Tilba Region - Local Attractions

Tilba Tilba - Gulaga - Mt Dromedary and Tilba Tilba

• Central Tilba is the larger of the two villages in Tilba and no trip to the South Coast is complete without at least dropping in for a look around the various cafes, shops and galleries - many featuring traditional crafts - like leatherwork and woodwork. There is an old fashioned general store, a post office and the local pub - with the whole village retaining a unique historical look and feel.
» shops & galleries

• Central Tilba is also the home of the ABC Cheese Factory and Tilba Cheese, the Tilba Bakery, The Tilba Sweet Spot, The Tilba Teapot and the Rose & Sparrow Cafe. » more

• Accommodation is available in the village at the historical Two Story B&B and the Dromedary Hotel. There are also several beautiful B&B and Cottage options just out of the village in the rolling farmlands and mountain slopes of Gulaga. » Central Tilba accommodation options

» more on Central Tilba

• Tilba Tilba is the smaller village to the south of Central Tilba. It features the magical gardens of Foxglove Spires and the nursery, cafe and shops associated with it » more info

• Tilba Tilba is serviced by Pam's Store, a genuine old fashioned general store where visitors can purchase just about anything they might need!

• The walking track up Gulaga (see below) also leaves from just behind the store, so it is a good place to grab some provisions before heading up the mountain (or relaxing with a cool drink when arriving back from the walk!)
» more on Gulaga

• Tilba Tilba also features Green Gables B & B which has established a reputation as one of the best places to enjoy a stay in the region » more

» More about Tilba Tilba

• The ABC Cheese Factory in Central Tilba is the home of Tilba Cheese, one of the best known cheeses in Australia. The ABC Cheese Factory was established in 1891 and was actually the very first cheese co-op in NSW.

• Today the ABC Cheese Factory offers an exclusive range of their reknown Tilba Club Cheese with names like Tilba Gold, Tilba Vintage, Applebox Smoke and the Trilogy still as popular as ever.

• Tastings are available at all times and there is also a large range of local honey, preserves and condiments, plus icecream and souveniers. Freshly ground and brewed organic Byron Bay coffee is now also available.

• The ABC Cheese Factory is open every day of the year (except Christmas Day) 9:00am - 5:00pm.

» More information on the ABC Cheese Factory

• Foxglove Spires is situated in Tilba Tilba and features the famous Foxglove Spires Open Garden as well as a nursery, cafe and gift and antique shops.

• The Open Garden has been featured on television and in numerous magazines - with the combination of European trees and massed rose and perennial plantings creating a fairytale setting. While spring and autumn provide amazing displays of colour, there is always something new to discover and be inspired by at any time of the year.

• After a stroll through the gardens Love at First Bite Café right at hand to enjoy a meal or coffee, while Forget Me Not Gifts, Gramophones 'N' Old Stuff and The Pineapple House will satisfy anyone looking for that certain gift or collectable.

• There is also The Spires Nursery which features many of the unusual and hard-to-find plants featured in the gardens.

» More information on Foxglove Spires

• Tilba Valley Wines is situated five minutes drive north of Central Tilba and offers both excellent local wines and a great dining opportunity.

• With views over Corunna Lake and back to Gulaga/Mt Dromedary, there are few more tranquil settings to enjoy a nice drop and a bite of lunch. There is also a varied program of art, music and other cultural events throughout the year.

• Tilba Valley Wines also caters for functions and weddings.

» More details, wine list and program of events

• Gulaga (Mt Dromedary)is the spectacular forested mountain that dominates the region's skyline. This mountain is a site of great spiritual significance to the local Yuin people and in May 2006 the NSW Government formally handed back Gulaga National Park ownership and management to the Aboriginal communities on the Far South Coast.

• Najanuga (Little Dromedary) is the smaller but still striking rock outcrop just to the east of Gulaga and Tilba. It too is a stunning element in the regional landscape with excellent views from both Central and Tilba Tilba.

• Today visitors can take a tour of Gulaga conducted by the local Yuin people themselves. Umbarra Cultural Tours' guides will explain the history of the mountain and why it is of such significance to their local Yuin people. » more info

• For those looking for a little adventure (and exercise) there is a walking track which starts at Tilba Tilba and winds its way up the mountain, past former gold mining areas and moist rainforest gullies to the summit. The walk takes several hours but the misty forests and views from the top are well worth the effort.

