The quaint little beachside town of Tathra located on the far south coast of NSW in Australia, is full of a wonderful variety of things to do!
Home to stunning beaches and rugged coastal scenery, with plenty of activities available, Tathra is a popular destination for holidaymakers, as well as a popular stop-off on any Sydney to Melbourne road trip.
Whether you’re keen for some surfing or paddle boarding at the beach, bushwalking or kayaking through the National Parks, enjoying historical landmarks or just admiring the views, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Tathra!
Where is Tathra NSW
Tathra is located on The Sapphire Coast – one of the most beautiful regions of NSW! It lies close to the southern tip of the NSW border, and is around 430 km south of Sydney.
If you were to drive non-stop between Sydney and Tathra it would take over 6 hours.
There are, however, many stunning places along the way to stop off at and break up the journey, including Tilba, Jervis Bay and Narooma – absolutely incredible places that you must visit!
Not only is The Sapphire Coast one of the most stunning regions in the state, but because it is too far from the crowded cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra to do a weekend trip, there are considerably less visitors here than other parts of NSW.
Therefore the beaches around The Sapphire Coast are really unspoiled and rugged – some of the best on the East Coast of Australia actually, and the area definitely feels less touristy!
In addition to Tathra, other lovely beachside towns along The Sapphire Coast that you should visit if you have time are Bermagui, Merimbula and Eden.
Here is the Google maps location of Tathra.
What Is Tathra Known For?
The laid-back town of Tathra is known for its natural beauty, its epic long surf beach (one of the best in NSW!) and the iconic Tathra Wharf and lookout. It is definitely worth visiting if you are in the area!
Things To Do In Tathra NSW
Let’s look at all the best things to do in Tathra, as well as recommended accommodations and places to eat & drink:
Tathra Wharf
A must-do when in Tathra is to take a walk along the iconic Heritage-listed Tathra Wharf.
The historic wharf and the peach-coloured building that houses the Tathra Wharf Museum & Cafe were built in the 1860s and remain an important point for the community.
The views from the wharf are lovely, and there is always lots going on around here, as well as it being a very popular fishing and sunset spot.
Head inside the cafe – The Wharf Local, for a delicious cake and coffee. The interiors here are so lovely, and they have seating outside so you can sit and watch the world go by!
Tathra Headland Walk
From the Tathra Wharf, follow the path on the left that leads up to the Tathra Headland.
The Tathra Headland Walk is 300m long but the views out across the bay are absolutely incredible!
Especially if you’ll be here during the whale watching season (August to November), when the humpback whales make their annual migration from Antarctica along the NSW coastline up to Queensland and back, head to the elevated viewing platform and keep on the lookout for whales as you can often spot them from here!
The Tathra Headland Walk is a boardwalk and walking path that is suitable for wheelchairs
Tathra Beach
Tathra’s main beach – Tathra Beach, is located in the heart of Tathra and runs for three kilometres.
With crystal clear turquoise waters and pristine white sands, this beach is beautiful and definitely worth a visit – plus it never gets crowded!
Have a sunbathe, go for a swim, enjoy the barbecues or the cafes and restaurants just behind the beach, or let the kids play at the all-abilities playground whilst you relax.
The beach is popular with families, and beach wheelchairs with floats are available from Tathra Surf Life Saving Club (phone 0427 941 467 if you require one).
Plus if you visit in the early morning you might spot some kangaroos or wallabies on the beach!
Swimming and Surfing
Tathra Beach is great for surfing and swimming, and is patrolled in the summer months. The beach is protected from southerly winds, which makes it really good for surfing and other water sports.
In addition, there are calm spots to go swimming.
Mogareeka
At the northern end of Tathra Beach where the mouth of the Bega River is, you’ll find the stunning Mogareeka Inlet.
Mogareeka has a wide sandy secluded beach with calmer waters that is stunning and ideal for swimming and paddle boarding.
Mogareeka Inlet is perfect if you wish to get away from people and have a peaceful experience!
Fishing is also popular here, plus there is a boat ramp and you can also rent sailing craft and canoes in the summer.
There’s plenty of parking at Mogareeka carpark.
Tathra Mountain Biking
Over the last few years, Tathra has become one of the best coastal mountain biking locations in NSW!
It is surrounded by an impressive 50km of great mountain biking trails which cater to all levels of experience – from easy to challenging, from beginners and children to very experienced riders.
The mountain biking trail is unique being located along the coast, and so mountain biking is a really great way to take in the stunning coastal views and natural beauty of Tathra and its surrounds!
Hire a mountain bike or even an electric mountain bike from Tathra Beach & Bike, Tathra’s one-stop shop for adventures!
They’ll give you all the information you need regarding the mountain biking tracks, plus you can also cycle along the National Park trails such as the ones to Nelson’s Beach and Moon Bay in nearby Mimosa Rocks National Park.
Tathra Beach & Bike is located on Andy Poole Drive opposite Tathra Beach.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding Water Activities
Tathra Beach & Bike also hires out stand-up paddleboards and kayaks if you fancy a water adventure! Especially up by the Bega River and Mogareeka Inlet is a great place to go paddle boarding and kayaking.
Chamberlain Lookout
Chamberlain Lookout is located in the southern part of Tathra at the end of Kianinny Street. It lies on the northern headland of Kianinny Bay and provides stunning coastal views of Kianinny Bay and Bournda National Park.
