Welcome to
Blue Sky Cheese
HANDMADE IN MENDOORAN
In the oldest town on the Castlereagh River
two local farming gals, Deb and Pip, joined forces late in 2018 to create the Central West’s first cheese business, in Mendooran.
This was only possible due to the close availability of fresh, creamy single source milk from Dubbo’s own Little Big Dairy.
It truly is the ‘secret ingredient’!
All cheeses are made by hand in the commercial kitchen at Mendooran Showground using skill, passion and intuition. Deb is the principal cheesemaker, still feeling that excitement of producing a truly artisan product! Deb’s partner, Glen, is the chief bottle washer, champion cheese packer and delivery guy! Recently, another farming woman, Allison, has come on board as a very enthusiastic cheesemaking assistant.
Our Story
The idea for BLUE SKY CHEESE germinated during the widespread drought of 2018, when the farming forecast was anything but promising.
In the oldest town on the Castlereagh River, Mendooran, 2 optimistic, intuitive women left their paddocks to create small batches of handmade artisan cheeses.
Using local, fresh, single-source cow’s milk, white clouds of Castlereagh Camembert emerged; just when the river itself was at its lowest and the blue, blue sky stretched on forever.
The Glossy red-tailed black cockatoo is an icon in our Central Western skies, punching through the blue with enthusiastic delight. It is this joy and love of life and freedom that we channel into our unique cheeses.
At first the locals were mystified with what was happening in their Showground kitchen, then gradually they came to appreciate and enjoy the variety of cheeses that were available right on their doorstep. It was both humbling and incredible to receive strong support from the region as Blue Sky Cheese attracted a wide following.
In September 2022 Blue Sky Cheese found a home in the old Butcher Shop in Mendooran, developing it into a hub for local produce, craft and conversation.
Our Current Range
Castlereagh Camembert
Our current range includes our signature “Castlereagh Camembert”, made in the old Normandy tradition with a soft white bloom and full of flavour. Not a creamy brie at all.
Available in a 200g wheel.
Fingerlime Feta
“Fingerlime Feta”, a creamy, salty Feta infused with the citrus punch of ground, native Australian Fingerlimes from an organic orchard near Kyogle, NSW!
Available in small tubs of brine.
Mendooran Swiss
“Mendooran Swiss” is a smooth, semi-hard cheese with a delicious ‘twang’ ! It is the yellow cheese that surprises us with fantastic ‘eyes’ and big flavour.
Available in affordable wedges.
Harvest Halloumi
“Harvest Halloumi” was created during the district’s first big harvest following a long drought, sliced and grilled, you can’t believe how fresh it is!
Available in blocks ready for grilling.
WarrUmbungle Blue
“Warrumbungle Blue” reflects seasonal conditions, as cheese should. These large, semi-hard blue mould wheels are watched carefully whilst maturing to avoid any blue cheese ‘tantrums’! Every batch is different, soft and buttery or hard like a parmesan.
Available in affordable wedges.
Peppa Gouda
“Peppa Gouda” is the new kid on the block! A smooth, young Gouda partnered with cracked black pepper from Far North Queensland. A real taste sensation!
Available in affordable wedges.
Upcoming Events
AUTUMN MARKET ~ 8am in the shop garden
summer market 16TH feb. 8AM-2PM
Trinkets and Treasures Market day in our Shop garden, 8am to 2pm, Sunday 16th February, 2025. All stallholders welcome, no charge, BYO table. BBQ breakfast, Coffee van, Cheese Shop open.