PAGE 118 | LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE BEGA Where country charm, culinary delights, and coastal beauty meet Nestled in the picturesque Bega Valley of New South Wales, Bega is a charming town renowned for its lush landscapes, rich agricultural heritage, and, of course, its world-famous cheese. As the gateway to the Sapphire Coast, Bega offers visitors a unique blend of rural charm and coastal convenience, making it an ideal destination for families, food lovers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Bega’s most iconic claim to fame is the Bega Cheese brand, which has been producing high-quality dairy products for more than a century. A visit to the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre offers an engaging insight into the history of the region’s dairy industry, with interactive displays and tastings that are perfect for both kids and adults. Beyond cheese, the town is dotted with artisanal food producers, local markets, and boutique cafés that showcase the region’s fresh produce and culinary creativity. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in and around Bega. The town sits close to the rolling hills of the Bega Valley, where scenic drives, bushwalking trails, and cycling routes reveal stunning views of farmland, rivers, and native forests. Just a short drive away, the Sapphire Coast awaits with pristine beaches, lakes, and national parks, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, whale watching, and surfing. Bega’s community spirit shines through its vibrant events calendar. Annual highlights include local farmers’ markets, art exhibitions, and food festivals that celebrate the area’s creativity and hospitality. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed pace, explore heritage-listed buildings, and soak in the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes Bega feel like home. Whether you’re passing through on your way to the coast or planning a leisurely stay, Bega combines country charm, culinary delights, and natural beauty in a way that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a town where every corner tells a story, and every bite tastes of the region’s rich, fertile lands. Country atmosphere in Candelo South-west of Bega is Candelo, which still retains the rustic charm of yesteryear, and provides a colourful country market on the first Sunday of every month, from 8.30am to 12.30pm. There are some lovely old buildings in the town, including the Candelo General Store and Café. The original owner, Abraham Levy, operated a store in Candelo from at least 1879, and built a general store at the current location in 1882. After being destroyed by fire in 1903, Levy built a new store in 1904, which still proudly stands today. In late 2014, a local farming family purchased and sympathetically renovated the General Store, striking a balance between modern and original heritage features. Colourful Cobargo Located in Bega Valley Shire, 30-minutes’ drive north of Bega, Cobargo is a small village with a permanent population of less than 800 people. The name Cobargo may have originated from the local First Nations word ‘cubago’, which some sources say was used to describe nearby Mount Gulaga. The town has become a popular tourist destination, thanks to its olden-style stores, arts and crafts galleries, tea rooms, antique shops and its colourful country market, held every Saturday. Bega Cheese Heritage Centre.
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