For most people the village of Tarago is synonymous with the Loaded Dog Hotel and not much more. A thoroughfare on the way to or from the coast. However, a growth of businesses in recent years has made Tarago an interesting place to stop, and more than that, a destination in its own right. For anyone who hasn’t visited Tarago lately, there’s a lot to discover.
Located an hour’s drive from Canberra and just 30 minutes from Goulburn, Tarago is a convenient day trip that delivers a taste of rural village life. Tarago is a place where it’s not unusual to see people riding horseback down the main street or sheep on the back of a ute! The approach from the eastern side is an avenue flanked by tall trees, providing a majestic entrance to the village. For those who prefer a more leisurely way to travel, the scenic train line from Sydney to Canberra stops at Tarago, just moments’ walk from the shops and pub.
An L-shaped cluster of shops aptly named “The Corner” occupies the corner diagonally opposite the Loaded Dog at the crossroads in the centre of Tarago. With ample parking, it’s the ideal spot for travellers to stop awhile, stretch the legs in the recreation grounds, grab a coffee and a bite to eat.
The Corner is the brainchild of Judy Alcock, who built the four units, of which her real estate business, Southern Tablelands Realty occupies one. Seeing the need for a café in the village, one of the units was always destined for this purpose.
In a nod to the Loaded Dog, Tarago now has a cat! The recently opened Chubby Cat Café is a family run affair with a focus on tasty food lovingly made from scratch. While mother, Anne cooks up a storm in the kitchen, her son and daughter work front of house, brewing coffee and chatting with customers, providing both passers-by and locals with friendly small-town hospitality. You can’t get much more rural than enjoying a coffee while the cattle in the field across the road look on! And even better, the café’s coffee supplier donates a dollar to Bear Cottage charity for every bag of coffee beans brewed.
Just a few paces away is Christmas on Rosebery; for year-round Christmas cheer! With the mantra “come in in for coffee and stay for Christmas”, this shop is so much more than a Christmas store. Owners and Tarago locals Felicity & Glen have created a beautiful haven for gift buying, with something to cater to almost every taste; spanning home décor to fashion accessories to children’s toys and much more. Their amazing coffee and locally made slices are a hit with locals and travellers alike!
Next door is Corang Estate Cellar Door & Pantry. Set up as a tasting room for local winery Corang Estate, owners Jill & Michael are passionate about everything from grape to glass. Whether you’re a wine novice or afficionado, you’re sure to learn something new in their guided wine tasting. In addition to their range of multi-award-winning wines, the duo has also procured a selection of local and regional pantry goods, from cheeses, cold meats to sauces, honeys and more. If being surrounded by all the mouthwatering food makes you hungry, visitors are welcome to build their own grazing platter which they can enjoy with a glass of wine or a non-alc drink at one of the indoor or outdoor tables.
Visitor numbers to Tarago swell for the annual car show in October and the country show in March, plus there’s a popular market every two months in the community hall that features many local crafters. The Loaded Dog Hotel managers Tim and Alanna are passionate about supporting community organisations and host raffles every Friday evening to raise money for various local causes. Who knows, a Friday evening drink could result in winning a voucher for a local business. What better reason to come back for another visit!