Fast facts
- Major rural centre famous for dairy products
- Set among rolling pastures and close to a magnificent coastline
- 428 km south of Sydney, population 4,200
Why go there
Set in a valley at the junction of the Bega and Brogo Rivers and surrounded by rich dairy country, Bega is a handsome, historic town with a proud tradition of cheese making. The stunning, sculpted coastline of Mimosa Rocks National Park is close by.
Over the past 100 years, Bega Cheese has come to dominate the Australian cheese market, and the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre tells the story of the cheese-manufacturing process and the company’s growth. It's housed in a faithful reproduction of the original factory.
History
Prior to European settlement, the Dyirringany people occupied the area. Squatters fleeing drought near Braidwood moved to the Bega Valley in the late 1820s. Cattle, sheep, corn, fruit and vegetables flourished in the rich soils. In the 1860s the valley began producing the cheeses that are still the main source of its fame.
Things to do
- Enjoy a picnic by the Bega River.
- Swim in a tranquil rock pool at Mumbulla Creek Falls.
- Go on a historic walk around the township.
- Spot sea eagles and cormorants among the diverse birdlife at Mimosa Rocks National Park.
- Discover ancient middens and take in spectacular views at Aragunnu in Mimosa National Park.
Events
- The Cobargo Folk Festival in February is one of the best in the country, held in one of its prettiest and most atmospheric villages.
Don’t miss
- Cheese tasting at the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre.
- Local artworks at the Bega Valley Regional Gallery.
- Produce markets at Littlejohn Gardens.
