Lakes Coast Visitor Guide

PAGE 118 | LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE BEGA Grab your camera and say‘cheese’in Bega Considered the historic ‘country centre’ of the NSW Sapphire Coast, the quaint town of Bega is located in a lush pastoral region, and is best known for being home of the internationally famous Bega Cheese brand. Dairying began in the verdant Bega Valley in the 1850s, and the original Bega Cheese factory opened in 1900. At the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre – a reconstruction of one of the first buildings of the Bega Co-operative Creamery Company – you can learn about the history of the valley and the cheesemaking process (and also taste the delicious results). A historic walk around Bega is an intriguing way of stepping back into the past, and it’s also worth checking out the local produce market, which runs from 8am-1pm every Friday in Bega’s Littleton Gardens. Colourful Candelo South-west of Bega is Candelo, which still retains its rustic charm of yesteryear, and provides a colourful market on the first Sunday of every month, from 8.30am12.30pm, featuring local produce and a wonderful country atmosphere. Early settlers had the foresight to establish a beautiful park beside the river here, and today it still provides a year-round meeting place for locals and visitors. Heritage and nature There are many magnificent national parks to explore in the region, offering diverse landscapes and a rich indigenous history. These include Wadbilliga, Bournda and Biamanga: a significant site for local Yuin First Nations people. At Biamanga National Park – which was returned to its traditional owners in 2006 — you can immerse yourself in the wild landscapes of granite boulders, gum trees, the Mumbulla Creek Falls, and ancient indigenous lore. A reconstruction of the original Bega Co-operative Creamery Company building. Mumbulla Creek Falls is located in Biamanga National Park, a sacred area to the local Aboriginal Yuin People. Photo: Visit NSW At the Bega Heritage Centre you can learn about the history of the area, as well as the butter and cheese making process.

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