SAPPHIRECOAST - AUTUMN 2024 - BEGA 21 Discover the fascinating world of Bega cheese Located among the green pastures of the Bega Valley, the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre is the home of world-famous Bega cheese. Here you can learn about the cheesemaking process, find out all about the history of dairying in the the valley, and sample Bega’s delicious, multi-award-winning cheeses. A history of dairying Built in 1993, the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre is a faithful reproduction of the original ‘creamery’ building constructed in 1899. The Centre’s ‘History of Dairy’ Museum – located on the upper level of the building, open seven days, and free-of-charge to visit – showcases the history of dairying in the Bega Valley since the early 1900’s. The collection has been built from donations and by purchasing collections from local farms. The early pieces of dairy memorabilia on display provide a glimpse into the way the dairy industry established itself as a major industry in the area, and became a way of life for many Bega Valley locals – then and now. A significant part of the collection is from the ‘Ayrdale’ estate, which was first settled in 1862. It was known as a depot for the area with its own butter and cheesemaking factory and general store. Significant pieces include the original ‘Ayrdale’ four-wheel wagon, constructed around 1901, a light dray, cheese rings, early cheese barrels, a butter roller and examples of Ayrdale’s brands. The museum also includes a fascinating early slab-timber cheese factory, which was relocated from a local farm, and features antique cheese and butter-making equipment. Taste and take home At the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre shop, you can taste and purchase a selection of Bega’s award-winning cheeses, many of which are exclusive to the Heritage Centre. Aside from the extensive Bega cheese range, the shop stocks a range of Australian cheeses, as well as a wide selection of regional products. Art and giftware The shop also has country-themed giftware, including an array of cheeseboards, knives, branded merchandise and souvenirs. Upstairs at the Centre you’ll also discover The Spotted Cow Gallery, where talented local artisans display and sell their work, which includes paintings, woodwork, lead lighting and decorative arts. Enjoy a snack or meal The Bega Cheese Heritage Centre café has excellent locally-roasted Wild Rye coffee, milkshakes, cold drinks, ice creams and a large range of homemade cakes, which can all be enjoyed on the verandah overlooking the lush pastures of an adjoining dairy farm and the Bega River. You can also dine inside, or have a picnic on the grassy river bank. Open from 9am, the café has an extensive breakfast, snack and lunch menu, which includes cheese platters, a ploughman’s lunch, cheese toasties and steak sandwiches. Local travel advice The Bega Visitor Information Centre is also located at the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre, and the friendly volunteers there can help you with any questions you may have about Bega or the Sapphire Coast. You’ll find Bega Cheese Heritage Centre at 11-13 Lagoon Street, Bega. To learn more, visit heritagecentre.com.au Antique cheese and butter-making equipment at the Centre’s museum. The Centre’s museum showcases the history of dairying in the Bega Valley. The Bega Cheese Heritage Centre replicates the original 1899 ‘creamery’ building. One of the fascinating displays at the Centre’s ‘History of Dairy’ museum. 1 .'//)1 , 1 0'.1 1 1 1 1 1 #0+*,.'0&0),+0 &/ .( 1 .% 1-0+ *)'1#/ 0-,!$01 0.$- 1&/%%00 1 *$ -#. 0-1 1*&0&+0. - 1 /,,0"1 / 1 .$$0+!1 1 0'.1 #00-01 .-,*)'1 1 .$0- 1 *%,-1 1 /( 0)*+- %%0+*)'1!/(1'//"1/$" %.-#*/)0"1&/(),+!1#/- *,.$*,! -0,1. /)'-,1 0.&0%($ 1&/(),+!1-(++/()"*)'-1 1,#0 +0.$1-0&+0,1 0#*)"1,#01'+0.,1,.-,01/%1/(+1 %. /(-1".*+!1 +/"(&,-
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