Central Tilba, New South Wales

Central Tilba New South Wales
A view of Central Tilba
Central Tilba
Coordinates	36°19′S 150°04′E / 36.317°S 150.067°E / -36.317; 150.067Coordinates: 36°19′S 150°04′E / 36.317°S 150.067°E / -36.317; 150.067
Population	288 (2016 census)
Postcode(s)	2546
LGA(s)	Eurobodalla Shire
State electorate(s)	Bega
Federal Division(s)	Eden-Monaro

Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba are two villages near the Princes Highway in Eurobodalla Shire, New South Wales, Australia. At the 2016 census, Central Tilba and surrounding areas (but excluding Tilba Tilba) had a population of 288. It is the site for the television series: River Cottage Australia.

The area was originally inhabited by the Yuin Aboriginal tribe. Tilba Tilba is the original name of the district, and is said to be a Thawa Aboriginal term for "many waters". The town was settled during the Australian gold rushes of the nineteenth century. It was the home town of the Bate family of political renown.

Central Tilba is located around 10 kilometres (6 mi) south south west of Narooma and is 60 kilometres (37 mi) north of Bega. The entire village is classified by the National Trust as the Central Tilba Conservation Area.

The ABC Cheese Factory in Central Tilba was in operation from September 1891 until 2006 and it remains a local attraction. The Tilba Factory was purchased in 2012 by two local dairy farmers who installed new cheese making and milk bottling equipment, bringing back the tradition of dairy manufacture to the Tilba area. The milk bottled and cheese made on site are from two local dairy farms, one in Tilba one in Cobargo. There are 19 locals employed at the Tilba Factory where they produce award-winning cheese, yoghurt, milk and cream, all from creamy jersey milk.