An easy three-hour jaunt from Canberra and you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in sleepy, leafy Tumbarumba in the NSW Snowy Valleys. At the heart of town, Moonshine Cottage is nestled in the grounds of Ladbroken Distilling Co. owned by Robbie and Neil Ladbrook.
In the essence of small-town charm and family-run endeavours, Moonshine Cottage offers midweek romantic getaways and weekend group stays for visitors who can rest their heads in one of the three bedrooms. Tumbarumba and the stunning surrounding landscapes invite visitors to spend time in the great outdoors – and the cottage is the perfect place to put your feet up after a big day.
While working in Canberra, Robbie’s government job took her across different regions. Experiencing the charms of Tumbarumba, she fell in love with the township. Making the move, the Ladbrook family founded Ladbroken in 2020 and lived in the cottage while setting up the distillery.
Having experimented with liquor making for many years before, the pair blended their love of whisky, gin, science and creativity, along with their strong family bonds, when launching the business. Even the name Ladbroken comes from an inside joke about Neil’s handyman skills.
The pair are making a name for themselves throughout the region for the unique flavours of their products. They offer something for everyone – from Neil’s barrel-aged malt whiskey, which has a delightful warmth, to the many botanical-inspired gins and liqueurs. The spiced apple and fig gin and festive gingerbread have been on our minds and lips since we left.
Stepping into Moonshine Cottage is like returning to the family home after moving out, the space exudes warmth. A lot of love has gone into the cottage, leaving behind hints of the personality of its former residents in the form of games, reading material and small decorations like gemstones and a chessboard.
CD’s Jessica Cordwell and guest spent two nights in the cosy cottage nestled in the NSW Snowy Valleys. A home away from home that encourages relaxation – a burning fire, plenty of warm blankets and comfortable places to sit, what more could you ask for?
What we did
Making the most of the drive from Canberra, we stopped in Batlow – home of the Big Apple – and visited Mouats Farm Orchard to pick apples. A recommended wholesome activity, plus you get delicious, fresh apples.
Arriving in the quiet township of Tumbarumba, Moonshine Cottage is just a stone’s throw from the main street. We stopped in the warm and beautifully decorated space lined with distillery-inspired adornments.
Popping next door to Ladbroken Distilling Co. we were warmly welcomed by Robbie, who crafted cocktails to our taste preferences. In a similar colour palette to the cottage, the micro-brewery is also beautifully decorated with a bespoke wooden bar as the centrepiece; the atmosphere is lively and fun while the offerings are delicious.
Shortly after, we settled in for our cocktail-making class. Before setting out, Robbie asked about our flavour and strength preferences. Guiding us with patience and friendliness as the customers came through the distillery for their own tastings, Robbie instructed us how to make three cocktails. From the sweet Southern Cloud infused to a berry-rich offering and one of our choosing (gingerbread, thank you), we learnt new tricks and enjoyed the accompanying charcuterie.
Passionate about her craft, Robbie is knowledgeable and happy to share some insider tips. Right before closing, we were joined by Neil, who was also happy to share his favourite – the barrel-aged whisky. Robbie and Neil are wonderful hosts, up for a good yarn and only too happy to help – even when you accidentally lock yourself out.
After our excellent cocktail-making course, we took a few steps to our cottage with a BBQ pack that included beef skewers and salad ingredients. The kitchen in the Moonshine Cottage is stocked with all you need – and extras including sauces and seasonings. Lighting the fire, we relaxed in the homelike atmosphere to the crackling of the flames and enjoyed some more of the Ladbroken gin.
Waking up not too dusty, we cooked breakfast and walked to the main street to Ride Tumba Bike Hire, where owner Pete helped us pick the right e-bikes for our plans. Playing a part in securing the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, he suggested checking it out for the day.
The 21km sealed trail takes the rider through endless sub-alpine countryside and farmlands, a fairly low-intensity ride is made even easier by the use of e-bikes. You can spy traces of native wildlife and farm animals like sheep as you pedal. On a sunny morning there is no better way to pass the time.
Sunday lunch was at Courabyra Winery where I selected a glass of Pinot Gris and the crusted fish with potato salad and slaw, while my partner had the ribs. The crust was crunchy without drying out the fish and the slaw was fresh and flavoursome.
The main street boasts a few specialty shops. Unfortunately, these were closed on Sunday and Monday but there was still plenty around to keep us entertained. After lunch we visited the Pioneer Women’s Hut Museum. Quirky and wholesome, it is easy to spend an afternoon exploring its charms.
Completely community-supported, the museum is a real highlight of the area. Walking through the different displays and buildings, you get a lesson in the history of the region and the women who shaped it. Learn how pioneers stored food and how garments were continuously upcycled, and see what has to be one of the biggest button displays in the country.
For dinner, we kept it simple and walked up to the Tumbarumba Hotel. The epitome of a country town pub, you can expect hearty fare prepared by locals invested in the region. Returning to the cottage, we spent the evening by the fire, enjoying the homey space and the relaxing ambience of the region.
After farewelling Moonshine, we went for breakfast at Robbie’s suggestion, Café Nest, a quaint eatery and sometimes cinema. The menu is jampacked full of local produce and offers something for every diner. My partner chose the classic bacon & egg roll while I went for the Eat Your Greens vegan option – a great way to start the day.
Before making tracks for home, we stopped by Paddy’s River Falls, an incredible waterfall and rock formation surrounded by lush country. Park and view the waterfall from afar, or, for the adventurous, follow the trail right up to the falls.
On the way home, we made a stop at the iconic Dog on the Tuckerbox statue, another fun option to break up the drive.
Jessica Cordwell stayed at Moonshine Cottage as a guest of Ladbroken Distilling Co.
To enquire about a stay at Moonshine Cottage, visit moonshinercottage.lodgify.com/
To visit Ladbroken Distilling Co. or shop their creations, visit ladbroken.com.au/
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