Tilba

Nestled at the foot of Gulaga (Mount Dromedary), Tilba is a picture-perfect heritage village that feels frozen in time. Its main street is lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century timber buildings, now home to artisan galleries, a working cheese factory, and cosy cafés. This is the Sapphire Coast at its most charming—a place to slow down, savour local produce, and soak up a quirky creative energy that draws travellers off the Princes Highway.

Highlights & What to See

• Heritage Main Street – Stroll past the National Trust–listed ABC Cheese Factory (where you can watch cheese being made and sample award-winning cheddars) and the Tilba Butter Factory, now a vibrant gallery and café.
• Gulaga National Park – Sacred to the local Yuin people, this extinct volcano offers walking trails through ancient rainforest to summit views over the coast. The shorter Gulaga Summit Walk is a rewarding half-day hike.
• Tilba Winery – A boutique vineyard producing cool-climate wines; drop in for a tasting and a cheese platter on the deck overlooking the vines.
• Dromedary Hotel – This historic pub serves hearty country meals and cold local brews, with a sunny beer garden perfect for an afternoon pit stop.
• Artisan galleries – Browse studios selling hand-thrown pottery, original paintings, and locally made soaps—many with the artists working on site.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find half a day sufficient to explore Tilba's main street, visit the cheese factory, and enjoy a meal. To include a walk in Gulaga National Park or a winery tasting, allow a full day. If you're on a road trip between Sydney and Melbourne, Tilba makes an ideal lunch stop and a pleasant overnight stay—the village's B&Bs offer a cosy retreat after the day-trippers leave.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Narooma – 15 minutes south, with the iconic Australia Rock and stunning ocean views from the boardwalk.
• Mystery Bay – A quiet, uncrowded beach just south of Narooma, great for swimming and picnics.
• Central Tilba – Literally the same historic street, but worth mentioning for its cluster of galleries and the Tilba Teapot Museum.
• Bermagui – 25 minutes north, a fishing town with a superb surf beach, a vibrant harbour, and excellent seafood restaurants.
• Montague Island – A nature reserve off Narooma, accessible by tour boat, famous for its seal colony and penguin tours.

Please check official sources for current details.