The Tilba District offers a rich tapestry of stories, from the pioneering efforts of colonial-era settlers who farmed, mined for gold and established the villages of Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba, to the community’s legacy preserved through landmarks and the vibrant streetscape of Bate Street, inviting visitors to discover its significant history.

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The Bate Families and BeyondLife and LossNational Trust RecognitionThe Corkhill Collection

The Bate Families and Beyond

A tale of two brothers: Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba historic landmarks

Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba tell the story of two progressive but competitive brothers, Samuel William (SW) Bate and Richard Mossop (RM) Bate, who played key roles in the area’s development. RM supported Tilba Tilba, which is adjacent to the family farm, while SW established the nearby village of Central Tilba.

By 1900 both villages had cheese factories, general stores, post offices and pubs. Many buildings from those days remain and are still functioning today. Central Tilba’s A.B.C Cheese Factory has been in almost continual operation since 1891, while Tilba Tilba’s general store began trading in 1873. 

Central Tilba’s main street, Bate Street, commemorates the brothers’ legacy, and visitors can explore the heritage of both villages with well-preserved colonial-era buildings and scenic landscapes the brothers helped cultivate.

Points of Interest:

• Pam’s Store, Tilba Tiba
• Mountain View Farm, Tilba Tilba
• Big and Small Halls, Central Tilba
• Bate’s General Store, Central Tilba
• Dromedary Hotel, Central Tilba

Life and Loss

The Tilba District’s history is shaped by the lives, legacies, and landscapes of its community. A visit to the Tilba District Cemetery, established in 1901, offers a glimpse into this heritage. 

Resting here are prominent families like the Bate and Corkhill families, alongside those drawn to the area by opportunities in farming, gold mining, and cheese-making. This historic place also offers a serene ocean backdrop and sweeping views of Bermagui, Gulaga, and Barunguba Montague Island.

Adding to the Tilba District’s rich history is the Velodrome, built in the late 1890s by the Corunna Cycle Club. This clay, oval-shaped track was carved by horse-drawn scoops and stands as one of Australia’s earliest Velodromes. Located within Eurobodalla National Park, the Veldrome has been cleared and restored by committed community members, allowing visitors to appreciate its historical significance.

Download Gold Mining History Flyer

Download Dairy Farming History Flyer

Download Geology History Flyer

Download An Unsolved Mystery History Flyer

Points of Interest:

• War Memorial, Central Tilba
• Central Tilba Public School, between the villages (built in 1900, it was the 5th school and final school in the District)
• Cemeteries – Tilba District Cemetery, Tilba Tilba Church Cemetery, Corunna Cemetery
• Churches – Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba
• Velodrome, Corunna Point, Mystery Bay Memorial
• Sunnyside Road (scenic drive), between Central Tilba and Mystery Bay

National Trust Recognition

In 1974 the Tilba District was recognised by the National Trust for its historic value and unique relationship with the surrounding landscape. The villages provide a rare opportunity to explore meticulously preserved timber-clad buildings, telling a compelling streetscape narrative of another era. 

As you wander through the villages, take a moment to read information plaques on many of the buildings, each telling a story of rich historical significance.

Download New Life and Community History Flyer

Points of Interest:

• Bate Street
• Old Court House
• Old Police House

The Corkhill Collection

William Corkhill was a prominent accountant, cheesemaker and farm manager who was invited to visit Tilba Tilba by Henry Jefferson Bate and his wife Elizabeth in 1882. Following his marriage to their daughter Frances, Corkhill settled into local life and began taking photos at the age of 44, documenting the Tilba District for over two decades. 

His collection of 1000 glass plate negatives featuring family, community, and township photographs was gifted to the National Library in 1975 by his daughter Pearl, preserving a valuable glimpse into Tilba District’s history. 

Points of Interest:

• William Henry Corkhill and the Tilba Tilba Collection
• Taken at Tilba (A book written about the Tilba District)
• Marengo Farmhouse (William Corkhills’s home)