The tilba District
The villages of Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba are as beautiful as they are unique.
Classified by the National Trust and regarded as one of Australia’s best heritage sights, Central Tilba offers a living snapshot of 19th century Australia along with a strong connection to indigenous cultural history.
20kms south of Narooma In a land where rolling hills meet pristine beaches, it’s no surprise why this unique piece of New South Wales appealed to those who settled here in the late 1800s and remains one of the top places to visit and explore on the south coast of New South Wales.
Still largely intact today, the pretty weatherboard buildings of the historic townships of Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba deliver authentic charm against the backdrop of ‘Mother’ Gulaga, a mountain sacred to the local Yuin people.
Nearby Mystery Bay is another popular holiday destination. The beautiful seaside village was named after the disappearance of five men in 1880, in what became one of Australia’s most baffling sea mysteries. Mystery Bay is known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating ancient geology, and popular land-based whale watching during the annual southern spring migration.
Things To Do In Tilba
History
You’ll quickly discover why the Tilba district is one of Eurobodalla’s most loved attractions. European and aboriginal histories are woven into the landscape and in the preserved heritage architecture of the quaint villages.
Dairy farms founded their homes from the rich volcanic soil around the mountain. Together, the basis for good dairy farms and the villages of Tilba were born. When gold mining dwindled in the early 1900s the dairy industry continued and Tilba became the home of exceptional cheeses.
With a flourishing countryside and sparkling waterways, quality food and produce has become the lifeblood of the Tilba region. Once the home of the TV series River Cottage Australia, the area is renowned for pure produce, bespoke arts and crafts, and a contemporary take on authentic living.
At the bottom of Central Tilba’s tree-lined main street, the ABC Cheese Factory, also known as Tilba Real Dairy, continues a tradition started in its dairy in 1891, offering award-winning cheeses from local jersey cows. You will also find the south coast’s most extensive range of honey to sample and buy.
Taking a guided walk with Tilba Walks Heritage Talks Walking Tours will reveal more fascinating history of this charming district, and is just another one of the highly recommended things to do in Tilba.
Shops and cafes
Tilba is renowned for their boutique stores, galleries and cafes, bursting with local produce, arts and crafts. The range is broad; from handcrafted leathergoods and wood-turned items to clothing, jewellery, beauty products, antiques, and curios.
With the emphasis on local and regional produce, visitors can choose from bath bombs and soap, candles, arts and gifts, and other beautifully crafted items; many created in or around the Tilba district.
For many years, the Tilba Real Dairy has been one of the town’s top attractions, while anecdotes abound of nights spent at the historic Dromedary Hotel. The famous General Store & Emporium and the Tilba Sweet Spot are also firm favourites. Or simply enjoy a hearty breakfast, a cream tea or a fresh, tasty lunch at one of the many cafes.
On a Saturday morning, experience the Tilba Market. Shoppers are entertained by a local playing piano on stage, and locally grown organic produce, freshly baked goods, and unique handmade local crafts are sold directly by their creators.
Pay a visit to the Tilba Valley Winery and Ale House where you and the family can graze on an imaginative lunch menu while looking out over the vineyard and Corunna Lake for an unforgettable outdoor dining experience.
Walks around Tilba
Gulaga Mountain
The Gulaga Mountain walk, at 14kms return, is one of the more challenging walks. It is accessed from behind the behind café and creperie La Galette at Tilba Tilba.
Bellbrook Farm Loop walk
Bellbrook Farm Loop is a shorter and easier trail although there are many steps and it’s steep in places, but worth it. It will take you to the foothills of Gulaga from behind the historic Dromedary Hotel in Central Tilba.
Cemetery Beach walk
For stunning vistas out to sea and across to Barunguba Montague Island, and back across Tilba Lake to Mount Gulaga, drive to the end of Sherringham Lane, across the highway from the Corkhill Drive turn off to Central Tilba. Park near the old district cemeteries to access the beach. In the cemeteries you will find the names of many of the old established Tilba district families.
Gulaga – the mother mountain
Gulaga is the spiritual backdrop to the Tilba region: the Indigenous Yuin people hold this mountain sacred.
The mountain and surrounding foothills were made into a national park in 2001, and in 2006 the park was handed over to its traditional owners. Jointly administered by the Yuin and the National Parks Service, Gulaga National Park remains a special place – please be respectful.
Places to stay in Tilba
River Cottage Farmstay
Made famous by the Australian television series ‘River Cottage Australia’ this beautiful homestead is located in the semi-rural town of Central Tilba.
The Bryn at Tilba
Imagine a luxury bed and breakfast that’s a separate residence for guests!
Privacy, luxury, space and views in an elegant country house with three spacious rooms, each with ensuite, french door access to a sunny wraparound veranda, your own outdoor furniture and views to the Pacific Ocean and eight acres of tranquil grounds.
Tilba Coastal Retreat
Relax in the contemporary surroundings of Tilba Coastal Retreat on a beautiful six-acre property. Surrounded by Australian native bushland, pastures and the famous Tilba rolling hills.
Learn more about the Tilba district
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Say Cheese
The story behind the making of Tilba Real Dairy, its creamy milk and delectable cheeses. Tilba Real Dairy Soft cheeses, delicious pot set yoghurt, milk from Jersey cows: it’s no wonder that visitors to Tilba love a detour to the ABC Cheese Factory – home to Tilba Real Dairy’s production factory and retail store. When ...
