Height
4.5 meters
Year Built
2000
Address
Lagoon Street, Bega, NSW 2550
The Lowdown
The Big Cheese at Bega Cheese Heritage Centre is a tribute to one of Australia's most iconic dairy brands. This oversized cheese wheel stands proudly at the heritage centre where visitors can learn about Bega Cheese's history dating back to 1899 when farmers in the Bega Valley first began producing cheese. The region's lush pastures and temperate climate create perfect conditions for dairy farming, and Bega has grown from a small cooperative to a household name across Australia. The Big Cheese celebrates this proud heritage, inviting visitors to explore the cheese-making process, sample products, and take that quintessential Big Thing photo.
Did you know?
"Bega Valley's climate is ideal for dairy farming"
History
Bega Cheese began in 1899 when Bega Valley farmers established a cooperative to produce and market their cheese. The company grew to become one of Australia's most recognized food brands. The Heritage Centre and Big Cheese were created to share this history with visitors and celebrate the region's dairy heritage.
More Fun Facts
- •Bega Cheese has been made in the Bega Valley since 1899
- •The distinctive Bega yellow color became a registered trademark
- •Bega Valley's climate is ideal for dairy farming
- •The Heritage Centre offers cheese tastings
- •Bega also makes Vegemite, another Australian icon
Visiting Tips
- 💡Tour the Heritage Centre to learn about cheese-making
- 💡Don't miss the cheese tastings
- 💡Buy fresh cheese and dairy products in the shop
- 💡Bega Valley has beautiful coastal and mountain scenery nearby
- 💡Combine with a trip to Sapphire Coast beaches
Opening Hours
Heritage centre hours. Sculpture visible from outside.
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Big Mango
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Big Orange
Australia's largest big fruit at 15 metres tall and 12 metres wide, a former cafe and viewing platform celebrating the Riverland's citrus industry.