What’s your idea of heaven – creamy cheese, coffee with a view, or cuddling baby goats ?

When was the last time you swapped city streets for fresh paddocks and the friendly bleats of goats ?

Could your road trip use a little country magic…..and a lot of cheese?!

Come with me for a morning visit to Jannei Goat Dairy, in Lidsdale.

Jannei Goat Dairy was first established in 1995.

Janette and Neil started with the production of raw goats milk for sale to the Sydney market under the NSW Quality Goats Milk Scheme. Over the years they have grown their product range to a wonderful selection of over eleven artisan goat cheeses.

Visiting Jannei Goat Dairy in Lidsdale.

All the kids have names – here are Daphne, Belinda, Amelia, Jemima and Alison….and tiny Athena !

If you’re exploring the Seven Valleys region and looking for a taste of something truly local, make time for a stop at Jannei Goat Dairy in Lidsdale, NSW. This welcoming family-run farm is a perfect blend of country charm, award-winning flavours, and a few irresistibly cute four legged hosts.
The moment I arrived, the cheerful bleating of baby goats set the scene. These playful little characters were full of curiosity, eager to sniff, nuzzle, and bounce around – often all at once.

Whether you’re a road tripper, a foodie, or simply someone who enjoys a wholesome day out in the country, Jannei Goat Dairy is a stop that will leave you smiling, well-fed, and maybe carrying a wedge (or two) of cheese home for later.

Travel tip: Check their open days before you visit, make a booking and bring your camera: those baby goats are every bit as photogenic as the scenery.       

It’s hard not to laugh when a goat decides your shoes looks like tasty snacks. The joy is contagious, and it’s easy to see why this farm has a special place in the hearts of visitors.
After some goat cuddles (and a few hundred photos), I stepped inside the farm shop for the real taste experience. Jannei’s cheeses are multi-award-winning, and the tasting plate was a journey all on its own…. from creamy, delicate chèvre to a rich, tangy feta and a blue that was perfectly balanced. Every bite told the story of milk collected from the happy herd just metres away.
Coffee lovers, take note – you can order a barista-made coffee to enjoy with your cheese platter. Sitting out on the verandah, I sipped a cappuccino while looking across rolling green paddocks dotted with grazing goats.

From Paddock To Plate with Jannei Goat Dairy.

Jannei has won many awards – more than 30 gold awards since 1998 and numerous silver awards in specialist cheese shows across Australia. Three times they have been the most successful exhibitor in the goats milk class at the Sydney Royal Show. In 2004, their Bent Back Chevre won champion cheese at the Australian Specialty Cheese Show and 2008 saw them win champion non-bovine at the Grand Dairy Awards with the buche noir, making this cheese the overall Australian champion in the Non Bovine cheese section.

If you can’t make it to the farm, Jannei products can be found at some of our local markets….. Portland Twilight Markets, held four times a year  https://thefoundations.com.au/experiences/markets-at-the-foundation/ and the Tarana Farmers Market, held on the 4th Sunday of each month. https://www.taranafarmersmarket.com/gallery.html

My favourite cheese is the Bent Back Chèvre…it’s delicious!

This cheese was named after a great local history book about the Western Coal Miners written by Jim Brown.

There are plenty of photo opportunities !

Jannei Goat Dairy practices sustainable farming.

Meet the Goats: The Saanen Superstars
Say hello to the Saanen goats – the snow white charmers of the dairy world! Originating from Switzerland’s beautiful Saane Valley, these goats are famous for their gentle natures, curious personalities, and, of course, their legendary milk-making skills.

They are now the most popular dairy goat breed in many countries, including Australia.
Why we love them:
• Calm, friendly, and love a scratch behind the ears.
• They can produce up to 3 litres of sweet, creamy milk every day.
• Their milk makes award-winning cheeses, silky yoghurt, and even handmade soaps.
• Snowy coats keep them cool under the Aussie sun – and make them look fabulous in photos !

Saanens were first imported in 1913 by the New South Wales Department of Agriculture. Two bucks and ten does from France and Switzerland were brought in for the Department’s Nyngan Experimental Farm. A further two bucks were imported from Canada by the Department in 1929.

After World War II, the Department brought in a further five bucks and six does for its stud which was at Condobolin and several private breeders also imported Saanens.

Come say hi, take a selfie, and discover why Saanen goats are the darlings of dairy farms worldwide!

A Taste of the Seven Valleys with Jannei Goat Dairy

Janette and Neil are fantastic hosts, and would love to welcome you to Jannei Goat Dairy.

Indulge in a cheese tasting and a short talk. Sample a variety of our artisanal cheeses hand made on the farm, including both soft and hard varieties. Customers are free to purchase some of the delicious cheese they tasted after the tasting.

Bookings can be made here: https://www.jannei.com/book-cheese-tasting/

The kids can be seen at the dairy from September to January from a paddock close to the cellar door.

Guided tours of the farm are also available for groups if booked ahead of time.

The goats aren’t the only farm residents….This is Bayou, but everyone calls him Boo.

He is a gorgeous Maremma. He is supposed to be looking after the herd today, but he’s pretty sure the herd can look after itself !

Here is Amity, the Blue Cattle dog.

When she’s not keeping the goats in line, she loves playing ‘Throw the Stick’! 

Goats, gourmet & gorgeous views – all in one stop!
At Jannei Goat Dairy in Lidsdale, you can cuddle baby goats, taste award-winning cheeses, and sip coffee while looking out over rolling green paddocks.
It’s the perfect country detour for road trippers, foodies, and anyone who loves a little charm with their cheese.