Dive into the Tilba District’s rich heritage, from its deep Aboriginal cultural connections to pioneering innovations in agriculture, mining, and hydro-electric power. Step back in time as you explore the historic charm of Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba, recognised as the Tilba Conservation Area by the National Trust in 1974. 

Discover the district’s early dairy farming and gold mining history, and wander through colourful and charming villages. 

Icon Key:
Aboriginal Land Use Settler Land Use  InnovationContemporary Life

Aboriginal Land Use

Tilba District is rich with sites that have long been significant to the Yuin people, serving as important cultural and spiritual places well before European settlement. 

Mystery Bay Fish Trap remains a popular camping spot, where the Aboriginal community connects with the land and sea, passing down traditional fishing techniques to younger generations.

At Wallaga Lake, the largest lake in southern NSW, enjoy fishing, coastal walks, and birdwatching. This area is home to Umbarra, the black duck, a totem of the Yuin-Monaro people and Aboriginal middens and artifacts have been found in the lake area. Pooles Point and Wallaga Beach were highly valued and well-used traditional campgrounds.

Points of Interest:

• Mystery Bay 
• Pooles Point 
• Wallaga Beach
• Wallaga Lake

Settler Land Use

Dairying began in the Tilba District in the early 1860s, and by the 1890s, local cheese production was taking place in three factories – ABC Cheese Factory in Central Tilba (1891), Tilba Tilba Cheese Factory (build beside Mountain Valley Farm – now Tilba Dairy) and Corunna Cheese Factory. The original ABC Cheese Factory site, built in 1891, is still in operation.

Gold was discovered in Gulaga Mountain’s waterways in the 1850s and by 1883 tunnels were dug to chase seams of gold running through the mountain. Over 600kg of gold was extracted, valued at over $50 million today! 

Visitors can explore remnants of these Dromedary Goldfields along the Gulaga Mountain Walk, offering historical insights into Tilba District’s gold mining past.

Download Gold Mining History Flyer

Download Dairy Farming History Flyer

Points of Interest:

• ABC Cheese Factory History (present day Tilba Dairy)
• Alpha Cheese Factory History (present day Mountain View Farm)
• Tilba Tilba Cheese Factory (next to Mountain Valley Farm – present day Tilba Dairy)
• Drystone walls on the mountain
• Old farm buildings and abattoirs are on private property but can be seen while driving through the District
• Church of England Church and graveyard, built in 1896 on Corkhill Drive
• Tilba District War Memorial, Bate St in Central Tilba. Constructed from local stone and unveiled in 1920.

Innovation

Innovation had deep roots in the Tilba District. It was boasted in 1922 that “The District led the State in conserving fodder and had more silos per farm than any other district in Australia.” At that time there were around 50 silos.

That type of fodder conservation enabled the local dairy farmers to maintain a more constant supply of milk to the three cheese factories which enhanced the reputation of the quality and quantity of the district’s cheese production and sales.

Henry John Bate pioneered renewable energy with a small hydro-electric scheme developed on his farm at Tilba Tilba, which powered farms, the cheese factory, and homes from 1932 to 1952, marking an early commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

Points of Interest:

• Wallaga Lake Bridge
• Silos
• Hydro-Electric

Contemporary Life

Immerse yourself in Tilba District’s living history and step back in time to experience the charming villages of Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba. Recognised by the National Trust for their historic value and unique relationship with the surrounding landscape, visit perfectly preserved colonial villages and colourful historic shops lining Bate Street in Central Tilba and Corkhill Drive in Tilba Tilba. 

Discover the current array of cosy cafes, dining options, boutiques and more featured on the Shop-Dine-Do page.

Download New Life and Community history flyer

Points of Interest:

• Saturday Markets
• Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba businesses 
• Range of accommodation
• Niche local products
• Food and drink experiences 
• History and cultural tours 
• CWA Tilba Tilba Branch – monthly meetings and bi-monthly craft days