Fast facts
- A picture-perfect country village in a charming setting
- On a hilltop surrounded by pastures and rugged hills
- 365 km south of Sydney, population 100
Why go there
The town is a clutch of weatherboard buildings perched on a rippling green ridge, set against the towering peak of Mt Dromedary. Known as Gulaga to the local Aboriginal people, Central Tilba is the postcard version of a country town, and keeping the village lively is the collection of craft workers and artisans who have taken up residence. You can easily spend a couple of hours here – or better still, a night or two in one of the cosy B&Bs.
History
Established around the cheese factory that was built here in 1891, all but one of Central Tilba’s buildings were erected in the same decade, giving the village its character and distinctive sense of unity. Its beautiful setting and the cafés, shops and galleries have made it a popular stop for travellers on the Princes Highway.
Things to do
- Browse the local galleries and produce shops.
- Take the scenic route north out of Central Tilba along Punkally Tilba Road, then turn right into Ridge Road, which then heads east and back to the Princes Highway just south of Corunna Lake.
- Sample the specialty cheese at the historic cheese outlet or savour delicious gourmet pies from the bakery.
- Jive at the live music sessions at Tilba Valley Wines on the first and third Sunday of the month.
Events
- Tilba Easter Festival sees the town at its colourful best with parades, food stalls, mad hats and a carnival atmosphere.
Don’t miss
- An Umbarra Cultural Tour with the local Yuin people.
- The Dromedary Hotel, the town’s historic pub.
- Tilba Valley Wines, a repository of good living.
- Gulaga National Park.
- A night in a local B&B.
