Leslie Massey
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is known for its pristine pastures and high-quality cheese and dairy products. The area is home to iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and the Grotto, as well as renowned cheese producers such as Apostle Whey Cheese and the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory. Apostle Whey Cheese, run by the Benson family, offers a unique farm-to-table experience, while the Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory is the oldest dairy processor in Australia. Great Ocean Road cheese is made from predominantly Australian ingredients and is recognised for its superior quality and fine flavours, making it a must-try for locals and visitors alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Allansfords, Victoria |
| Producer | Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory, a subsidiary of Saputo Dairy Australia Pty |
| Producer's History | Oldest dairy processor in Australia, producing milk, butter and cheeses since 1888 |
| Cheese Type | Cheddar |
| Ingredients | At least 99% Australian |
| Cheese Experience | Apostle Whey Cheese, an award-winning cheese company |
| Cheese Company Owner | Benson Family |
| Number of Cows | Over 300 |
| Cheese Tour | Yes, tours are offered throughout the year |
| Tour Attractions | Fields, cheesemakers at work, cheese tastings, on-site boutique |
| Popular Cheese Options | Southern Briez, Bay of Martyr's Blue |
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What You'll Learn
- Great Ocean Road Cheese is made in Australia from mostly Australian ingredients
- Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory is the oldest Australian dairy processor
- Apostle Whey Cheese is an award-winning, family-run cheese producer
- The Benson family herd over 300 cows and use their milk to make cheese
- Visitors can enjoy a farm-to-table experience at Apostle Whey Cheese
Great Ocean Road Cheese is made in Australia from mostly Australian ingredients
Great Ocean Road Cheese is made in Australia, with at least 99% Australian ingredients. The cheese is produced along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, which is known for its pristine pastures and high-quality dairy products. The area is home to cheese producers such as Apostle Whey Cheese and the Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory, a subsidiary of Saputo Dairy Australia.
Apostle Whey Cheese is an award-winning cheese company located just 25 minutes inland from Port Campbell. The company is run by the Benson family, who herd over 300 cows and produce cheese using the pure milk from their farm. Visitors can enjoy a unique farm-to-table experience, where they can see the cows, watch the cheesemakers at work, and taste a variety of cheeses. Their Southern Briez has been named the best Brie in Australia, and they also offer an on-site boutique with products to enjoy at home.
The Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory is the oldest dairy processor in Australia, with a history dating back to 1888. They produce a range of milk, butter, and cheese products, including the iconic Great Ocean Road Cheese. Visitors can explore the Great Ocean Road Cheese World and Museum in Allansfords, Victoria, just a short drive from Warrnambool, to learn more about their cheese-making process and sample their products.
Great Ocean Road Cheese has gained recognition in Australia and worldwide for its superior quality and fine flavours. The cheese is available through a network of over 40 stockists, making it accessible to consumers across the country. The cheese is also featured at local landmarks, such as the Twelve Apostles and the Grotto, which inspired the names of the products at Apostles Whey Cheese.
The cheese producers along the Great Ocean Road are committed to sustainable practices and the well-being of their herds. Julian, the previous owner of Apostle Whey Cheese, handed over the farm to his son Luke in 2025, allowing him to focus more on cheesemaking. Julian has shared insights into the importance of a healthy environment, water management, and crop rotation for sustainable farming. Visitors can learn about these practices during the farm tours, which include a visit to the "mooternity" ward, milk and cheese-making facilities, and the opportunity to watch the cows being milked.
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Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory is the oldest Australian dairy processor
The Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory, established in 1888, is the oldest Australian dairy processor. It is based in Allansford, Victoria, and has been producing milk, butter, and cheeses for over 130 years. The company was registered on 28 May 1888, and the construction of factory facilities followed. It is now a subsidiary of Saputo Dairy Australia Pty, which is owned by the Canadian company Saputo Inc.
Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB) is one of the largest dairy processors in Australia and employs around 800 people, making it a major regional employer in the South West of Victoria. The company produces a range of high-quality dairy products, including cheese, butter, milk, cream, and other dairy ingredients, which are sold domestically and internationally under well-known brand names such as Sungold, Coon, Cracker Barrel, Mil Lel, and Great Ocean Road. WCB is also one of the two Australian producers of nutraceutical products from milk extracts, including bone supplements and baby formula.
The WCB sources its dairy from farms throughout south-western and central Victoria and the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Hills, and south-eastern regions of South Australia. The herd sizes on these farms range from 50 to 1500 cows, with an average of around 215 cows. Over 70% of these farms are dryland operations, with some irrigated properties.
The Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory has become a popular tourist attraction, with its Great Ocean Road Cheese World and Museum offering a unique experience for visitors interested in learning more about cheese-making and tasting the local produce. The factory's location along the Great Ocean Road, known for its pristine pastures ideal for dairy production, further enhances its appeal as a tourist destination.
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Apostle Whey Cheese is an award-winning, family-run cheese producer
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is known for its pristine pastures, producing high-quality cheese and dairy products that are recognised for their superior quality and flavours around Australia and the world. One of the notable cheese producers along the Great Ocean Road is Apostle Whey Cheese, an award-winning, family-run cheese company.
