Tilba lies midway between spectacular Eurobodalla and Sapphire Coasts in South East NSW.
Set within a stunning rural-coastal landscape, with remnants of an ancient volcano – Gulaga (named Mount Dromedary by Lieutenant James Cook) as its majestic backdrop, Tilba is aesthetically, historically and culturally appealing to Australian and international tourists alike.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Indigenous Australians – the self-governing, self-sufficient Yuin nation, were Tilba’s earliest inhabitants. Yuin people regard Gulaga as a source of energy, power, food, medicines and healing. This mountain is a sacred place of totems and teaching, a guardian, a protector, a woman, mother and a birthing woman. Gulaga and her two parasitic cones – Najanuga (Little Dromedary) and Barranguba (Montague Island) hold strong associations with Aboriginal creation mythology and culture. These landmarks continue to be a focal point for Yuin today.
Two Beautifully Preserved Heritage Villages
The beginnings of European settlement in the mid 1800s saw the discovery of gold on Mount Dromedary, the establishment of Tilba’s two historic villages – Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba, and the growth of the dairying industry by late 1800.
Central Tilba is the primary commercial centre and boasts a delightful array of specialty and gift stores, charming cafes and the iconic Dromedary Hotel. All are housed within charming timber buildings that date from the 1800s. This quaint little town is an important example of a 19th Century dairy farming and cheese-making village. The ABC Cheese Factory, established in 1891 and now home to the family run business Tilba Real Dairy, continues its role as a major producer of award winning cheeses, yoghurt, cream and milk – all sourced from the gentle jersey cows you’ll see grazing on rich Tilba pastures.
Just a short scenic drive away is another tiny gem – Tilba Tilba, home to The Foxglove Spires Gardens – an exquisite 3½ acres of open garden, Tilba Nursery and the charming French inspired café – La Galette.
Both Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba are acclaimed for their integrity as historic villages and the friendly welcome extended by locals to visitors.
Out and About
The overall landscape features a unique combination of landforms, man-made structures and waterways: a stand-alone mountain, steep rolling slopes, miles of rugged coastline, captivating rock formations, pristine uncrowded beaches (including beautiful Mystery Bay and Camel Rock), tranquil lakes, fertile pastureland, small farms, period buildings, windy country roads and Montague Island – famous for its historic lighthouse and nature reserve, just a few kilometres off-shore.
Gulaga is believed to have its origins around 93 million years ago as a result of a massive volcanic eruption. The mountain’s strong links with Aboriginal culture, its variety of forest types, mature trees, narrow gullies, gigantic weathered tors, towering tree ferns and translucent mosses make it a favourite walking experience.
A Truly Memorable Stopover
Visit Tilba and stay a night or awhile! Tilba is well known for its warm-hearted hospitality and charming mix of Bed & Breakfast, self-contained cottage, glamping, tiny house and farm-stay accommodation.
So many things to see and do! Tilba offers something special for visitors of all ages and walks of life.
For more information about Tilba, go to visittilba.com.au.
