Visiting the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop

Pokolbin, New South Wales 2320

See it, smell it, love it is the apt tagline of the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop. Dating back to 2004, this artisan store and tourist attraction is just a two-hour drive outside of the hustle and bustle of Sydney.

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop

Here, the team work hard to bring visitors the finest local cheese and gourmet treats, ranging from seasonal fruits and vegetables to homemade gelato. It’s not just a cheese-lover’s dream – there are plenty of other tasty delights to tuck into and try, including olives and meats. The shop prides itself on being locally owned and operated, only hiring people who live in its close vicinity.

The Tasty Treats at the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop

Despite its name, the Smelly Cheese Shop makes and sells so much more than just cheese. Today, you can browse the collection of over 3,000 chutneys, preserves, oils, vinegars, and even kitchen utensils as they decorate the walls of the spacious interior.

In the Fromagerie, you can try some of Smelly’s own range of delicious cheeses, which are lovingly handmade by cheesemaker Simon Gough. These cheeses sit alongside a range of imported varieties, giving you the chance to try a whole host of unique flavours.

Things to do at the Smelly Cheese Shop

There is plenty to do at the Smelly Cheese Shop! Start with the counter tastings – which are free – and then move on to the $3 structured tasting experience that gives you the chance to try more flavours and learn all about the cheese varieties that you’re trying.

This tour takes place in the Cheese Room, and gives you an insight into the goings-on behind-the-scenes at the Smell Cheese Shop.

If you’re more of a sweet treat lover, don’t panic! Smelly’s has it’s very own, very popular gelato bar that boasts over 200 different flavours. You can tuck into unique offerings like Ferrero Rocher, Mango, and Raspberry flavoured gelato – don’t forget to pick some up to take away with you.

The Smelly Cheese Room is a pivotal part of foodie culture in the Hunter Valley. Bringing together locally-made cheese, meats, vegetables, and condiments, it provides the perfect insight into the cuisine of the region and gives you the chance to try some unique and delicious flavours.

Start with the cheese tasting tour and move onto buy some of your own slices of Cheesy heaven to take home with you – and don’t forget to swing by the gelato bar on your way out.

Other tourist attraction: