Driving Through Tasmania’s Cheese Trail: Tasting and Touring Tips
Driving Through Tasmania’s Cheese Trail: Tasting and Touring Tips
If you love cheese, fresh air, and winding scenic roads, Tasmania’s self-drive cheese trail might just be your perfect road trip. Known for its cool climate and lush farmland, Tasmania produces some of the best artisan cheese in Australia—from rich bries and clothbound cheddars to adventurous goat and blue varieties. And the best part? Many of these producers open their doors to visitors, offering tastings, cellar doors, and even paddock-to-plate experiences.
So buckle up, bring an empty cooler, and hit the road. Here’s how to plan a cheesy adventure you’ll actually remember.
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Why Tasmania is a Cheese Lover’s Dream
Tasmania’s fertile pastures, fresh air, and small-batch production methods make it a standout destination for cheese lovers. Local cheesemakers here are known for pushing boundaries while staying true to traditional techniques. Whether you’re into bold blue veins or creamy soft cheeses, the variety and quality will blow you away.
And since many of the dairies are in scenic parts of the state, the drive is just as rewarding as the tasting.
When to Plan Your Cheese Tour
Tasmania’s cheese trail is open year-round, but spring through autumn (September to April) is ideal. The weather is pleasant, roads are easy to drive, and you’ll often get to see baby animals at farms. Most cellar doors open around 10am and close by 4 or 5pm, so plan to start your days early.
Must-Visit Cheese Stops Across the Island
1. Bruny Island Cheese Co.
Location: Bruny Island (via ferry from Kettering)
This cult-favourite cheese maker is worth the short ferry trip. Their signature “1792” washed rind and “Tom” raw milk cheese are beloved across Australia. The cellar door includes beer tasting from their own brewery, plus a wood-fired bakery and picnic options.
Tip: Allow a full day for Bruny Island. Arrive early to avoid ferry wait times.
2. Wicked Cheese Co.
Location: Richmond (25 minutes from Hobart)
Wicked Cheese offers free tastings and a wide selection of handcrafted cheeses, including award-winning triple cream brie and chilli cheddar. Their cafe also serves cheese-heavy platters and wine—perfect for a casual lunch stop.
Don’t Miss: Their “Lavender Cheddar” for something uniquely Tasmanian.
3. Grandvewe Cheeses
Location: Birchs Bay, south of Hobart
This sheep milk dairy produces bold, inventive cheeses—like their famous “Gin Herbalist” rind-washed cheese. The views over D’Entrecasteaux Channel are almost as good as the cheese. You can also sample Hartshorn Distillery’s sheep whey vodka onsite.
Experience: They offer farm tours and live cheesemaking sessions during peak season.
4. Ashgrove Cheese
Location: Elizabeth Town, between Launceston and Devonport
Ashgrove is one of Tasmania’s most iconic cheese brands. Their visitor centre includes a large tasting room, cheese-themed meals, and interactive displays. The range includes everything from standard cheddars to wild flavours like wasabi cheese.
Great For: Families, as there are activities and open farm views nearby.
5. Pyengana Dairy Company
Location: Near St Helens, North East Tasmania
Pyengana is famous for its clothbound cheddar, aged in traditional cheese caves. Their Holy Cow Cafe lets you watch the cheese being made while enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich or ploughman’s platter with valley views.
Bonus: It’s near the beautiful St Columba Falls—great for a short walk.
6. Bay of Fires Cheese Co.
Location: Based near St Helens
A boutique cheesemaker focusing on small-batch soft and semi-hard cheeses. While they don’t have a traditional shopfront, their cheeses are available at nearby grocers, markets, and sometimes via tasting events in the region.
Tip: Check local farmers markets like the St Helens Market for pop-up tastings.
Touring Tips: Drive, Taste, Repeat
Bring a cooler bag or esky to keep cheese fresh as you drive
Start early—many cellar doors close by mid-afternoon
Mix it up: stop at vineyards, bakeries, or farm shops along the way for a balanced day
Ask questions—Tasmanian cheesemakers love sharing their knowledge
Try before you buy, but leave room in the boot—you’ll want to take some home
Explore the Cheese Trail with YesDrive
Planning to hit multiple stops in a day? A hire car gives you the flexibility to create your own route, detour into charming villages, or linger over a cheese platter with vineyard views. YesDrive has hire options available in Hobart, Launceston, and Devonport—so no matter where you land, your cheese trail can start right away.
Book your YesDrive vehicle today and say cheese to Tasmania’s tastiest road trip.
