Nestled amid the lush, rolling hills of the Mornington Peninsula, Main Ridge Dairy is a gem that’s cherished by both locals and visitors. Serving farm-fresh goat cheeses, this dairy offers a farm-to-platter experience that’s utterly unmatched in the region.
Step into Billies, the European-inspired cheese cellar tasting room. Picture this: gazing out over paddocks of frolicking dairy goats and the serene Australian bush while indulging in an irresistible menu of cheese platters, seasonal cheese-inspired dishes, and sweet treats. Whether you’re craving a cheesy croissant for breakfast or one of its legendary toasties, this all-day dining destination is a cheese lover’s paradise. Pair your dish with a selection of local wines, beers, non-alcoholic beverages or perhaps a barista coffee, tea, or decadent hot chocolate.
Prefer the outdoors? Head out to The Dairy Deck, where you can pick up a curated cheese box and unwind on the grass with a picnic rug. Feed the playful goats along the surrounding fence line with treats you can purchase at Billies, and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
With each season, the cheesemakers introduce new flavours, recently earning prestigious recognition at the Royal Australian Food Awards with gold for their caprinella and capony, silver for their cashmere and bronze for their marinated chevre and cilia. These award-winning cheeses also grace the menus of top restaurants across the Peninsula and beyond.
Main Ridge Dairy is a proud community collaborator, working with plenty of like-minded local producers and supporting new businesses like Frog Hollow Kitchen Cooking School.
Can't stick around? No problem – you can take home these delicious cheeses and accompaniments from the corner providore at Billies, and they make great gifts. Group bookings are available, and the stunning space is just perfect for your next event.
Whether you're trying a tasting plate, dining in, or hosting an event, Main Ridge Dairy is an ideal and unique location for unforgettable moments.
Opening hours: Thursday-Sunday 9.30am-4pm (may vary by season; check website)
Main Ridge Dairy
289-295 Main Creek Rd, Main Ridge
P: 5989 6622
www.Mainridgedairy.com.au
FB: mainridgedairy
INSTA: mainridgedairy
A Mornington Peninsula dairy tale
Mornington Peninsula’s first and only goat’s milk dairy has been nestled high in the hills of Main Ridge since 2001. With its passion for cheese and a commitment to quality, Main Ridge Dairy has become a local gem, producing some of the finest goat’s cheeses in Australia.
The secret to its success starts from the ground up. Sonia Kent, who bought the business with her husband, Wayne, in 2021, puts it simply: "Great cheese begins with great milk, and great milk starts with great grass." Their 300-strong herd of Swiss-heritage Saanen and Toggenburg goats enjoy a life of luxury on the farm, grazing on lush paddocks that stretch as far as the eye can see. These happy goats, considered the true heroes of the business, are treated with care and respect, each one with its own name and a comfy straw bed on which to rest each night.
Every day for a Main Ridge Dairy goat starts with the sunrise. After a nibble on some hay, it is time for the goats to head to the milking shed, where fresh pellets await them. Milking time is as much a routine as it is a treat, the goats racing to their spots, eager for their pellets while they are milked in small groups of 16. The hum of the milk machine is like music to their ears, signalling another day of fresh milk production.
Once the milking is complete, the goats head back to the paddocks for a day of grazing, playing and lounging. They frolic in small groups, climb logs and enjoy the sunshine. Visitors to the farm can even join in the fun, feeding the goats special grains that are available in small bags from Billies, the onsite cheese cellar.
Meanwhile, the freshly collected milk is taken straight to the cheesery, where the magic happens. Using only 100 per cent farm-fresh goat’s milk, the skilled cheesemakers at Main Ridge Dairy handcraft every single cheese. From soft, spreadable cheeses to semi-hard and aged varieties, each cheese is carefully hand-ladled and made with a gentle, artisan process with no automation here. This dedication to craftsmanship has earned them numerous accolades, including recognition with six awards at the recent Australian Food Awards.
Throughout the day, the goats enjoy more than just lounging in the paddocks. One of the highlights of their day is when fresh green grass is laid out on the feeding pad. Despite there being plenty for everyone, it is always a race to the pad, with each goat eager to be first to nibble on the delicious grass.
As the day winds down, it’s time for the second round of milking. Once again, the goats race to the shed, jostling for position, trying to outdo their morning session. Afterwards, they settle back into their cosy straw beds, nibble on some hay, and relax for the night. The cycle repeats itself the next morning when the sun rises, and a new day begins on the farm.
For Sonia and Wayne, the goats aren’t just livestock, they’re the heroes of the business. Sonia’s background in animal welfare shines through in the way the goats are treated, ensuring they live happy, healthy lives. It’s this care, combined with a passion for cheese, that makes Main Ridge Dairy a stand-out.
If you can’t stay to enjoy the farm's atmosphere, you can still take a piece of Main Ridge Dairy home with you. Its cheeses, accompaniments and even merchandise are available at Billies, making for perfect gifts or treats to enjoy at home. And with group bookings available, Main Ridge Dairy is an ideal destination for a day out or even a special event, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces with stunning views of the hills and the playful goats that call them home.
JACQUI BIALOCKI