Tathra
Town
Population 1622
Tathra is an idyllic family holiday location with a 3-kilometre surf beach, frequented by dolphins, that is safe for swimming and excellent for fishing. The town started as a small jetty that served as a shipping outlet for a group of local farmers. It is now the only sea wharf on the east coast. The region is abundant with prawns from November to May.
Visitor Information
Andy Poole Dr; (02) 6494 1436
Nearby national parks
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Bournda National Park
Bournda National Park, on the state’s far south coast, is a magically beautiful place of sea and freshwater lakes, an extensive...more -
Mimosa Rocks National Park
At Mimosa Rocks National Park, in the state’s south, a ragged coastline of volcanic rock has been hewn by weather and water into...more -
Ben Boyd National Park
more
Nearby towns
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Bega
It is possible to ski and surf on the same day around Bega, set in a fertile valley with the mountains of the Kosciuszko snow resorts to...more -
Merimbula
Merimbula is a modern seaside town known for its surfing, fishing and oyster farming. Middens found in the area indicate that oysters were...more -
Bermagui
Bermagui is a charming and sleepy coastal village. The continental shelf is at its closest to the mainland off Bermagui and this results...more
In Town
Sea wharf Deterioration of the 1860s wharf led to a demolition order in 1973. Only strenuous local action and the intervention of the National Trust saved the wharf. It has always been a popular fishing platform and there is also a seafood cafe. Above the wharf is the Maritime Museum, which traces the history of the wharf and steam shipping in the area and has replicas of early vessels. Fur seals and little penguins can often be seen.Tathra Beach: 3 km patrolled beach with excellent surfing conditions. Fishing spots: several good spots for salmon and tailor; map from visitor centre.
Nearby
Mimosa Rocks National Park This beautifully rugged coastal park features secluded campsites, surf beaches, caves, offshore rock stacks, lagoons, patches of rainforest and incredible volcanic sculptures. It is excellent for snorkelling, surfing, bushwalking, birdwatching and foreshore fossicking. The name of the park comes from the steamship Mimosa, which was wrecked on volcanic rock in 1863; (02) 4476 2888; 17 km N.Kianinny Bay: known fossil site with steep cliffs and rugged rocks, and diving and deep-sea fishing charters available. The 9 km Kangarutha track follows the coast with spectacular scenery; 1 km S. Mogareeka Inlet: safe swimming ideal for small children; northern end of Tathra Beach; 2 km N. Bournda National Park: picturesque conservation area for great camping and bushwalking. Wallagoot Lake has a wetland area with birdwatching, fishing, prawning, swimming, watersports and boat hire; (02) 6495 5000; 11 km S.
Fishing spots near town
Tathra 1 km
Tathra is a great family destination with a mixed bag of fishing. Saltwater anglers can choose from estuary, surf, rock and blue-water, while freshwater offerings include streams and dams. The major fishing attraction... Find out moreMerimbula 19 km
Most visitors on family trips arrive at Merimbula with at least one fishing rod on board. Some give priority to the boat and tackle, then try to fit the family in around them. A good boat ramp is situated near the... Find out morePambula Lake 28 km
Pambula Lake, south of Merimbula, also known as the Broadwater, produces good catches of bream, dusky flathead, tailor, whiting, salmon, gummy sharks and mulloway. I fished this water with Bruce Libbis on one of his... Find out moreBermagui 35 km
Bermagui is small fishing port but a world-famous gamefishing destination. It owes its fame to an American western writer, Zane Grey, who went there in 1936. Little has changed since then. ‘Bermi’, as most... Find out moreEden 41 km
Anyone looking for fishing variety should visit Eden. Angling opportunities include offshore game, reef, beach, estuary and pier. Eden nestles snugly on the shoreline of Twofold Bay and, unlike Merimbula and Narooma... Find out moreLake Wonboyn 57 km
Lake Wonboyn is one of my all-time favourite spots. Located about halfway between Eden and the border with Victoria, this large estuary system suits serious anglers and families. Some visitors to this estuary stay in... Find out moreGreen Cape 60 km
Anglers who fish the east coast often refer to the January–March period as the ‘magic quarter’, when the East Australian Current brings millions of baitfish that in turn attract large predators, like... Find out moreNarooma Offshore 61 km
