ACCREDITED Artisan Boutique Sheep Dairy and Cheese room - the only one of its kind in Queensland - was a popular destination for visitors during Eat Local Week.
Located at Allenview, near Beaudesert, the farm is a mere hour’s drive - through striking Scenic Rim country- from Brisbane.
The Towri homestead, purpose-built dairy with specialist milking equipment, and 350 sheep, reside on 300 acres of picturesque rural land.
A family affair- the business is managed by Alana Wright and owned by sheep cheese master and connoisseur, Carolyn Davidson.
Carolyn said her involvement in Eat Local Week has allowed people to be able to see first-hand, the entire process of paddock to plate.
Having been involved in Eat Local Week - a program Carolyn wholeheartedly supports - since its inception has allowed Towri Sheep Cheesery to connect with their local followers.
Having purchased the property in 1988, Carolyn only began cheese-making in 2004, before opening up to the public in 2006.
Carolyn said having sheep on the Scenic Rim is a high-maintainance operation, particularly in the wet-weather, although is worth the effort.
Having only recently embarked on online sales has allowed Carolyn to cut out the middle man in the consumer chain, delivering direct to customers at the lowest price possible.
“The online in the last twelve months has completely skyrocketed.
“It is a major part of our business that allows us to keep all of our sales on-farm.
With a stark determination to keep their enterprise at the family level, Carolyn relies on tourism to offset the costs of the cheesery.
“We get a lot of bus tours come through- particularly the elderly and disabled,” she said.
“When you see someone in a wheelchair pick up a lamb, it is a very satisfying feeling and makes the whole thing worthwhile.”
While sheep’s milk cheeses are relatively new to Australia, the nutritional benefits and exquisite taste, forecast a bright future for Towri.
