Photo: Jarrod dibden at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
Central Tilba is a perfectly preserved 19th-century village nestled in the rolling green hills of the NSW South Coast. With its iconic ABC cheese wheel, heritage-listed timber buildings, and a backdrop of Gulaga (Mount Dromedary), this tiny town feels like stepping into a living museum. It’s a must-stop on any Sapphire Coast road trip, offering artisan shopping, local produce, and a glimpse into Australia’s pioneering past.
Highlights & What to See
- ABC Cheese Factory – Watch cheese being made and sample award-winning cheddars, including the famous red-wax wheel.
- Tilba Tilba Winery – Taste cool-climate wines in a rustic cellar door with views over the valley.
- Heritage Walk – Stroll the main street lined with original timber shopfronts, from the general store to the old post office.
- Gulaga National Park – Hike through ancient rainforest to the summit of Gulaga, a sacred Aboriginal women’s site with panoramic coastal views.
- Dromedary Hotel – Pop into this classic country pub for a cold beer and a hearty meal on the verandah.
- Local Art Galleries – Discover works by regional artists in galleries housed in historic buildings.
Suggested Time to Spend
Central Tilba is compact enough to explore in an hour or two, but you could easily linger for half a day if you add a cheese tasting, wine tasting, and a short walk. For a full immersion, combine it with a hike in Gulaga National Park (allow 3–4 hours return) and a pub lunch, making it a full-day stop on your coastal drive.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Narooma – 20 minutes south, with its famous Australia Rock, Montague Island tours, and stunning beaches.
- Bermagui – A fishing village with a vibrant arts scene, gourmet restaurants, and the Blue Pool ocean bath.
- Tilba Tilba – The quieter sibling village just down the road, with a historic pub and a beautiful lake walk.
- Mystery Bay – A secluded, dog-friendly beach perfect for a swim or picnic.
- Batemans Bay – The gateway to the South Coast, with oyster farms, the Clyde River, and the Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Narooma — No machine-readable author provided. Matilda assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 2.5
- Bermagui — (WT-en) AYArktos at English Wikivoyage / CC BY-SA 2.5
- Tilba Tilba — Jarrod dibden at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Mystery Bay — Whats new? at English Wikipedia / Public domain
- Batemans Bay — MrMosely / CC0
- Gulaga National Park — AYArktos / CC BY-SA 2.5