Fast facts
- Pretty, rural town with great character and a wonderful garden
- Surrounded by meadows against a majestic backdrop
- 369 km south of Sydney, population 100
Why go there
Mount Dromedary, which forms the backdrop to the town, is known as Gulaga by the local Aboriginal people. This is the highest point in this part of the coast, it was named Mount Dromedary by Lieutenant James Cook. The summit has some strangely shaped granite outcrops and is known as a sacred site for the Yuin people. Rainforest species thrive in several places on the upper tiers of the mountain.
Foxglove Spires is a luscious woodland garden built around a farm cottage. The gardens are romantically styled and planted with fragramt wisteria, lavender, clivea and arum lillies, but their most arresting feature is a 55 metre arbour of espaliered Manchurian pears.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stop for the night, there are several atmospheric B&Bs and cottages oozing rustic character in this area.
History
Tilba Tilba began as a settlement for miners working the Dromedary Gold Mines. When goldmining ended at the beginning of the 20th century, the local dairy industry provided the economic mainstay of the town and in recent years rural tourism has come to play a major role.
Things to do
- Take the walking track to the summit of Gulaga, which begins just behind Pams General Store. Allow half a day and take plenty of water.
- Stroll the main street and duck into the cafes, shops and galleries that line it
- Immerse yourself in the pretty beaches stamped with the relaxed atmosphere of the town
Don’t miss
- Pam’s Store, for anything and everything.
- The walking trails of Gulaga National Park.
- The world’s cutest quadrupeds at Summercloud Alpacas.
- A walk on the beach at Mystery Bay.
- Foxglove Spires, especially in spring.
