is only 15 minutes from Hobart, it makes for a perfect day trip or family outing.
Standout: The Vine Ash Log is a cow’s milk cheese rolled in vine ash, salted and infused with white mould to give it a creamy, bold and tangy finish.
Bruny Island Cheese Co
Bruny Island Cheese Co was founded by Nick Haddow after he spent more than 10 years travelling the world to work with the best cheese makers and artisans. Every product is made using traditional techniques, and infused with interesting flavours such as rosemary and lavender.
Visitors should try a sit-down tasting at the cellar door, and chat with cheese makers to learn more about their process. Any visit to Bruny Island Cheese Co must also include a sampling of their beer, brewed on site in decommissioned milk vats.
If you love their products, you can join the cheese and beer club for access to special events, insider tips and more
Standout: Jack’s Dad is a cheese made in honour of Bill Lark, the grandfather of Aussie whiskey. The rind is washed in the famous spirit, resulting in a strong and stinky cheese.
Can’t get enough of this cheese lover’s tour? For the best farm experiences in Tasmania, click here.
Travel to Tasmania
Rex flies to several ports in Tasmania. Book your flights here and check out the route map below.