» More Gulaga information & images

• The Easter Festival has long been a highlight of South Coast events with 2008 being the 24th running.

• The Easter Festival sees Central Tilba expand its population from 100 to closer to 10,000 on Easter Saturday with the fun and entertainment for all ages including live music, roaming street performers, street games with prizes, craft demonstrations, market stalls, and lots of delicious food.

• Easter Saturday is the one day each year when the main street is closed to traffic and open to a huge array of culture and festivities. A modest donation at the gate covers all the entertainment all day long! Tilba’s warm community spirit makes it possible, so come and share this spirit again in 2009.

» 2008 Tilba Easter Festival details

• Much of the unique forest and coastal wilderness that surrounds Tilba is protected by National Parks - making Tilba a great base for exploring the rich natural heritage of the area.

• Right next to Tilba the Gulaga National Park (see above) features a range of unique flora and fauna. To the south of Tilba lies Mumbulla Mountain - another ares with great significance to the local Yuin people and part of the Biamanga National Park.

• Also south of Bermagui lies the spectacular Mimosa Rocks National Park with stunning coastal landscapes, unspoiled beaches and lakes. This is great place to camp for several days or just visit on a day trip along the coast to Tathra and back.

• Just north of Narooma lies another coastal wilderness protected by the Eurobodalla National Park. Here ocean beaches meet spotted gum forests and wetlands offer a variety of scenery and an important habitat areas.

• From Tilba it also only a short drive south to Cobargo then inland to the Wadbillinga National Park and the more remote Brogo Wilderness Area. Wadbillinga also features the striking Tuross Falls and Tuross River Gorge.

• Deua, Bournda and South East Forest National parks are also only a short trip from Tilba. Montague Island off Narooma is also a Nature Reserve - see below - while many areas of the local coastline and forests, including many around Mystery Bay, are also now protected by National Parks.

» More National parks information for the region

• Tilba is a great place to experience these wonderful South American animals with two well known Alpaca farms situated nearby and the Tilba Alpaca Shop.

• Summercloud Alpacas is just south of Tilba Tilba at Couria Creek while Kingdale Alpacas is a little further south again at Dignams Creek. At both farms alpacas can been seen gracefully grazing the green, rolling hills with the stunning backdrop of Gulaga/Mt Dromedary. The Tilba Alpaca Shop is in Central Tilba.

Summercloud Alpacas welcomes farm visits (by prior arrangement and for a small fee) or you can stay on-farm in one of the Couria Creek Farm Cottages (and then spend as many hours as you wish with the Alpacas).
» more info & contact details

Kingdale Alpacas also welcomes farm visits. Group tours such as school students, Probus, etc. can also be arranged.
» more info & contact details

» More Alpaca images » Alpaca products at the Tilba Alpaca Shop

• Mystery Bay is on the coast only minutes from Tilba and features a sheltered bay which is great for fishing, snorkeling and swimming.

• There is a camping area set in the forest right above the ocean and is a popular destination for dive tours. There are areas of National Park and several good surfing opportunities near by - like 1080 Beach - and a host of great beaches to stroll along in any season and enjoy the spectacular local geological formations and coastal landscapes.

• There are plenty of opportunities right around the area for rock and beach fishing and there is a boat ramp at the main car-park. Corunna Lake is also right at hand with fishing and prawning options for the whole family.

• Apart from the camping area there are several accommodation options available at Mystery Bay itself - including Mystery Bay Cottages.

» Mystery Bay images

• A short drive to the south of Tilba is the popular fishing destination of Bermagui with its picturesque fishing fleet.

• Bermagui features some spectacular cliffs and seascapes- including the Blue Pool. The main beach, sheltered in Horeshoe Bay, is also an excellent swimming option - especially for children. It is protected in most weather and is a very safe option for a relaxing day at the beach with the whole family.

• Bermagui has a wide range of accommodation options and some excellent restaurants - many featuring the local seafood.

» Bermagui images

• Le Ander Open Garden is a stunning coastal garden with sweeping views across the ocean towards Bermagui. The garden itself is almost right on the beach and features several acres of both landscaped and rambling gardens.

• There are different colours to see in each season, with thousands of daffodils, tulips and many other bulbs. There is a rose garden and a beautiful 'secret garden' - and there are even plants for sale.

• Garden clubs and coaches are always welcome and Le Ander is the perfect location for that ideal coastal wedding.

» more info & contact details