Narooma is one of those pleasant destinations that offers piscatorial delights most of the year, ranging from gamefishing offshore to rock, beach and estuary. Situated on Wagonga Inlet, the port is best known for its... Find out moreWallagaraugh River 81 km
The Wallagaraugh River is in southern NSW and northern Victoria. It’s a big river, wide and deep in parts. Upstream, near where the Princes Highway crosses the river, it breaks out into pools. For anglers who... Find out moreMaramingo Creek 86 km
One of the most exciting, albeit also one of the most frustrating, days I experienced in an estuary took place in Maramingo Creek, an offshoot of the Genoa River. To get there, follow the Genoa River upstream from the... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Cycling - Bega Valley to Orbost 14 km
Back Pedal Cycle Tours is an eco-certified tour company that offers a great range of supported, safe and family-friendly cycle tours, from single-day excursions in the Bega Valley, through to the three-day ‘Border... Find out morePlatypus-watching - Bombala 69 km
If you believe the hype, Bombala is the platypus capital of Australia and the locals stop just short of guaranteeing you a sighting. The best spot is the Platypus Reserve on the Bombala River (off Delegate Road) in the... Find out moreSailing - Batemans Bay 115 km
Batemans Bay Sailing Charters is eco-certified and offers sailing trips out of Batemans Bay on a 12.5-metre catamaran, from a three-hour cruise around the bay to overnight excursions.... Find out moreCroajingolong National Park 121 km
One-third of Australia’s bird species have been spotted in this 87 500-hectare park that stretches for 100 kilometres along the coast. The threatened ground parrot forages in the heath and lorikeets feed in the... Find out moreSnowy Mountains Touring Company 126 km
Based on an unusual concept, this company offers a personal tour guide who can accompany you, in your vehicle, explaining the history, heritage, flora and fauna of the area as you travel. Either you can drive, or they... Find out moreCanoeing in the Snowys 128 km
It is certainly not the best spot in the country for canoeing and kayaking, but peaceful days can be had enjoying these activities on Lake Jindabyne, or more exciting adventures are possible on overnight excursions down... Find out moreCross-country skiing 145 km
A delightful winter pastime, cross-country skiing is a mix of walking, gliding and skiing, and the basics are much easier to pick up than those of downhill skiing or snowboarding. You can undertake the activity at... Find out moreBushwalking in the Snowy Mountains 152 km
There is almost no end to the hiking that can be done in the Snowy Mountains. There are hundreds of kilometres of hiking tracks, and infinite ways to wander through the hills. The most popular walks are to the top of... Find out moreBushwalking on the South Coast, NSW 153 km
From meanders along isolated beaches and around heath-covered headlands, to long hikes up rugged mountains in Budawang, Morton or Deua national parks, the South Coast provides limitless possibilities for great... Find out morePicnicking around Canberra 179 km
There are many great places to unpack a picnic in the Australian Capital Territory, from the copious native areas in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, to the bird mecca of Jerrabomberra Wetlands on the Molonglo... Find out moreGolf courses around town
Narooma Golf Club 59 km
Narooma is a small coastal haven with world-class beaches. It has become renowned for the whales, seals and penguins attracted to the pristine waters offshore. But one of the town’s major attractions remains its... Find out moreRoyal Canberra Golf Club (Westbourne course) 178 km
When the site for the nation’s capital was selected in 1909, it was mainly rolling grassy plains with few trees. Little was known about what species might flourish in Canberra’s environment. The federal... Find out moreNearby breweries
Wig & Pen Brewery/Tavern 179 km
Canberra may well claim to be the real ale capital of Australia on the strength of this single brew-pub, which sees more pints of hand-pumped ale pulled than any other joint in the land. From the well-balanced and... Find out moreCampsites around town
Hobart Beach camping area 8 km
Spacious and well equipped, Hobart Beach camping area has shaded campsites, lovely picnic spots and excellent lookouts (Turingal Head is a favourite). A number of walking tracks fan out from here, and the park rangers... Find out moreGillards Beach camping area 8 km
The Bermagui–Tathra Rd turns onto Gillards Rd, at the end of which you’ll find 70 camping sites, wood barbecues and toilets. You can swim, fish, or take a long walk along the beautiful sandy beach. Bring your... Find out moreMiddle Beach camping area (walk-in camping) 10 km
