Tathra
Sharing a coffee on the heritage-listed Tathra Wharf, Tathra
Tathra
A Sapphire Coast icon, the historic Tathra Wharf dates back to 1862. The only deep sea timber wharf on the east coast of Australia, the wharf is popular with families, fishermen, divers, snorkellers and photographers. Be sure to slow down and take in the town's other gems: beaches, bushwalking and sumptuous seafood.
Highlights
Beaches & waterways
Swimmers and surfers have Tathra Beach as well as a swag of beaches in Mimosa Rocks National Park, Bournda National Park and Merimbula to choose from. Kianinny is a protected bay which is excellent for swimming and snorkelling – you are likely to see stingrays in the clear water. The mouth of the Bega River at the northern end of Tathra Beach is popular for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Coastlife Adventures do lessons and kayak tours.
Stand-up paddleboarding, Tathra Beach
Things to do
Tathra is overflowing with activities in beautiful surroundings. The Tathra Headland Walk links the Tathra Wharf with the heritage-listed and recently renovated Tathra Hotel. The walk has viewing platforms that are perfect for whale watching – between May and November – and for views up to the coast. For longer walks, take the track from the village down to the mouth of the Bega River, the new walking and cycling track from Kalaru to Tathra and the popular Kangarutha Walking Track linking Bournda National Park with Tathra’s Kianinny Bay.
View of the heritage-listed Tathra Wharf, Tathra
The Wharf to Wharf Walk connects the historic wharves at Tathra and Merimbula with a 27-kilometre coastal track. It follows rugged cliffs and spectacular headlands, passing secluded bays and golden beaches. Tackle it as a series of single-day hikes, camp overnight in the Bournda National Park or enjoy a little luxury on a guided hike with Sapphire Coast Guiding Co, staying at the stylish Tanja Lagoon Camp.
Mountain biking is popular in the area with a network of tracks catering for all from beginners to experts. The Tathra Mountain Bike Trails run for almost 50 kilometres through national parks and along coastal fire trails. You can hire bikes from Navigate Expeditions. Golfers will have kangaroos for spectators at the Tathra Beach Country Club, with other courses to play in Bega, Tura Beach and Pambula.
Family enjoying Bundalung Trail, Tathra
Eat & drink
Oysters are on the menu with the award-winning Tathra Oysters grown at Nelson Lake in Mimosa Rocks National Park. Buy them directly from the owners or order them at the Tathra Hotel. For that morning coffee or breakfast, head for The Wharf Local, set inside a cargo shed on the wharf.
Oysters at Tathra Hotel, Tathra
Where to stay
There is a good range of places to stay to suit all budgets including resorts, motels, apartments, B&Bs and numerous holiday parks, such as Tathra Beachside and Kalaru Holiday Park. If getting away from it is your style, there are campgrounds in the spectacular Mimosa Rocks National Park, with luxe glamping bell tents at Tathra Beach Eco Camp and cute cottages at the secluded Kianinny Bush Cottages.
Getting there
Tathra is a six-hour drive from Sydney, seven hours from Melbourne and three hours from Canberra. You can also fly to Merimbula Airport with Regional Express and Qantas and rent a car for the scenic 20-minute drive north.
