Iconic Aussie dairy brand opens first-ever cheese cafe

Elizabeth Whitehead Elizabeth Whitehead
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A cafe centred around cheese? Say less.

If you’re a cheese-lover, chances are you’re familiar with Meredith Dairy goats cheese. Their creamy, rich and tangy cheeses are a fixture of all cheese boards curated by any respectable foodie. Now, the dairy producer has opened the doors to its very first farm store and cafe in its hometown of Meredith, Victoria (about an hour and a half from Melbourne/Naarm), giving visitors a chance to experience its produce straight from the source.

Meredith cafe
Sample goat cheese and local produce at Meredith Dairy cafe. (Image: Supplied)

At the cafe, you can sample the full range of Meredith cheeses alongside other fresh regional produce, like Meredith’s very own honey. (Hot tip: order the Meredith tasting plate with house-made condiments!)

Not only that, but you can try some of Meredith’s goat meat made from ethically-raised goats (also known as Dairy Capretto). This unique meat has the stamp of approval from top chefs and restaurants, like Italian restaurant Pilu at Freshwater, Farmer’s Daughters and Morena. The menu offers the chance to sample this less-common meat in different ways. You can try it for brekkie in the form of a Goat breakfast muffin with goat sausage, or for lunch with a goat ragu or braised shank (served with goat cheese, of course).

Meredith cafe
Fresh produce and goat cheese for brekkie? Yes please. (Image: Supplied)

The cafe and store opened in October, offering a new kind of paddock-to-plate experience in Victoria’s Golden Plains. Whether you’re after a relaxed country brunch, the chance to stock up on pantry staples, or just a hunk of the delicious goat cheese that made Meredith Dairy famous, it’s a worthy stop on any regional road trip.

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Elizabeth Whitehead
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

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    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

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    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

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    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

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    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

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    Iconic Aussie dairy brand opens first-ever cheese cafe