Artisan Cheese, Robotic Dairy & Paddock-to-Platter in Smithton
In the heart of Tasmania’s dairy country, La Cántara Artisan Cheeses brings together fresh local milk, Venezuelan and European cheesemaking traditions and one very clever robotic dairy.
La Cántara produces its artisan cheeses in Smithton using 100% Tasmanian milk. From fresh and creamy cheeses through to aged and semi-hard varieties, each cheese reflects the family’s heritage and their passion for quality dairy farming and cheesemaking.
For the full paddock-to-platter experience, book a guided tour of Duck River Meadows Robotic Dairy and the La Cántara cheese factory. Watch the cows voluntarily make their way into the robotic milking system, learn about dairy farming in Tasmania’s far North West and see where the fresh milk is transformed into La Cántara cheese.
Back at the Duck River Pavilions in Smithton, you can sample and purchase La Cántara cheeses and discover more local produce while you’re there.
Visitor tip: Start at the Smithton Visitor Information Centre at Duck River Pavilions. This is where the guided dairy and cheese tours depart, and the team can help with bookings and information about exploring Smithton, Stanley and the Tarkine.
Explore more of the Tasting Trail
Make La Cántara Artisan Cheeses part of our Burnie to Smithton Mini Trail, with fresh seafood, honey, cheese and more local flavours to discover across Tasmania’s far North West.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is La Cántara Artisan Cheeses?
La Cántara Artisan Cheeses is based in Smithton, in the heart of Tasmania’s dairy region on the far North West Coast.
Where should I go to visit La Cántara Artisan Cheeses?
Start at the Smithton Visitor Information Centre at Duck River Pavilions, 12 Nelson Street, Smithton. You can sample and purchase La Cántara cheese here, and this is also the departure point for guided tours of Duck River Meadows Robotic Dairy and the La Cántara cheese factory.
Can you taste La Cántara cheese in Smithton?
Yes. La Cántara Artisan Cheeses can be sampled and purchased at the Duck River Pavilions in Smithton, home to the Smithton Visitor Information Centre.
Can you tour the La Cántara cheese factory?
Yes. Guided tours visit Duck River Meadows Robotic Dairy and the La Cántara cheese factory, where you can learn about the journey from fresh Tasmanian milk to artisan cheese. Tours depart from the Smithton Visitor Information Centre and should be booked ahead.
Can you see the robotic dairy?
Yes. The guided experience includes the working robotic dairy, where cows voluntarily enter the robotic milking system. From the purpose-built viewing area you can learn how the dairy operates and see the cows being milked.
What kind of cheese does La Cántara make?
La Cántara makes a range of artisan Venezuelan- and European-style cheeses using 100% Tasmanian milk, from fresh and creamy cheeses through to aged and semi-hard varieties.
Is La Cántara cheese made in Tasmania?
Yes. La Cántara Artisan Cheeses is based in Smithton and uses fresh Tasmanian milk from the dairy operation to produce its range of artisan cheeses.
Do I need to book the dairy and cheese tour?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended for the guided Duck River Meadows Robotic Dairy and La Cántara cheese factory tour. Contact the Smithton Visitor Information Centre or book through Duck River Meadows Dairy before your visit.
What else can I explore near La Cántara Artisan Cheeses?
La Cántara is a stop on the Tasting Trail Tasmania Burnie to Smithton Mini Trail. While you’re in Smithton, continue your food adventure with local oysters, then explore Stanley, the Tarkine and more producers across Tasmania’s far North West.