The Old Butter Factory Bellingen is a charming and historically rich destination nestled in the heart of the picturesque Bellingen Valley. Dating back to the early 1900s, this iconic landmark has been lovingly restored to become a thriving hub of creativity, culture, and community. The site seamlessly blends its industrial heritage with modern amenities, offering a unique space for events, weddings, a renowned café & a range of local artisan shops. . Whether you're exploring the local arts and crafts, meeting friends for a leisurely meal, or simply soaking in the ambiance, The Old Butter Factory Bellingen invites you to embrace its timeless allure.

Old Butter Factory Cafe - A Historical Legacy

In October 1906, the first butter factory opened on Doepel Street, built by well-known local builder George Moore for the Upper Bellingen Co-operative Society Ltd. This historical site, with an initial cost of 554 pounds, stood as a testament to the growing dairy industry in the region. (Pictured left)
The installation was equipped with a 15hp steam engine, a 30cwt (1.5 tonne) compressor, and a cream cooling plant. Impressively, in its first week of operation, the factory produced 15cwt (3/4 tonne) of butter, reflecting the efficiency and productivity of the facility.
Amidst the presence of other dairy processing facilities in Raleigh and Fernmount, the Bellingen factory thrived due to the escalating growth of dairying in the valley. This significant progress necessitated the expansion and upgrade of the plant and equipment within a mere two years of its establishment.
The rich historical legacy of the old butter factory serves as a reminder of the region's agricultural heritage and the thriving community built around it.

OLD BUTTER FACTORY CAFE - Historical Legacy

The 1920s marked a transformative period for the Old Butter Factory as it underwent significant changes to comply with government regulations and embrace modernization. The addition of a bacon factory in 1919 proved to be a crucial income generator, setting the stage for economic stability over the next 40 years.
Following a government decree mandating the replacement of weatherboard structures with brick or concrete, the construction of the new factory in Bellingen commenced in May 1926. Led by Richard Wildridge, a prominent consulting engineer, and executed by Thackray & Gallagher, renowned builders from Sydney, the factory quickly earned recognition as "the last word in modern factories."
The utilization of reinforced concrete for the walls and innovative concrete arch beams in the roof highlighted the factory's commitment to cutting-edge construction methods. Its completion in July 1927, at a cost of 9,229 pounds, solidified its status as one of the finest facilities in the state.
The factory continued to be a pivotal contributor to the valley's economy until the late 1940s, when the need to compete with Cow & Gate, a prominent UK firm that had acquired the Raleigh factory, led to the introduction of milk processing. However, the endeavor to diversify into milk processing did not yield the expected success, as the factory had originally been designed primarily for butter production.
The dynamic evolution of the Old Butter Factory throughout the 1920s and beyond showcases its adaptability in response to regulatory changes and competitive pressures, underscoring its enduring legacy in the region's industrial landscape.

After a devastating flood in 1950, Cow & Gate made the difficult decision to sell the Raleigh factory to The Central Dairy Society due to extensive damage. Subsequently, in 1960, the two entities amalgamated their operations, centralizing all dairy production at the Raleigh factory to enhance efficiency. Consequently, the production of butter at this site ceased in 1963.