The Australian Bucket List

New South Wales

Tilba TilbaTilba Tilba is utterly charming. Traditional farms, artisan producers, and old-fashioned hospitality. Take a gentle wander through this National Heritage Listed town, pick up some of the region's handmade cheese, and enjoy the simple life.

Tilba Tilba is protected by a National Heritage listing; the town was settled mostly during the gold rush years of the 1890s and 1900s and today retains many fine Victorian timber buildings. The town has a pretty setting at the base of Gulaga (Mt Dromedary) which can be accessed from Tilba Tilba. Nestled at the foot of Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) it is a good starting place to explore this beautiful and spiritual land. Gulaga is the mother of ancestral identity for the Yuin people, and to be able to visit is a privilege. Guided walks by local Yuin people are probably the best way to connect with the spirit of the land, but self-guided walkers are welcome. A track leaves from behind La Galette Cafe (formerly Pam's Store) and takes you through the rainforest to the summit. Gulaga is the highest point in the area; named Mt Dromedary by Lieutenant James Cook being the shape of a dromedary camel. The summit has strangely-shaped granite outcrops and significant tors being a culturally significant site for the Yuin people. Towards the summit Rainforest species thrive in several places on the upper tiers of the mountain and you can see out to Montague Island offshore. Closer to town is Foxglove Spires, a luscious woodland garden built around a farm cottage. The seasonal gardens are simply stunning, with fragrant wisteria, lavender and an arbour of Manchurian pear trees.

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Things to do

Tilba Real Dairy

The ABC Cheese Factory, home of Tilba Real Dairy is located in the heritage village of Central Tilba, was established in 1891 and was the first cheese co-operative in New South Wales. Tilba Real Dairy produce award-winning dairy products; full cream jersey milk, soft cheese, hard cheese, yoghurt and double cream. Tastings of their cheeses are available at any time. You are also welcome to taste the largest range of honey on the south coast. They feature local produce including their jams and preserves, souvenirs, gifts, coffee, ice cream and snacks. They specialize in producing local products of the highest quality sourcing local ingredients wherever available.

Gulaga Mountain Walk

A forested ancient volcano, Gulaga and the surrounding landscape are important for Aboriginal people and especially significant to the Yuin women of the South Coast of NSW. The steep track up the mountain was built in 1894 for gold miners. Take the gravel path between the café and car park in Tilba Tilba and continue up the mountain. At ‘Halfway Rock’ the Battery Trail leads 1.6 kilometres off the main track around the side of the ridge to the foundations of the mine manager’s residence. Return to the main track and 30 minutes later you should reach ‘The Saddle’ - a great rest spot where magnificent giant granite tors are hidden in the rainforest. Push on to the summit with its spectacular views to the coast. Length: 14 kilometres return Time: five hours return Grade: Hard Start: Near the café in Tilba Tilba

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