Tarago River Cheese factory is on the main road between Neerim and Neerim South, just an hour or so from Melbourne.
It's idyllic green grazing country overlooks the Tarago River Lake. In 1982, two families, the Jensens(cheesemakers) and the Johnstons(farmers) agreed that Australian specialist cheeses needed a shakeup.
The 250 acre farm and its 300cows (mainly friesians) became suppliers to a small cheese factory built by the two families. Today a second farm of 850 acres has been secured and about 800 cows are milked a day from both properties. Some 45 people work in the total operation. The Jensen and Johnston families are still the proprietors and running the business. The first cheese to find fame was Gippsland Blue, the first name of the enterprise. This Gorgonzola style developed a loyal following, and Tarago River decided to expand the range of blue cheeses to include Royal Victorian Blue, a "Stilton" style, Shadows of Blue, similar to "BlueCastello" and Blue Orchid, a"Roquefort" style. Tarago also make a traditional Brie and a Gippsland Brie, also a hard matured cheddar-style Tarago Mature and Tarago Lavender,infused with the herb of well being. Cheeses from goats milk, and a new mild washed rind - "Jensens Red"(similar to 'Port Saulte') are the latest additions