The Big Cheese
Height
4.5 meters
Year Built
2000
Address
Princes Highway, Bodalla, NSW 2545
The Lowdown
The Big Cheese at Bodalla is a tribute to one of Australia's oldest and most historic dairy regions. This oversized cheese wheel stands proudly in the village of Bodalla, home to the famous Bodalla Dairy established in the 1860s by Thomas Sutcliffe Mort. The region's lush pastures on the NSW South Coast create perfect conditions for dairy farming, and Bodalla cheese has been produced here for over 150 years. The Big Cheese celebrates this proud heritage, inviting visitors to explore the village's dairy history and take that quintessential Big Thing photo.
Did you know?
"Bega also makes Vegemite, another Australian icon"
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.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Apple (Tallong)
The Big Apple in Tallong, NSW, is a hyper-realistic fibreglass apple sculpture built in 1988 by Carl Zeschke, celebrating the region's rich apple-growing heritage dating back to the 1900s.
Big Cherries - Pages Flat
Giant cherry sculptures at Pages Flat, South Australia, celebrating the Adelaide Hills cherry growing region.
Big Golden Guitar
A 12-meter tall fibreglass guitar monument celebrating Tamworth's status as Australia's Country Music Capital, opened by Slim Dusty in 1988.