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our story

Timboon Fine Ice Cream Owners
humble beginnings

Established in October 1999 by Tim Marwood and Caroline Simmons, Timboon Fine Ice Cream has been crafting their famous ice cream for the past 25 years on their property, just 7km from Timboon.

As a 3rd-generation dairy farmer, Tim has a real connection to the land. His grandfather was a progressive farmer who developed early irrigation practices in the 1940s and his dad was one of the first farmers in the district to milk ‘a cow to the acre’ in the 1970s.

Adding value to their family dairy operation was the key motivation in exploring and developing the brand that has become Timboon Fine Ice Cream. 

The Marwoods

why ice cream?

1999: A new tractor was needed for the family farm, but with the inconsistent price of milk, they weren't sure they'd be making enough from dairy farming to cover the repayments.

Tim realised they needed to add value to their milk and become a 'price maker' rather than a 'price taker.' Knowing nothing about ice cream, they purchased books from overseas (pre-internet!), conducted some amateur market research, sourced second-hand equipment and began experimenting.

Their venture faced challenges typical of artisan operations, such as thin margins and distribution hurdles but the 'Aha' Moment happened when Tim and Caroline decided to participate in a local festival in late 2000.

 

With a customised trailer, they set up shop & over one successful weekend had realised how to make the business work! ⁠

provenance

While Tim & Caroline have long left farming behind to perfect the art of ice cream making - the connection to the land remains important for them

Using the highest quality local fresh milk and cream and sourcing locally grown/made ingredients is critical to producing the deliciously creamy ice cream you know and love.

Fresh milk is now sourced from the nearby Doolan family farm & and cream comes from other local farms.

Sam Doolan (a third-gen dairy farmer) with wife Belinda focus on sustainable farming for future generations. The family's dedication to herd management, cow health and sustainability is evident in the high-quality milk they produce - we pick it up 2-3 times a week!

Tim and Caroline feel fortunate to have access to  such high-quality ingredients right on their doorstep and & believe it's the fresh milk that makes their ice cream truly special.

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Doolan Family

still going & growing

Over two decades since starting Timboon Fine Ice Cream, Tim and Caroline continue to showcase their premium ice cream at festivals and markets across Victoria, while employing local staff and collaborating with other operators to expand their reach. In 2016, they opened their Timboon-based ice creamery, offering visitors not only their full range of flavors but also hands-on experiences through their Sundae School. 

Passionate about the region, Tim was instrumental in establishing the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail, boosting Timboon’s profile as a tourism hub by collaborating with local producers. Their ventures now include Timboon Tiny Homes for unique visitor stays, a brand-new factory in 2024 to meet growing demand, and their first Scooperie in Ballarat, further spreading the love for their iconic ice cream.

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