
Tasmania is a hub of Australian cheese, with its cool climate, fertile land and hardworking artisans combining to create gorgeously creamy cheeses that are uniquely Tasmanian. The largest specialty cheese factory in the Southern Hemisphere, Heritage, is located on a hill above the northwest seaside town of Burnie. Built in 1955, the factory was eventually bought by Melbourne-based industry giant Lion, and in 2015, the company expanded the facility, merging it with several other Tasmanian cheese plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Tasmania |
| Factory | The largest specialty cheese factory in the Southern Hemisphere |
| Factory location | High on a hill above the northwest seaside town of Burnie |
| Factory surroundings | Tasmania's greenest farmland |
| Factory built | 1955 |
| Factory bought by | Melbourne-based industry giant Lion |
| Factory expansion | 2015 |
| Number of cheese products | Nearly 100 |
| Head cheesemaker | Swiss native Ueli Berger |
| Cheese styles | Brie, gruyère, parmesan |
| Cheese destinations | Supermarkets in Australia and Asia |
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What You'll Learn
- The largest specialty cheese factory in the Southern Hemisphere is in Tasmania
- Pyengana Dairy in Tasmania's north-east is famed for its mature English-style cheddar
- The Holy Cow Café overlooks Pyengana's lush dairy farm
- Bruny Island Cheese Co. is found on Bruny Island, near Hobart
- Coal River Farm is just 20 minutes' drive from Hobart's CBD

The largest specialty cheese factory in the Southern Hemisphere is in Tasmania
Tasmania is home to the largest specialty cheese factory in the Southern Hemisphere. High on a hill above the northwest seaside town of Burnie, surrounded by some of Tasmania’s greenest farmland, stands the Heritage factory. Built in 1955, the factory was eventually bought by Melbourne-based industry giant Lion. In 2015, the company expanded the facility, merging it with several other Tasmanian cheese plants. The factory produces nearly 100 cheese products, including specialty styles such as brie, gruyère, and parmesan, many of which are exported to supermarkets in Australia and Asia.
Tasmania's cool climate, fertile land, and hardworking artisans combine to create gorgeously creamy cheeses that are uniquely Tasmanian. The state is home to several quality fromageries, including Coal River Farm, just 20 minutes’ drive from Hobart’s CBD, where visitors can see artisans growing fresh produce and making cheese and chocolate.
In Tasmania’s north-east, you’ll discover Pyengana Dairy, famed for their mature English-style cheddar. The Healey family has been making cheese using traditional methods for more than 100 years. Visitors can taste their award-winning cheese, watch the cheese being made, and visit the Dairy Shop for Tasmania’s finest produce.
Bruny Island, near Hobart, is also home to an artisan cheese company, Bruny Island Cheese Co, founded by European-trained cheesemaker Nick Haddow. The company’s Cellar Door offers a selection of treats that combine traditional cheesemaking and maturation techniques with a distinctly Tasmanian flavour.
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Pyengana Dairy in Tasmania's north-east is famed for its mature English-style cheddar
Tasmania is a hidden hub of Australian cheese, with its cool climate, fertile land, and hardworking artisans combining to create gorgeously creamy cheeses that are uniquely Tasmanian. The largest specialty cheese factory in the Southern Hemisphere is located in Tasmania, high on a hill above the northwest seaside town of Burnie. The factory, which was built in 1955, was bought by Melbourne-based industry giant Lion in 2015 and now produces nearly 100 cheese products, including specialty styles such as brie, gruyère, and parmesan.
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The Holy Cow Café overlooks Pyengana's lush dairy farm
Tasmanian cheese is made in the north-east of Tasmania, in Pyengana Dairy, where the Healey family have been making cheese for over 100 years. The Holy Cow Café overlooks Pyengana's lush dairy farm, where you can taste their award-winning cheese, watch the cheese being made, and visit the Dairy Shop for Tasmania's finest produce. The café is open daily for breakfast, lunch and snacks, and serves farm-fresh creamy milkshakes.
Pyengana Dairy is famed for its mature English-style cheddar, made using traditional methods. Tasmania's cool climate, fertile land and hardworking artisans combine to create gorgeously creamy cheeses that are uniquely Tasmanian. The largest specialty cheese factory in the Southern Hemisphere is also located in Tasmania, high on a hill above the northwest seaside town of Burnie. The factory, built in 1955, was bought by Melbourne-based industry giant Lion in 2015, and now produces nearly 100 cheese products, including specialty styles such as brie, gruyère, and parmesan.
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Bruny Island Cheese Co. is found on Bruny Island, near Hobart
Tasmanian cheese is made in a variety of locations across the island, including the largest specialty cheese factory in the Southern Hemisphere, which is located near the northwest seaside town of Burnie. Tasmania's cool climate, fertile land and hardworking artisans combine to create gorgeously creamy cheeses that are uniquely Tasmanian.
Pyengana Dairy, in Tasmania's north-east, is famed for its mature English-style cheddar. The Healey family have been making cheese using traditional methods for more than 100 years. Visitors can also enjoy the Holy Cow Café, overlooking Pyengana’s lush dairy farm, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch and snacks.
Coal River Farm, just 20 minutes’ drive from Hobart’s CBD, is open to visitors who can see first-hand this collaboration of artisans growing fresh produce and making cheese and chocolate.
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Coal River Farm is just 20 minutes' drive from Hobart's CBD
Tasmanian Heritage cheese is made at the Heritage, the largest specialty cheese factory in the Southern Hemisphere. Built in 1955, the factory is located on a hill above the northwest seaside town of Burnie, surrounded by Tasmania's greenest farmland. The factory produces nearly 100 cheese products, including brie, gruyère, and parmesan, overseen by head cheesemaker Ueli Berger.
Coal River Farm, located just 20 minutes' drive from Hobart's CBD, is another cheesemaking destination in Tasmania. The farm is the creation of Daniel and Melanie Leesong, who left their corporate lives behind to pursue a more creative existence. Visitors to Coal River Farm can witness artisans at work, growing fresh produce and making cheese and chocolate.
In addition to these cheesemaking destinations, Tasmania offers a variety of other cheese experiences. Pyengana Dairy in Tasmania's north-east is famed for its mature English-style cheddar, with the Healey family continuing a tradition of cheesemaking for over 100 years. Bruny Island, near Hobart, is home to the Bruny Island Cheese Co, where European-trained cheesemaker Nick Haddow combines traditional cheesemaking techniques with Tasmanian flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Tasmanian Heritage cheese is made in Burnie, Tasmania.
The Heritage is the largest specialty cheese factory in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Heritage produces almost half of Tasmania's cheese.
The Heritage makes around 100 different types of cheese, including brie, gruyère, and parmesan.
Cheese is made all around Tasmania, including in the Central Plateau, the East Coast, and Bruny Island.

