Aptly named, this camping area is smack-bang in the middle of the national park’s coastline. To get here, take the Haighs Rd turn-off from the Bermagui–Tathra Rd, and look for Middle Beach Rd. If you hit... Find out morePicnic Point camping area 14 km
Only 2 of the 18 campsites here are suitable for trailers, and as no bookings are taken you’ll just have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. Tent up amid gnarly banksias, then take your pick of swimming,... Find out moreBega Caravan Park 14 km
Nestled into the lush and verdant Bega Valley, Bega Caravan Park is a well-appointed, comfortable place with a range of accommodation options – including motel-style units, cabins, and powered and unpowered tent... Find out moreAragunnu camping area 18 km
This northernmost campground can be accessed along Aragunnu Road off the Bermagui–Tathra Rd, about 25 km south of Bermagui. There’s a short, easy walk linking the northern and southern picnic areas, and a 200... Find out moreSix Mile Creek Rest Area 40 km
As you follow the Tantawangalo Mountain Rd to this campsite, you can inform your companions you’re travelling on a road originally constructed more than 150 years ago. Six Mile Creek is a refreshing and scenic... Find out morePostman’s camping area 41 km
Located on a sandy bend in Tantawangalo Creek, this camping area is 4WD dry-weather access only via Postmans Track off Tantawangalo Rd. There’s a long walk from the car to the tent. There’s water in the... Find out moreAlexanders Hut 43 km
In the central section of the national park, Alexanders Hut is a simple slab dwelling that provides shelter and basic facilities for campers. You can also set up a tent in the grounds around the hut. The hut is... Find out moreMowarry Point camping area (bush camping) 46 km
With no facilities, this bush-camping site is along the Light to Light walking track, 3 km north of Saltwater Creek. You can also walk in from the end of the road to the north, which passes by scenic Leatherjacket... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
This good quality, absolute beachfront park is located in the heart of Tathra. Just stroll to the beach from your site or take a short walk to the town centre, restaurants or club. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more
Bega Caravan Park 14 km
This well-managed park alongside the Princes Highway is on the southern approach to Bega. There are large grassy sites, modern amenities and pets are welcome. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreMerimbula Beach Holiday Park 18 km
Perched on a headland looking out to sea, this quality park is in a great position. It has an excellent range of facilities including a shop and takeaway food. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length... Find out moreDiscovery Holiday Parks – Pambula Beach 24 km
This beachside park is one of our favourites in the popular family holiday region of the south coast of New South Wales. It has a pool complex, a licensed restaurant and spotless amenities, and is a great family park.... Find out moreZane Grey Tourist Park 35 km
Close to the centre of town, this good quality park is popular with holidaymakers. The park was so named because the American writer Zane Grey once had a fishing shack on this piece of land. Bookings are required in peak... Find out moreEden Tourist Park 36 km
Situated across the road from the beach, this place is 2 km from the town centre. A popular holiday park, it caters predominantly for tourists, offering good facilities. It is a good base from which to explore the area.... Find out moreGarden of Eden Caravan Park 37 km
This is a well-appointed, reasonably priced park in a great garden setting, just 2 km from the town centre. It is a good place for an overnight stay or for a longer holiday. Bookings are required in peak periods; pets... Find out moreDiscovery Holiday Parks – Eden 40 km
Easily accessed from the highway, this picturesque park is located on the south side of Eden in a lovely beachfront position. It has a wide range of facilities. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length... Find out moreIsland View Beach Resort 56 km
Stroll to the beach or picnic on green lawns under shady trees at this quality park, located on the Princes Highway 5 km south of Narooma. With very good amenities and lots of appeal, it is ideal for a family holiday and... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Adobe Mudbrick Holiday Flats, Mallacoota 92 km
