
Smelly Cheese Shop
Artisan cheese shop & deli in Hunter Valley, offering unique cheeses, gourmet goods, cheesecakes, and ice cream.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing

Smelly Cheese Shop
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Artisan cheese shop & deli in Hunter Valley, offering unique cheeses, gourmet goods, cheesecakes, and ice cream.
"A must-visit for cheese lovers, with an amazing selection and delicious treats!"

🎯 Don't Miss the Cool Room!
Venture into the walk-in cool room for an extensive cheese selection. You might miss it if you're not looking!
🧀 Cheese Tasting Experience
Consider the cheese tasting for $5/person. It's a great way to sample before you buy.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cool Room Cheese Selection
Walk-in cool room
Explore a vast array of unique cheeses, many not found in regular supermarkets. A true paradise for cheese lovers!

Artisan Cheesecakes
Shop counter
Indulge in decadent, homemade cheesecakes with a variety of flavors. A sweet treat that complements the savory offerings.
Gourmet Delicatessen
Shop shelves
Discover cured meats, artisanal pastes, local honeys, and jams perfect for pairing with your cheese haul.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hunter Valley Cheese Haven
Beyond the Cheese
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Don't Miss the Cool Room!
Venture into the walk-in cool room for an extensive cheese selection. You might miss it if you're not looking!
🧀 Cheese Tasting Experience
Consider the cheese tasting for $5/person. It's a great way to sample before you buy.
🍰 Sweet & Savory Delights
Beyond cheese, try their delicious cheesecakes and explore gourmet items like cured meats and local honey.
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Plenty of parking makes this a convenient stop, especially for tour groups.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss the Cool Room!
Venture into the walk-in cool room for an extensive cheese selection. You might miss it if you're not looking!
🧀 Cheese Tasting Experience
Consider the cheese tasting for $5/person. It's a great way to sample before you buy.
🍰 Sweet & Savory Delights
Beyond cheese, try their delicious cheesecakes and explore gourmet items like cured meats and local honey.
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Plenty of parking makes this a convenient stop, especially for tour groups.
🛍️ Great for Foodie Souvenirs
Find unique cheeses, pastes, biscuits, and honeys – perfect gifts for food lovers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the exceptional selection of cheeses, particularly those found in the walk-in cool room, and the delicious homemade cheesecakes. While the shop can feel a bit cramped and service is sometimes described as cool, the quality and variety of gourmet products, including cured meats and local honeys, make it a highly recommended stop for food enthusiasts.
"The selection of cheeses in the cool room was excellent, and there was a very good range of small goods, sauces and charcuterie items.. The shop is a bit tight though and is hard to navigate with only a few people in there. The service was ok but a little cold...nothing outstanding. I'd recommend it for the products only."
Stephanie Bielby
"Hunter Valley Must Stop for Visitors & Tour Groups
Sydney Clients Love the Break, Check out Smelly Cheese in Pokolbin Village Estate."
Hunter Valley Tours n Cargo services
"Everyone knows it, always plenty of parking, it has been here for years and as a meeting place it is excellent.
There are many and varied cheeses available here and it is well worth a visit to try, and buy, some unusual cheeses not available in your local supermarket."
Peter Johnston
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Smelly Cheese Shop is located in Pokolbin Village Estate in the Hunter Valley. It's a popular stop on many Hunter Valley tours and is easily accessible by car. There's ample parking available, making it convenient for visitors and tour groups alike.
While not exclusively a wine tour stop, it's frequently included in Hunter Valley itineraries, especially those focusing on food and wine experiences. Many visitors combine a visit here with wine tastings at nearby vineyards.
Driving is the most common method. Alternatively, consider booking a guided tour that includes the Smelly Cheese Shop, or hiring a private driver for a more personalized experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Smelly Cheese Shop itself is free. However, there is a small fee for cheese tasting sessions.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the shop is open daily. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, especially around public holidays.
Yes, the cheese tasting is typically around $5 per person. It's a great way to sample a variety of their offerings before making a purchase.
While not explicitly stated, given their popularity with tour groups, it's possible they accommodate private bookings. It's best to contact them directly to inquire about private tasting or event options.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a wide selection of cheeses, including many unique varieties in their walk-in cool room. They also offer cured meats, sauces, local honeys, jams, and gourmet crackers.
The shop can get quite busy, especially on weekends and when tour groups are present. The space can feel a bit tight with several people inside. Visiting on a weekday morning is recommended for a less crowded experience.
The 'cool room' is a walk-in refrigerated area within the shop that houses an extensive and impressive variety of cheeses. It's a must-visit for any cheese aficionado.
Yes, they offer delicious homemade cheesecakes, cured meats, and a variety of gourmet accompaniments like pastes, biscuits, and honeys.
Yes, families often enjoy the experience. Kids might particularly like the cheesecakes and the variety of interesting products.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
They boast a wide and varied selection of cheeses, including many unusual types not typically found in supermarkets. The walk-in cool room is where you'll find the most extensive range.
Absolutely! They have a great range of cured meats, sauces, pastes, biscuits, honeys, and jams that are perfect for creating a cheeseboard. They also make delicious cheesecakes.
The description mentions toasted sandwiches, suggesting they are available. It's a great option if you're looking for a light meal to accompany your cheese exploration.
Yes, the Smelly Cheese Shop also offers great ice cream, which is a popular treat for visitors.
Yes, there's a Thai/Japanese restaurant located next door, offering additional dining options if you're looking for something beyond the shop's offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the impressive displays of cheese in the cool room, the beautifully arranged gourmet products, and of course, your delicious cheesecakes or ice cream. The vibrant market atmosphere also makes for great shots.
Generally, yes, you can take photos inside the cool room to showcase the incredible cheese selection. Be mindful of other shoppers and the delicate nature of the products.
The colorful cheesecakes, artfully arranged cheese boards, and the sheer volume of cheese in the cool room are all highly 'Instagrammable'. Don't forget to capture the unique packaging of their gourmet goods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧀 Cheese Connoisseurs
🛍️ Souvenir Hunters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Cheese Maturation
Maturation is a critical process where cheese develops its unique texture, aroma, and taste over time. Factors like temperature, humidity, and the type of rind all play a role. The shop's dedication to this process ensures that visitors are sampling cheeses at their peak.
For visitors, this means an opportunity to taste cheeses that have been carefully crafted and aged to perfection. It's a chance to appreciate the dedication and skill that goes into producing high-quality artisan cheeses.
A Culinary Stop in Hunter Valley
Their homemade cheesecakes are a particular highlight, often described as 'better than ice cream,' showcasing their versatility beyond savory offerings. This sweet treat is a popular choice for visitors looking for a delightful indulgence.
Combined with their ice cream and the proximity to other eateries like a Thai/Japanese restaurant, the Smelly Cheese Shop makes for a well-rounded culinary stop in the region. It’s a place where you can sample, purchase, and enjoy a variety of delicious food items.
Navigating the Shop and Service
Regarding service, reviews suggest it can be 'okay' but sometimes a little 'cold' or not outstanding. This might be due to the high volume of visitors and tour groups passing through. However, the quality of the products is consistently highlighted as the main draw.
Despite these minor points, the overall experience is generally positive, with many recommending the shop primarily for its exceptional product range. It's advisable to visit during off-peak hours if you prefer a more relaxed shopping experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit