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Yarra Valley Dairy

4.1 (601)

Artisan cheeses crafted in a century-old milking shed, with tastings, platters, and sweeping Yarra Valley views—just an hour from Melbourne for the ultimate gourmet farm stop.

Nestled in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Yarra Valley Dairy is a charming artisan cheese shop housed in a 100-year-old milking shed. Visitors can taste fresh soft cheeses made on-site from local cow and goat milk, enjoy cheese platters with regional wines, and savor café fare amid stunning valley views. Open daily from 10:30am to 5pm, it's a must-stop for food lovers exploring this scenic region just an hour from Melbourne.

A brief summary to Yarra Valley Dairy

  • Monday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive before 4pm for café service including cheese platters and hot dishes; coffee available until 4:30pm.
  • Free cheese tastings for groups of 8 or fewer; larger groups charged $3 per person—call ahead for big parties.
  • No bookings for eat-in tables; try your luck for a seat with stunning valley views—no outside seating or BYO alcohol.
  • Pair cheeses with rotating local wines by the glass; shop regional relishes, breads, and produce to take home.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    1-hour drive from Melbourne CBD via M3 and Maroondah Hwy; free street parking available at the farm.

  • Public Transport

    Train to Lilydale (45min from Melbourne), then taxi/ride-share 20min; no direct bus.

  • Tour

    Common Yarra Valley wine tours include stop; self-drive recommended for flexibility.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

  • Restrooms
  • Food Options
  • Drink Options
  • Seating Areas
  • Sheltered Areas
  • Trash Bins

Discover more about Yarra Valley Dairy

Discovering Artisan Cheese in the Yarra Valley

Perched on 70 McMeikans Road in Yering, Victoria, Yarra Valley Dairy occupies a historic 100-year-old milking shed beside the active cheese factory. This working farm setting offers an authentic glimpse into cheesemaking, with fresh soft cheeses crafted in the style of French and Italian farmhouse traditions using locally sourced cow's milk from Yarra Valley farms and goat's milk from Gippsland. Peek through the viewing window to watch the process unfold, then step into the cozy shop brimming with wheels, wedges, and curated regional produce.

Cheese Tastings and Platters

The highlight is the free cheese tasting for groups of eight or fewer—sample creamy double brie, Persian fetta with dill and chives, salted honey cow curd, and black savourine. Larger groups pay a nominal fee. Pair tastings with local wines by the glass or bottle (no BYO), enjoyed alongside platters featuring regionally baked breads and charcuterie. The café menu tempts with hot options like brie hotpot, plus coffee until 4:30pm, all against a backdrop of rolling green hills.

Café Experience and Farm Views

Dine in at limited tables with no reservations needed—just arrive early, especially before the 4pm kitchen close. The outdoor seating overlooks the breathtaking Yarra Valley landscape, perfect for brunch or lunch. Stock up on accompaniments like handcrafted cheeseboards, small-batch relishes, jams, and Yarra Valley wines that support fellow local producers committed to quality ingredients.

Practicalities and Groups

Open daily 10:30am-5pm (except Christmas and Boxing Day), with ample street parking and wheelchair access. Card payments preferred. For groups over eight, call ahead due to space limits. Private experiences in the adjacent meeting room for up to 10 include guided tastings, cheese-making demos, or curated lunches around a refurbished wool-sorting table.

Yarra Valley Context

Just an hour from Melbourne, this dairy anchors many day trips through the wine-famous Yarra Valley. It's more than a shop—it's a sensory celebration of local dairy heritage, sustainability, and flavor, drawing cheese enthusiasts to its rustic charm and panoramic vistas.

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