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Tathra

Tathra Beach, Tourism New South Wales

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

www.sapphirecoast.com.au

Nearby national parks

Nearby towns

  • 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 more


Merimbula 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 more


Pambula 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 more


Bermagui 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 more


Eden 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 more


Lake 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 more


Green 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 more


Narooma 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 more


Wallagaraugh 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 more


Maramingo 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 more


Eco-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 more


Platypus-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 more


Sailing - 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 more


Croajingolong 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 more


Snowy 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 more


Canoeing 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 more


Cross-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 more


Bushwalking 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 more


Bushwalking 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 more


Picnicking 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 more


Golf 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 more


Royal 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 more


Nearby 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 more


Campsites 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 more


Gillards 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 more


Middle 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 more


Picnic 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 more


Bega 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 more


Aragunnu 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 more


Six 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 more


Postman’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 more


Alexanders 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 more


Mowarry 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 more


Caravan parks around town

Seabreeze Holiday Park 1 km

This is a very good quality park located across the road from the surf club, and just a stroll to local eateries. The features here are outstanding and include Austar television cabled to every site. Bookings are... Find out more


Tathra Beach Family Park 1 km

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 more


Merimbula 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 more


Discovery 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 more


Zane 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 more


Eden 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 more


Garden 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 more


Discovery 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 more


Island 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 more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Tathra Beachhouse 
Apartments

Directly opposite Tathra’s surf beach, and just a short walk to restaurants and shops, Tathra Beachhouse is an award-winning complex of 26 units with a range of accommodation options: villa-style, town house,... Find out more


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 more


Jacarri 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 more


Alpine 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 more


Arthur’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 more


Rest 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 more


Yellowpinch 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 more


Quaama 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 more


Bemboka 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 more


Mystery 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 more


Fred 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 more


Corunna 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 more


Hut 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 more


Scrubby 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 more


Bodalla 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 more


Nimmitabel Park Area 67 km

South side of town Parking area at Lake Williams. Good facilities. GPS: S36 30.903 E149 16.928... Find out more


Wallagaraugh 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 more


Genoa 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 more


Waldrons 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 more


Mount 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 more


Thurra 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 more


Adaminaby Park Area 136 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 59.822 E148 46.467  ... Find out more


Bemm 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 more


Bellbird 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 more


What's on around town

Wharf to Waves Weekend: includes 1200 m swim; Jan.

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