Grazing on cheese and charcuterie is one of life’s simple pleasures. Check out the best spots to help build your very own cheeseboard in some of Australia’s most beautiful cities.
Australia’s foodie scene is booming, much to the delight of cheese and charcuterie loving locals and visitors.
When you’re visiting these cities, be sure to check out these markets, delis and specialty shops to stock up on produce for the ultimate DIY cheeseboard – ready to devour in the comfort of your apartment of course.
Brisbane, QLD
The Standard Market Company – 76 Skyring Terrace, Newstead
More than your average supermarket, The Standard Market Company gives your grocery trip a touch of gourmet. Their deli department offers a huge selection of local and international cheeses, olives, cured meats, and oils, all under one roof, giving you the goods to create your grazing platter.
The Wine Emporium – 76 Skyring Terrace, Newstead
A few doors down from The Standard Market Company you’ll find one of the biggest suppliers of Australian and imported wines in Brisbane. Best of all, The Wine Emporium’s resident experts can recommend the best drops to pair with your perfectly chosen cured meats and cheeses.
Fromage the Cow – 14 Park Road, Milton
Always dreamed of standing in the middle of a room filled entirely with cheese? Fromage the Cow gives cheese lovers the chance to make this dream a reality. Offering over 80 different types of cheese to try before you buy, your only trouble will be trying to choose your favourites. Our advice? The Le Conquerant Camembert is to die for!
Sydney, NSW
The Stinking Bishops – 5/63-71 Enmore Road, Newtown
These guys actually specialise in helping customers create their own cheeseboards from a selection of over 40 cheeses. Add to this their range of charcuterie and other speciality foods, and The Stinking Bishops is one cheese boutique you don’t want to skip over. Give their Italian Blu Di Capra a go for a truly indulgent taste experience.
Formaggi Ocello – Shop 16, 425 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Step inside this rustic, barn-inspired store and be tempted by one of the biggest selections of fine Australian, French and Italian cheeses in Sydney (over 200 cheeses and counting!). Formaggi Ocello also sells crackers, condiments, prosciutto, olives and antipasti, so be prepared to stock up at this charming cheese specialist.
The Oak Barrel – 152 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
Your one-stop shop for boutique and organic wines, The Oak Barrel offers an extensive range of reds, whites, champagnes, and everything in between. Ask their knowledgeable staff for help when selecting the perfect bottle to complement your cheeseboard.
Bowral, NSW
The Robertson Cheese Factory – 107 Illawarra Highway, Robertson
A scenic 20-minute drive from Bowral, The Robertson Cheese Factory is bursting with character, charm, and cheese. Visit the Dairy Shop to taste their delicious range of cheeses before buying your favourite, or simply purchase one of their readymade takeaway cheese and antipasto platters.
The Cheese Store – Shop 6b, 14 Wingecarribee Street, Bowral
A visit to Bowral isn’t complete without a step inside The Cheese Store. This quaint boutique cheese shop is filled with fine cheeses, condiments, and other fine foods to add to your grazing platter.
Tertini Wines – LOT 5 Kells Creek Road, Mittagong
Just 10 minutes from Bowral is Tertini Wines, a winery dedicated to producing premium, cool climate wines. Attached to the winery is The Cellar Door, where you can buy their delicious drops.
Melbourne, VIC
Queen Victoria Market – 513 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
If you’ve got fresh produce on your mind, you can’t go past the Queen Victoria Market. Here you’ll find a huge variety of delicatessens to tempt your tastebuds and create the foundation for your cheeseboard. Some of our favourite traders include Big Vic Deli, The Corner Larder, and Bill’s Farm.
City Wine Shop – 159 Spring Street, Melbourne
This gem has been a local favourite for over a decade. Let the friendly staff at City Wine Shop know what you’ve got on your cheeseboard and they’ll find you the perfect bottle.
DOC Delicatessen – 330 Lygon Street, Carlton
DOC Delicatessen is a little bit of Italy right here in Melbourne, stocking many high-quality Italian cheeses, meats and smallgoods. Their Wagyu beef bresaola and prosciutto is a must for your afternoon grazing platter.
Launceston, TAS
Delicacy Launceston – 35 Canning Street, Launceston
Fancy some fresh cheese and meats from around the world? Delicacy Launceston is well loved among locals, and we can see why just by looking at their menu! Their selection of local Tasmanian dairy is bound to impress, and pairs beautifully with imported Jamon, cured ham from Spain. All cheeses are stored whole and cut fresh for you as required.
Alps and Amici – 52 Abbott St, East Launceston
With freshly baked artisan breads, international cheeses, delicious charcuterie, and local wines from all over Tasmania, Alps and Amici has everything you need to enjoy an evening of sipping and nibbling! If you’re looking for something a little different, try one of their raw or hard-to-find cheese options with some marinated vegetables, prepared by the chefs on site.
Inspire your friends and family by sharing photos of your delicious DIY cheese platter online with these pro styling tips:
1. Set up your plate or tray on a neutral background, such as a dining table or kitchen bench.
2. Separate each component (cheese, baguette slices, charcuterie, etc.) on a plate or board.
3. Slice through each cheese with a different knife to reveal the texture and colour inside (using just one knife would make your cheeses taste like each other).
4. Tell a story. If you’re enjoying your favourite book with your cheese and wine, place it in the shot.
5. If possible, shoot in natural light. Otherwise, use the flash on your phone or camera.
6. Try a few different angles. If shadows are getting in the way of your perfect bird’s eye view shot, try getting down low to just above plate or board level and shooting your platter diagonally.
We don’t mean to be cheesy, but creating your own cheeseboard from local speciality stores and markets is a grate way to explore a city during the day. When you return, sit back and relax in your very own spacious apartment or hotel room with cheese and wine in hand.
