Tilba

Explore the villages

Central Tilba is the main hub, home to a handful of shops, cafes and galleries. Resident artists and artisans create wonderful works, from traditional crafts to contemporary arts and jewellery. Shop at Passionfish Candles and Gifts, Tilba Leather and Arcadia, where a range of merchants sell fine silver jewellery, rugs and textiles. Central Tilba also plays host to the famous Tilba Festival in spring.

Shopping, Central Tilba

The smaller of the two villages, Tilba Tilba has a population of just over 100 and is the starting point for hikes around Mount Gulaga. Visit the pretty Foxglove Gardens, built around a farm cottage. Inland at Dignams Creek, Gulaga Gold grows rare perigord truffles beneath oak and hazel trees. In the winter months, join a guided truffle hunt where their specially-trained dogs will sniff out black gold.

Foxglove Gardens, Tilba - Credit: Jonathan Poyner | Capital Country Tourism

Nature & heritage

Mount Gulaga, an extinct volcano in Gulaga National Park, is spiritually significant for the local Yuin Aboriginal people. The Gulaga Mountain Walk is a difficult 14-kilometre climb, passing huge granite boulders and ancient rainforest, with spectacular views from the summit. Learn more about Gulaga's legends on a two-day Yuin Retreat, led by an Indigenous guide from Ngaran Ngaran Cultural Awareness.

Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, Narooma

Bellbrook Farm Loop Walk is an easy two-kilometre trail that winds through the foothills of Mount Gulaga. The region is threaded with great bike trails too. The 39-kilometre History and Beyond route travels between Tilba and Narooma, following the Old Highway through charming farmland and gentle hills.

Cycling around Tilba - Credit: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism

If you prefer to explore by water, join Navigate Expeditions for the Tilba Kayak & Wine Tour. Starting in Corunna Lake, you'll paddle past spotted gum forests and sandy shore, with Mount Gulaga in the background, before finishing at Tilba Valley Winery for a tasting and cheese platter. For ocean waves, the coast is just 10 minutes' away at Mystery Bay and 1080 Beach.

Tilba Kayak & Wine Tour, Kalaru - Credit: Navigate Expeditions

Eat & drink

Visit the famous Tilba Dairy to see the factory in action, producing fresh milk, yoghurt, cream and cheese from their herd of Jersey cows. Taste their products and pick up a few to take home. Stop for a cuppa at Eumun Tea, which has over 200 specialty teas on offer. If wine is preferred, visit Tilba Valley Winery and Ale House at Corunna Lake. The beautiful Dromedary Hotel was built in 1895 and serves up excellent food, plus local Tilba Brewing Co beers and the famous Rhubarb Gin from Tilba Distilling Co.

Tilba Dairy, Central Tilba

Where to stay

Spend a night or two in the lush Tilba countryside. The adults' only Tilba Coastal Retreat has two luxurious suites on a secluded property between the mountains and the sea. At Tilba Lake House, choose between guest rooms or tiny homes and make use of the heated pool, sauna and outdoor fire pit. Other options include Mountain View Farm and Foxglove Gardens. If you're happy to rough it, pitch a tent by the ocean at Mystery Bay Camping Area.

Tilba Lake House, Central Tilba - Credit: Tilba Lake House

Getting there 

The drive from Sydney to the Tilba region is five hours and three hours from Canberra. You can also fly to Moruya Airport and rent a car for the one-hour drive south. Moruya Airport is located 5km from Moruya’s town centre. Use the taxi services at the airport to make the short trip southwest. Alternatively, rent a car from the hire services available at the airport and explore the Eurobodalla region at your own pace. Regional Express operates direct flights from Sydney to Moruya five days a week, with return flights travelling via Merimbula.