Whether Candelo’s creative success comes from the lush rolling hills of the forests and dairy country that surrounds this town by the river, or whether it’s the personality and character of the people drawn here to live – no one can be sure, perhaps it’s a combination of both. This artistic community is home to an equally colourful range of housing options. From charming weatherboard cottages in town, to architecturally designed houses and expansive rural properties, with a median house price of $288,000 you’re sure to find the perfect home. Candelo springs from the crossroads that connect Merimbula, Bega and the southern Monaro, and the town’s long shady park is a natural meeting place.

Monthly markets bring people from near and far, first established to fund a swimming pool the town, the markets have grown to be a significant cultural and economic force in the valley – held on the first Sunday of each month. Music, art and a bigger view of the world all make Candelo a distinctive part of the Bega Valley Shire.

In addition to the nearby state-of-the-art Bega Hospital, Cobargo parents and carers are spoilt for choice when it comes to education. This country community has all the government and non-government choices of a metropolitan area, but generally speaking without the price tag. This rural – coastal environment enlivens and child’s education, and mixed with a dynamic local arts community Bega Valley children get a unique experience. Local schools include Candelo Public School, Bega High School, Mumbulla School for Rudolf Steiner Education, St Patrick’s Primary School, Thomas More Christian Montessori School, Sapphire Coast Anglican College, and Lumen Christi Catholic College. In later years the University of Wollongong – Bega Campus boasts an increasing variety of subjects, and just announced – a new state of the art purpose built TAFE campus for Bega.