It’s another popular whale-watching spot during the cooler months!
Kianinny Bay & Boat Ramp
Just to the west of Chamberlain Lookout you’ll find the lovely sheltered inlet of Kianinny Bay. Kianinny is known for its crystal clear blue water plus its resident stingrays!
Kianinny Bay is a great place to go for a swim in the summer (or jump off the jetty into the water!) and sit with a picnic as it is often sheltered from any winds.
There is also the Kianinny boat ramp here, plus just to the right of the bay by the picnic area you’ll find the start of the Kangarutha Walking Track.
Kangarutha walking track – Bournda National Park
The 9km one-way Kangarutha Walking Track goes from Kianniny Bay to Turingal Head, through the northern section of Bournda National Park.
It is definitely a challenging walk, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Bournda National Park’s rugged coastline!
The track is mostly through bushland and rainforest along the coast, and you’ll get to enjoy secluded sandy bays, pebbly beaches and cliff-top views.
You can do the whole walk to Turingal Head, or just walk halfway to White Rocks and get someone to pick you up from there.
Tathra is surrounded by stunning scenery, so the walking tracks really provide visitors with a great opportunity to see all the natural beauty Tathra offers.
Wharf To Wharf Walk – Tathra To Merimbula
Alternatively, if you’re up for a huge challenge – do the 27km Tathra Wharf to Merimbula Wharf coastal walk!
You can do the walk independently on a two-day hike, camping at Hobart Beach Campground in the National Park – refer to the Wharf to Wharf Walk website for help planning your walk.
The stunning walk goes along the length of Bournda National Park, and you’ll go past impressive cliffs, stunning rugged beaches and Wallagoot Lagoon. There are signs along the way to help you follow the track.
Mimosa Rocks National Park
Just 5km north of Tathra is Mimosa Rocks National Park – one of the most picturesque National Parks in NSW. Moon Bay and Nelson Beach are stunning beaches here, and the views from Wajurda Point Lookout are fantastic.
Access to the small and sandy Moon Bay is by a steep stairway with almost 100 steps. It is very secluded with no amenities, but it is so beautiful.
Mimosa Rocks National Park is host to many gorgeous beaches, as well as lots of rocky coves, caves, lagoons and headlands. There aren’t many facilities in the National Park so make sure to bring a picnic!
Tathra Accommodation
BUDGET
A 5 minute drive to Tathra Beach are the stunning Kianinny Bush Cottages.
With a heated pool, a private lake, a golf course, free kayaks, tennis and a basketball court, guests can really enjoy the outdoors here! Plus all the cottages have log fires and patios with bbqs!
MIDRANGE
BIG4 Tathra Beach Holiday Park
A 2 minute walk from the beach, The Big4 has camping options, as well as villas and self-contained chalets options and is a popular place to stay in town. There is also a swimming pool here.
Perched on the Tathra headland – the Tathra Hotel & Motel offers great views and also features a popular bistro and bar. Stay in the heritage suites, oceanfront rooms or the adjoining motel.
200 metres from Tathra Beach, you’ll find studios and family rooms available in a locally peaceful setting.
LUXURY
Another beachside option in Tathra, Tathra Beachside has a wide range of accommodation, from campsites to luxury 3-bedroom beach villas. There’s also a waterpark here for the little ones.
These self-contained apartments in a resort-style setting are in the ideal location in Tathra right opposite Tathra Beach and close to all the shops and cafes.
There’s also a swimming pool here at the apartments.
Places To Eat In Tathra NSW
Tathra Hotel
Built in 1888, the heritage-listed Tathra Hotel is one of the best-located pubs in Australia! Sitting on top of the Tathra headland with 270-degree panoramic ocean views, it’s a great place to go for food.
There’s a nice atmosphere here, with plenty of character, plus they serve really nice local food and there’s a great verandah from which you can watch the sunset.
There is live music here every Sunday 4-7 pm, plus you can also stay overnight here in the heritage suites, oceanfront rooms or the adjoining motel.
Fat Tony’s Tathra – Bar and Grill
Just down the road from the Tathra Hotel is Fat Tonys, a popular restaurant set in a renovated 1905 heritage house. The meals are great here (especially the steak and seafood), and there’s a nice relaxed vibe.
The Wharf Local
Located on Tathra Wharf, this quaint and charming café serves delicious cakes and great coffee, plus it offers fantastic ocean views.
Produce comes from local suppliers and there is also an art gallery inside featuring the work of local artists!
Tathra Beach Bowling Club
A bowling club & bistro that serves great pub grub at reasonable prices.
As Tathra is just a small town, the restaurants here can fill up fast, especially during the summer holidays. It’s best (but not necessary) to make a booking beforehand.
Tathra also has a small IGA Supermarket, as well as a few stores such as a butcher shop, bakery, newsagents, chemist, and two convenience stores.
Bega is a 20 minute drive inland of Tathra and has much larger chain supermarkets and supplies, so it’s a good idea to stock up here.
Continuing Your Road Trip From Tathra
If you are heading north, the road from Tathra to Bermagui along the coast is one of the most stunning drives on the Far South Coast of NSW.
With rivers and creeks featuring original timber bridge crossings, as well as stunning mountain scenery and oysters growing in lagoons, it’s truly stunning.
If you are heading towards Melbourne, make sure to stop off at Raymond Island (to see the wild koalas!) & Walhalla (Australia’s spookiest town) in Victoria!