TILBA TINY TOWNS ITINERARY
It's destination Tilba for Alex and Kim!
Day One: Saturday
Keen to make the most of their time away, Alex and Kim leave home early, arriving in Central Tilba at 9.30am. Hungry after their journey, they head straight to the Tilba Teapot for a hearty breakfast.
With energy levels restored, the couple set out to explore the village. The popular Saturday Morning Market is in full swing, showcasing local produce, makers and musicians. Alex is fascinated to learn that the Big Hall started life as a roller-skating rink, who knew people in country NSW were roller skating in the 1890s!
A walk along Bate Street further reconnects Alex and Kim with the past, as a plaque on each building tells the story of its original use. With a history of serving a thriving community, most of Central Tilba’s heritage buildings are now quaint specialist shops. The couple enjoy looking for gifts for each other, family and friends. From toys and games through natural fibres and elegant styles to designer jewellery and homewares, it’s possible to find something for almost everyone in a store on Bate Street!
A short walk up Station Street takes Alex and Kim to the start of the Bellbrook Loop Track. This beautiful 2km walking track takes them through dramatic rainforest and rock formations, around the paddocks of a former dairy farm and into the foothills of Gulaga. Although just over the ridge from the bustle of Central Tilba village, Bellbrook inspires a reconnection with nature and allows a sense of the significance of Gulaga to the Tilba District’s indigenous cultural heritage.
After such a busy and active morning, Kim decides lunch is essential before any other activities. The couple head into the Dromedary Hotel and enjoy a delicious lunch based on locally sourced produce and accompanied by a Tilba Brewing Co beer.
Inspired by all of the local produce they have tried so far, the couple head down to the Tilba Real Dairy Shop where they select a range of cheeses and other tasty treats for a picnic the following day. On the way back to the car they collect some fresh bread rolls from the Tilba Bakery.
A short drive finds Alex and Kim at Tilba Lake Camp, where they check in for the night. They are thrilled with their perfectly set up Tiny Home and after quickly settling in, they spend the rest of the afternoon lazing by the pool and enjoying the spectacular views across Tilba Lake to the ocean beyond.
Having seen a poster on the community noticeboard at the Central Tilba Post Office, Alex and Kim head over to the Tilba Valley Winery for a light dinner, wine tasting and live music. Before returning to Tilba Lake Camp to end the evening, stargazing by the fire.
Day Two: Sunday
The day begins with a leisurely breakfast of yet more fresh local produce. Before checking out, Alex and Kim take the time to walk around the grounds at Tilba Lake Camp, making sure they have carrots ready for the friendly Clydesdale horses.
From the accommodation, the couple drive to Mystery Bay along a country road, home to both working properties as well as rural escapes for one time city dwellers.
Keen to learn more about the indigenous heritage and stories of the area, Kim has booked a Walking On Country Tour of Mystery Bay through Southbound Escapes (based in nearby Narooma). The tour provides a magical two hours of Dreamtime stories, explanation of ancient sustainability practices and even some foraging for bush tucker. All while walking beach to beach through pristine National Park.
Returning to Mystery Bay, the couple settle down to their picnic lunch and a final refreshing swim before getting ready to head back to Canberra and the reality of the working week.
Deciding to make one more stop in Central Tilba, Alex picks up some souvenir keepsakes at the Central Tilba General Store while Kim makes the most essential purchase, a good supply of old style and international lollies from the Tilba Sweet Spot for the drive home.
But before hitting the highway, the winding road takes them through the tiny original village of Tilba Tilba. Tucked just around a corner, they spy the Tilba Nursery and take a moment there to enjoy the wide range of plants and garden art available.
As they drive, Alex and Kim start planning their next opportunity to Reconnect in Tilba…..