Stories from the Studio: Catherine Olofsen – Wombat Cottage

This week STA caught up with Catherine Olofsen from Wombat Cottage, a coffee shop with a difference, a warm, welcoming creative hub where great coffee, delicious food, and local artistry come together in one inspiring space. More than just a place to stop for a treat, Wombat Cottage proudly champions local artists, makers and producers, creating a vibrant community destination that celebrates creativity, connection and culture.

Browse a thoughtfully curated collection of locally made gifts, homewares and artisan products. From handcrafted treasures to beautiful everyday essentials, many items have been lovingly created by talented local makers, the cottage also doubles as a gallery space, showcasing rotating exhibitions of artwork and photography by local artists, the walls alive with colour, creativity and stories, offering visitors a chance to connect with the region through its artistic voices.
Community is at the heart of Wombat Cottage. Join the monthly history group to share stories, photos and memories of Wombat and the surrounding district, helping preserve and celebrate the area’s rich heritage, creative workshops are also held regularly, including spinning wool, nuno-felted scarf making and delicate cobweb felting sessions, perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike.

As part of the Hilltops Off the Beaten Track Arts and Cultural Trail, Catherine and Sue host exclusive hands-on workshops designed to inspire and connect. In these hands-on creative sessions, you’ll make your own beautiful Nuno felted scarf using soft wool fibres and lightweight fabric, or learn the art of hand-spinning wool in a relaxed, welcoming setting. All materials are provided, along with a light lunch, so you can relax and enjoy the creativity in a warm, welcoming environment. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new, learn a unique textile technique and connect with other creative people, bookings are essential as these popular experiences fill quickly.

Alongside the workshops, there will be an exhibition celebrating local talent in spinning, weaving, felting, sewing, embroidery, and pottery. Set inside the cosy and inviting Wombat Cottage Café, the exhibition brings together handmade craft, creativity, and community. Visitors can explore a vibrant showcase of fibre art techniques and local pottery, while soaking up the café’s friendly atmosphere, complete with homemade food, native teas, and locally produced jams, chutneys, and olive oils.

The exhibition offers a chance to discover and support local artists while enjoying great food and inspiring handmade work. Perfect for families, craft lovers, and anyone curious about traditional and contemporary fibre arts, it’s a welcoming space to slow down, connect, and be inspired.

Wombat Cottage is where creativity, community and country hospitality meet, a must-visit destination for art lovers, foodies and curious travellers alike.

Wombat Cottage – InstagramFacebook

Hilltops Off The Beaten Track Arts & Cultural TrailWebsite

Nuno Felted Scarf Workshop – Bookings

Learn to Spin Workshop – Bookings

Wombat Cottage 01 SQ WEB
Wombat Cottage 06 SQ WEB
Wombat Cottage 02 SQ WEB
Wombat Cottage 03 SQ WEB
Wombat Cottage 05 SQ WEB
Wombat Cottage 04 SQ WEB
Wombat Cottage 07 SQ WEB
Wombat Cottage 08 SQ WEB
Wombat Cottage 09 SQ WEB

Find hundreds of local Creatives at the… STA Creative Directory
Find your perfect artistic match

STA Mobile Offices at partner venues in each of our seven contributing council areas. Come meet with us at a town near you. 

Take your creative practise to the next level? Bespoke training, mentoring and support tailored to your needs. Apply Now!

A thrilling mix of iconic films that span genres and decades, offering something for every movie lover.
More info

We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the lands where we create, live & work. 

© 2026 Southern Tablelands Arts. All Rights Reserved