Apostle Whey Cheese is located just under 25 minutes inland from Port Campbell, nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the Twelve Apostles and the Grotto, which inspired the naming of their cheese products. The company is owned and operated by the Benson family, who have a strong connection to the land and a passion for cheese-making.
The Benson family proudly herds over 300 cows on their farm, utilising their pure milk to craft astounding cheeses. Their dedication to their craft has resulted in numerous awards, including their Southern Briez being named the best Brie in Australia. Apostle Whey Cheese also produces other renowned varieties such as the Bay of Martyr's Blue, showcasing their expertise in cheese-making.
Visitors are welcomed at Apostle Whey Cheese daily from 8 am to 5 pm, offering a unique farm-to-table experience. Guests can explore the fields, interact with the cows, and witness the cheesemakers in action as they transform milk into delicious cheese. The farm provides cheese tastings throughout the year, allowing visitors to indulge in their extensive range. Additionally, Apostle Whey Cheese features an on-site boutique, enabling visitors to purchase their favourite cheeses to enjoy at home.
The Benson family's commitment to sustainability and the environment is evident in their farming practices. They understand the importance of a healthy ecosystem and have worked diligently to develop a sustainable farm over four decades. Their attention to detail and respect for nature contribute to the exceptional quality of their cheese, making Apostle Whey Cheese a beloved and respected part of the Great Ocean Road's dairy industry.
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The Benson family herd over 300 cows and use their milk to make cheese
The Benson family are the proud owners of an award-winning cheese company, Apostle Whey Cheese, located just 25 minutes inland from Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road. The family-run business is known for its astounding cheese, made from the pure milk of their herd of over 300 cows.
The Benson family's cheese-making expertise has earned them a reputation for producing high-quality cheese that is recognised not only in Australia but also worldwide. The Great Ocean Road region in Victoria boasts some of the most pristine pastures, ideal for dairy farming and producing superior dairy products.
Apostle Whey Cheese offers a unique farm-to-table experience for visitors. Guests can explore the fields, interact with the cows, and witness the art of cheesemaking firsthand as milk is transformed into delicious cheese. The farm is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, providing an insightful glimpse into the world of cheese production.
The Benson family's dedication to their craft extends beyond cheese. They also operate a dairy farmgate café, showcasing their milk, gelato, and cheese in a variety of delectable treats. Visitors can indulge in cheese platters, coffee, toasties, gelato, and milkshakes, all made using the freshest milk from their herd.
The farm has a strong focus on sustainability and a healthy environment, as detailed in their dairy farm journals. In these journals, founder Julian Benson shares his journey, challenges, and insights into sustainable farming practices. The farm offers a holistic experience, inviting visitors to learn about the entire process, from the importance of hydration in cows to the challenges of dry pastures.
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Visitors can enjoy a farm-to-table experience at Apostle Whey Cheese
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is known for its pristine pastures, which produce high-quality cheese and dairy products. One of the must-visit cheese producers along this route is Apostle Whey Cheese, located just under 25 minutes inland from Port Campbell. This award-winning, family-run cheese company produces hand-made cheeses from the pure milk of their own herd of over 300 cows.
Apostle Whey Cheese offers a unique farm-to-table experience, allowing visitors to connect directly with the source of their food. During a visit, you can head out to the fields to see the cows and witness the cheesemaking process first-hand as the milk is transformed into delicious cheeses. The farm is open to visitors daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and they offer group tours throughout the year.
One of the highlights of the Apostle Whey Cheese experience is their cheese tasting. You can sample a variety of their award-winning cheeses, including their Southern Briez, named the best Brie in Australia, and their Bay of Martyr's Blue. After the tasting, you can browse their on-site boutique and purchase some of their cheeses to enjoy at home.
In addition to their cheese offerings, Apostle Whey Cheese also has a dairy farmgate café, where you can indulge in a range of treats made with milk from their own cows. Share a cheese platter with a cup of coffee, or try one of their toasties, gelato, or milkshakes. If you time your visit for 4 pm, you can even watch the cows being milked and learn more about the importance of a healthy environment to their farming practices.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the farm and its processes, Apostle Whey Cheese offers a two-hour tour (Monday to Friday only) for $55 per person (children under 10 are free). This tour includes a visit to the "mooternity" ward where calves are born, the milk and cheese-making facilities, and the opportunity to see the cows being milked. You'll also hear the story of how Julian and Dianne began their journey into cheese, milk, and gelato production, as well as the challenges they've overcome to develop a sustainable farm.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Great Ocean Road cheese is Australian-owned and made with at least 99% Australian ingredients.
You can buy Great Ocean Road Cheese at the Apostle Whey Cheese farmgate cafe and shop in Timboon, or from a network of over 40 stockists from Mt Gambier in the west to Rosebud in the east.
Yes, you can visit the Apostle Whey Cheese farm, which is open from 8 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. They offer tours throughout the year, which include a visit to the "mooternity" ward, the milk and cheese-making facilities, and the cows being milked at 4 pm.
