Bega

New South Wales (Southern NSW)

Bega
A town famous for its cheese which has been made here as far back as the late 19th century. The town was first established on the banks of the river back in the 1830s but moved to higher ground after being washed out by flood waters. The Bega Co-Operative Creamery Company was officially formed in 1899 by the farmers of the Bega Valley who wanted to control their own industry and the original butter factory began production in early 1900, in 1944 it changed its name to become The Bega Co-Operative Society Limited and over the years expanded into milk receival, town milk deliveries and milk powder production.

Lush green meadows, munching cows, wide valleys and mountains in the background – you could almost mistake this pastoral scenery for somewhere in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Certainly the area around BEGA is prime dairy country: at the Bega Cheese Factory & Heritage Centre, Lagoon Street, North Bega (daily 9am–5pm; tel 02/6492 1444), you can watch the famous local cheese being made, and try a few samples. Scenery and cheese apart, there’s no great reason to come here, but it’s a convenient stopover, handy for the junction of the Princes Highway with the Snowy Mountains Highway. In town, the Historical Museum, on the corner of Bega and Auckland streets (Mon–Fri 10.30am–4pm, holidays also Sat 10am–noon), has regional memorabilia and photos. For more on local attractions, including the Grevillea Winery, check out the Bega Tourist Information Centre, 91 Gipps St (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat & Sun 10am–2pm; tel 02/6492 2045). The small, pleasant Bega YHA on Kirkland Crescent is built from mud bricks. Less earthy accommodation can be found at the Grand Hotel, 236 Carp St, which has motel-style pub accommodation, as well as counter meals during the week. Campers can head for Bega Caravan Park on the Princes Highway. Bournda National Park
This park has outstanding conversation value, containing beaches, fresh and saltwater lakes, lagoon and creeks and a variety of birds and wildlife. Activities to be enjoyed include swimming, fishing canoeing or watching the wildlife. Located 20km south-east of Bega. Camping area is located at Hobart Beach. (Bookings:-PO Box 186, Eden 2551, Phone: (064) 961 434). Mimosa Rocks National Park
Situated 22km north-east of Bega this park features jagged coastline with natural rock formations, caves cliffs and headlands and is a favorite for surfers, fishermen, divers and birdwatchers.