From its humble origins in 1996 the shop has swelled to about six times the size including a move and an extension to the current site.

But after 25 years Mr Lonergan, 72, has his sights on retirement and is eager to pass on the reins to a new owner, leaving a legacy of smiles spanning three generations.

"I've had cars pull up out the front all their camping gear and everything on, the parents go 'there' and the kids pile in - they've driven from Melbourne and before they set up camp they're here," he beams with a laugh.

"You see young children come in on their annual holiday and you get to know them over the years, they're bringing their kids now.

"And parents are grandparents now and their children are bringing their youngsters, that's the main highlight."

Mr Lonergan said he had no idea if the business would stick, but was inspired to try after his experience working for an old-fashioned lolly shop in the UK.

"I had worked in a sweet shop in the UK back in 1974, I was always a fan of lollies, as most kids are," he beams.

He opened with a small store at the other end of Tilba, but quickly outgrew the space and purchased the current site, which he expanded to about three times the size around five years ago - including a three-bedroom home out the back.

Mr Lonergan said super-sour lollies were the rising trend, but favourites were generational and traditional rock candies and boiled sweets were still popular.

"When you reach about nine or 10 years of age, you know what you like and those tastes seem to stick with you," he said.

Mr Lonergan did say many treat-lovers missed some of the iconic Aussie favourites like cobbers, but small start-ups were filling gaps in the market.

"Every adversity you see is a great opportunity - we're seeing small companies fill those gaps," he said.

Mr Lonergan said he still looks on the business and Tilba fondly, saying it was a beautiful, unique and iconic area in Australia.

The Property listing can be found here.