Cheese Tasting in Margaret River
Margaret River has an enviable reputation for its quality wines, boutique beers and delectable produce. But did you know the region is also home to a small number of artisan cheesemakers too?
As you drive along the country roads, you’ll see dairy cows free ranging in lush pastures. Think all your favourites in one spot: brie, vintage cheddar, salty feta and creamy mozzarella.
Let us take you on a DIY journey through the region to explore, taste and learn about the history of cheesemaking in the region…
History of Cheesemaking in Margaret River
The Margaret River region is somewhat unique when it comes to dairy destinations. Positioned on a cape and surrounded by ocean on three sides, it’s known for its isolation, coastline, beautiful vineyards and famous Mediterranean climate.
These all combine to create ideal conditions for dairy production.
The dairy industry in the Augusta-Margaret River region began to thrive in the 1920s and grew in popularity when the Busselton-Margaret River Railway was completed. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s, when wine began being made, that the region started to make a name for itself outside of Western Australia.
Top players in the southwest
Harvey Cheese
Family owned and operated, Harvey Cheese manufactures handmade speciality cheeses from locally sourced milk to create a number of cheese varieties including blue vein, soft white triple cream camembert, hard savoury cheese and fetas.
This is a must-stop for cheese lovers on your way down from Perth to Margaret River. Enjoy a free tasting and see the cheese being made through a viewing window.
Bannister Downs Dairy
Founded in 1924 by Edith & James Daubney, Bannister Downs Dairy is still family owned and managed by their grandson, Mat and his wife Sue.
Mat and Sue and dedicated to creating a place where their team is proud to work, the welfare of the cows is paramount, and the product is processed to achieve the highest quality. We love their milk – it is excellent in coffee!
Sample their wares in the on-site café and see their ‘girls’ (cows) roaming in the pasture.
Cambray Cheese
Cambray Cheese is a small family operated cheese factory located between Busselton and Nannup. Opening in 2005, the Wilde family has achieved remarkable success for their production of award-winning ewes milk cheese.
Visit their farm shop to explore their range and get the chance to taste some samples too! It’s a charming country experience – a free-roaming Clydesdale horse welcomed us as we parked, and after you’ve tasted the range, you can buy all the ingredients for a cheese platter and enjoy it on the veranda, looking out over the farm.
Margaret River Dairy Co
MRDC’s origins date back to the 1960s when a group of Italian artisan cheesemakers began selling their farmhouse cheeses in Perth. In 1990 they moved south, to be closer to the lush pastures and dairy cattle.
The retail and tasting space is currently closed, but their delicious cheddars, camemberts and yoghurts are available at selected shops locally.
Not quite cheese.... but just as delicious!
Millers Ice Creamery
Millers recently moved into town, and you’ll now find Millers Little Ice Cream Shop on the main street of Cowaramup. They make small-batch artisan gelato, and we’re hooked.
Trish and Paul Miller, third generation dairy farmers took up the challenge of diversifying their offering into ice cream production in 2010. Although they no longer run the dairy farm,
as of 2020, their ice cream is made with 100% locally farmed milk.
Simmos Ice Creamery
Founded by a father-and-son duo back in 1993, Simmo’s has grown from a modest operation into a beloved destination for travellers and locals alike, offering over 60 flavours.
The beautiful, family-friendly creamery offers a place to relax with huge lawns and a playground and picnic tables, surrounded by farmland and emus (watch out, they love ice cream). Their yummy ice cream is made onsite with locally sourced full-cream milk.
Cheese Tasting with McLeod Tours
Despite having talented cheesemakers and superb product in the region, there are limited opportunities to visit and taste like you would at a cellar door – hence we began offering a platter of our favourite local cheeses at a winery, as part of our 3-day tour.
It’s opportunity to try a few locally sourced cheeses including Margaret River Dairy Co Camembert, Cambray Cheese Co, Harvey Cheese and Capel Cheese.
We’ll stop at either Edwards or Thompson Estate where you’ll get to taste these beautiful cheeses alongside their exquisite wines.
Are you ready to join us for a day filled with two of our favourite things, cheese and wine?
Lincoln Mcleod
Interested in learning more about the wineries in the region? Ask us about our range of wine tours available or contact us for more information about a fully customised private tour to suit your itinerary.
Learn more about the beauty of Western Australia and what is on offer. Read further on how wonderful of a journey it is and then come with us to experience something unforgettable.
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About Mcleod Tours
Neil and his wife Coralie and son Lincoln operate McLeod Tours from part of the old family farm that Neil grew up on, sharing the Margaret River experience with visitors from near and far.
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