These 12 rustic mudbrick flats were ecologically designed to avoid the need for air-conditioning, and have solar hot water and rainwater tanks. The 32-hectare surrounds are managed as a Land for Wildlife property,... Find out moreJacarri Eco-Cottage, Goongerah 133 km
This rustic little cottage in East Gippsland sleeps four, and has solar power and a dry composting toilet. It has been built with sustainable timbers and uses a water wheel to fill the water tank. Organic fruit,... Find out moreAlpine Habitats, near Jindabyne 135 km
Opened in 2007, these 18 cleverly designed two-bedroom buildings are linked underground by massive worm farms that digest all the compostable waste on the site. Set amid gnarled black sallees and other snow gums, the... Find out moreArthur’s Cottage, Cudgewa 208 km
This historic mudbrick, two-bedroom cottage was built around 1897, but now has solar-powered lights and a gas kitchen. It sits quietly on the Cudgewa Creek, with platypus drifting past. You will need to bring your own... Find out moreRest areas around town
Bega Lookout Park Area 17 km
5 km N of Bega (R) or 72 km S of Narooma (L) Small area just off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S36 38.692 E149 49.430... Find out moreYellowpinch Dam Rest Area 20 km
32 km N of Eden (L) or 22 km S of Bega (R) Small area located 1 kilometre off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S36 51.068 E149 48.765... Find out moreQuaama Rest Area 31 km
31 km N of Bega (R) or 46 km S of Narooma (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S36 28.110 E149 51.979 ... Find out moreBemboka Rest Area 38 km
East side of town Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. NOTE: Camping and showers available for a fee. GPS: S36 38.127 E149 34.696... Find out moreMystery Bay Camp Area 50 km
T/O 68 km N of Bega (R) or 9 km S of Narooma (L) Small shady campground located on the foreshore at a secluded beach 2 kilometres east of the highway. Limited facilities. Good shade. GPS: S36 18.032 E150... Find out moreFred Piper Memorial Lookout Park Area 50 km
14 km W of Bemboka (L) or 62 km E of Cooma (R) Very small parking bay adjacent to the highway at the lookout. GPS: S36 35.841 E149 26.647... Find out moreCorunna Lake Park Area 53 km
71 km N of Bega (L) or 6 km S of Narooma (R) Very small area just off the highway on the shores of the lake. GPS: S36 16.016 E150 07.742... Find out moreHut Link Road Rest Area 54 km
89 km NE of Cann River (L) or 19 km SW of Eden (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 12.278 E149 50.695 ... Find out moreScrubby Creek Rest Area 56 km
86 km NE of Cann River (L) or 22 km SW of Eden (R) Large area just off the highway in the forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 13.370 E149 49.797... Find out moreBodalla Forest Park Rest Area 65 km
9 km N of Narooma (L) or 32 km S of Moruya (R) Large secluded area in the forest. Very good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 09.063 E150 05.729... Find out moreNimmitabel Park Area 67 km
South side of town Parking area at Lake Williams. Good facilities. GPS: S36 30.903 E149 16.928... Find out moreWallagaraugh River Rest Area 75 km
65 km NE of Cann River (L) or 43 km SW of Eden (R) Small area adjacent to the highway among a few large trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S37 22.163 E149 42.885... Find out moreGenoa Rest Area 89 km
48 km NE of Cann River (L) or 61 km SW of Eden (R) Large area well off the highway on the north side of the river. Excellent facilities. Good shade. GPS: S37 28.351 E149 35.486... Find out moreWaldrons Swamp Rest Area 97 km
8 km N of Moruya (R) or 20 km S of Batemans Bay (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 51.906 E150 07.158 ... Find out moreMount Gladstone Lookout Rest Area 97 km
T/O 4 km W of Cooma (L) or 47 km SE of Adaminaby (R) Small area 1.5 kilometres south of the highway at the lookout. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Steep access road. GPS: S36 15.04 E149 04.42... Find out moreThurra River Rest Area 112 km
11 km E of Cann River (L) or 98 km SW of Eden (R) Small but secluded area well off the highway in the forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 34.147 E149 16.346... Find out moreAdaminaby Park Area 136 km
Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 59.822 E148 46.467 ... Find out moreBemm River Rest Area 139 km
45 km E of Orbost (R) or 30 km W of Cann River (L) Small area 300 metres off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S37 37.799 E148 53.224... Find out moreBellbird Creek Rest Area 145 km
39 km E of Orbost (R) or 36 km W of Cann River (L) Small parking area next to the hotel. Good shade. GPS: S37 39.132 E148 49.058 ... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Wharf to Waves Weekend: includes 1200 m swim; Jan.