Timboon’s growing food scene is behind a tourism boom in the region
Despite Timboon’s small population, tourism is booming thanks to the rising popularity of the town’s gourmet ice cream shop, distillery and expanding food scene.
Victoria Business
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Small businesses have put the tiny town of Timboon on the tourist map by banding together to create a gourmet food trail.
With a population of about 1200, Timboon is punching above its weight with a number of local producers creating award-winning products.
Tim Marwood and Caroline Simmons started Timboon Fine Ice Cream more than two decades ago.
“Originally the town was a little bit overlooked,” Mr Marwood said.
“It’s a hidden gem, people are really quite surprised by the offerings.”
Mr Marwood, a third generation dairy farmer, initially established the ice creamery to add value to his family dairy operation.
But the farm fresh, locally made gourmet ice cream became a success in its own right, drawing Great Ocean Road visitors inland from nearby Port Campbell.
Mr Marwood started selling products from nearby producers and recognised the value in attracting tourists to visit the other nearby sites.
So he teamed up with other boutique producers to create the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail Map.
His premium ice cream, as well as whisky, cheese, strawberries and fudge are just some of the food experiences on offer.
Mr Marwood said there had been an uptick in the number of tourists journeying inland to experience Timboon’s growing food scene.
“The trail has been instrumental in driving visitation from the coast into the hinterland,” Mr Marwood said.
“We encourage people to explore the word beyond the 12 Apostles.
“Seeing Timboon flourish as a tourism town is great.”
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He said the group considered using technology such as apps, but found visitors preferred the tear-off map.
“It’s a bit nostalgic, people enjoy referring to it on the dashboard, seeing the landmarks.”
The region is also getting noticed because of the large number of award-winning food producers.
“Most of our producers are fairly modest, but it’s lovely to know the products we’re producing are up there in terms of quality,” Mr Marwood said.
Across the road is Timboon Railway Shed Distillery where owner Josh Walker creates authentic small batch single malt whiskies.
Two of the whiskies achieved “liquid gold status” in Jim Murray’s popular Whiskey Bible.
Set in a restored railway shed, it is one of the larger businesses on the trail.
Visitors can sample whisky, dine on local produce created by chef Simon Yarham, learn about the art of small batch distilling and discover Timboon’s illicit alcohol-making history.
Mr Walker said being part of the trail had helped business.
“Timboon was a ghost town 10 years ago,” he said.
“Now on weekends, there are people everywhere. It’s a destination.”
Mr Walker said a major drawcard of the trail was that visitors could enjoy all the region had to offer in just a day.
Twelve Apostles Gourmet Trail Map president Simon Schulz, who owns Schulz Organic Dairy, said his farm gate could not exist without the other artisans.
“It’s great that businesses in the area are so willing to cross promote,” Mr Schulz said.
“As a collective of food artisans producing unique products, working together in promotion and marketing has been beneficial for all.”
Mr Schulz said the network also shared information and supported each other.
Berry World owner Heather Nicholls said visitor numbers to her pick-your-own strawberry fields were growing.
“We’ve been happy to keep Timboon a secret, but that secret’s out now,” Ms Nicholls said.
Other businesses on the trail include Apostle Whey Cheese and Gelataria, Dairylicious Farm Fudge, GORGE Chocolates, Sow & Piglets Miro Brewery and Keayang Maar vineyard.
The Click for Vic campaign encourages Victorians to support local creators and producers. Download the free 24-page Click for Vic magazine to learn more about some of the state’s most innovative small businesses, as well as virtual events to look forward to and great gift ideas.