Robertson Cheese Factory

When I think of Australia, the images that flit through my mind are of endless beaches (of which it has 30,000), tropical rain forest and stark landscapes of wild, dry bush that eventually peter out into hot red rock and dust.

Australia is infamous for its unforgiving desert and harsh terrains.  But even more famous, are Australia’s iconic sandy shores covered by bronzed bodies soaking in the sun like Galapagos lava lizards.

What many don’t know about, are the lush, verdant parts of this sun-burnt country. Endless bucolic countryside of rolling pastures, emerald green, dotted with dairy cows and pretty black-faced sheep. Almost every Australian State has parts which answer to this description. One such place is the Southern Highlands of New South Wales –- just a few hours’ drive from Sydney.

Housed in a beautiful old wooden building, the Robertson Cheese Factory is home to a team of “foodaholic visionaries” with a real focus on local and seasonal produce. Over 40% of the cheeses are produced locally. The rest are comprised of the best Australian Cheeses the factory can source, including Woodside Cheese Wrights, The Barossa Valley Cheese Company, Berry Creek Cheese Company, King Island Black Label Cheeses and many more. They also stock a vast range of French White Moulds and Blues and a number of Italian, and other European hard and soft cheeses. 

Two very talented chefs produce a range of pates, terrines, relishes, pickles, jams and gelatos on-site. And then there’s the honey-smoked trout. Without doubt the best smoked trout I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating.

The Robertson Cheese Factory is a very popular weekend breakfast spot with locals and tourists alike. The café is small (seating about 25) and offers sweeping views of the Robertson’s green, rolling hills. Homemade scones and jams make Devonshire tea a popular choice.

Apart from phenomenal cheeses, you can also pick up lots of other goodies at the Robertson Cheese Factory: quiches, jams, preserves, cakes, bread, fresh fruit and vegetables are all sold at the store and you can really taste the love that's gone into preparing their produce.

Visit them at their website, but I can tell you from experience that it’s much more fun to visit them at 107 Illawarra Hwy, Robertson NSW 2577.