The heritage villages of Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba sit in the shadow of Mount Gulaga, a sacred mountain for Yuin Aboriginal people. This is granite country and the first thing you will see are the granite tors that cover the landscape. Though these appear quite appealing these massive granite outcrops have a darker side of attracting lightning.
The villages are wonderfully old. You might enjoy reading its history HERE.
This National Trust-classified town has become a must see on the South Coast for its delightful shops and galleries where can enjoy the true feeling of yesteryear as you explore the genuine streetscape. On Saturdays there is a local produce market in the community owned School of Arts buildings.
If you get a chance take a wander up the laneway by the Dromedary Hotel and follow the path to the top of the hill and water tower accessed via the paddock at the back of the fire shed. There is a lovely view of the town and valleys beyond. Be sure to say hello to the horse who lives in the paddock.
There is a great page that covers walking around the town and discovering its heritage HERE
The ABC Cheese Factory is located in Central Tilba at the end of the main street. It was established in 1891 and was the first cheese co-operative in New South Wales.
Tilba Club Cheese is still waxed at the ABC Cheese Factory and is sold exclusively through their shop. Tastings of their cheeses are available at any time. You are also welcome to taste the largest range of honey on the south coast. They feature local produce including their own jams and preserves, souvenirs, gifts, coffee, ice cream and snacks.
South Coast Cheese is also located within the ABC Cheese Factory. It specialises in producing a local product of the highest quality and sources as many local ingredients as possible.
Tilba Real Dairy features cheese making and milk bottling which can be viewed through large glass windows. Along with cheese tastings, honey tastings, ice creams, quality condiments and conserves you can also try the freshest milkshake made from the jersey herd in the Tilba Valley, just milked and available.
Tilba Real Dairy specialises in producing a local product of the highest quality sourcing as many local ingredients as possible and giving back to the local community.
They produce many speciality cheeses including infused and traditional cheddars, soft and hard cheeses, such as Cream Blue, Camembert. Havarti and Romano. Their chilli based ‘Firecracker’ is not for wary.
Central Tilba normally celebrates Easter Saturday every year with The Tilba Festival of music, food and all the key things that make a community thrive.
Later on in June it hosts the South East Regional Timber workers with their June long weekend display and sale.
Central Tilba also hosts the annual South Coast Knife Show over the October long weekend each year showcasing the skills of makers both local and interstate. A chance to meet the makers themselves and buy some truly unique, beautiful and practical pieces.
While Central Tilba is well known for its craft stores and the famous ABC Cheese factory nearby Tilba Tilba is equally famous for being the starting point for the Gulaga Walk.
There is a gravel road that connects Narooma to Tilba. The road is often referred to as The Ridge Road which leads out of Tilba in a northerly direction and continues, sealed and unsealed, through farms and bush country. Follow this road (from Tilba) to the Old Highway and turn right. Further along this road is Tilba Valley Winery which offers tasting of their great selection, lunch and cellar door sales.
Tilba Valley Wines is situated on the shores of Lake Corunna. You can taste their selection of wines made on site which include semillon, traminer, riesling, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon as well as their Australian-style port and muscat. From here you can return to Narooma via the Princes Highway.
Be sure to look at Our MUST DO and MUST SEE menus above
TILBA TO DOs:
Climb Gulaga Mountain
Details of the climb on our WALKS Page
Gulaga (Mt Dromedary) Length: 14km return. Time: 5 hours return. Grade: Hard
Mount Gulaga is a 797 metre high extinct volcano rising above sea level and has great spiritual significance to local Aboriginal people, particularly Aboriginal women symbolising the mother and providing a basis for Aboriginal spiritual identity. There is a popular, though solid 14km (up and back) walk from Pam’s Store at Tilba Tilba to the top of Gulaga which takes 5 hours or so. The track is easy to follow traversing along an old gold mining road so the mountain also has white-fella history. There are pit toilets at the top and drinking water maintained by the park rangers.
Be sure to take the Central Tilba Historic Walk and to also go up by the Fire Station and climb to the top of the hill by the water reservoir for great views over the valley. And be sure to refer to our HISTORY page as you discover The Tilbas.
The Tilbas have a wonderful rich and vibrant history that is well worth the read. We have a great page that covers the History of the town and area HERE
Tilba Valley Winery & Ale House
947 Old Hwy Dr Narooma
Just a short drive from Narooma or Tilba. A visit to the winery which is the only one in the Eurobodalla is a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. Call in for wine tasting and lunch. Ph 4473 7308
282 Corkhill Drive., Tilba Tilba
This absolutely enchanting property encompassing 3 ½ acres of exquisite open gardens has been featured on major TV shows including Burke’s Backyard and Better Homes and Gardens and is the subject of the book “Velvet Pears”. A large section of the grounds have been extensively and beautifully developed over many years, with water features, a gardened ruin and the Willow House overlooking the duck pond. Open 9am to 5pm Takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to view. Ph 44737375