Tathra was actually settled after its wharf had been built. Many farmers had seen the need for a reliable local port facility from which to send their produce to Sydney. For many years, the only reliable link with the city was by steamers that carried everything from the district including cheese, butter, pigs and passengers. Pn the southern voyage the steamers brought supplies and luxury goods which were not available locally.

Later, people started to come to Tathra as a holiday spot, but the wharf continued to berth steameers until the 1950's. The National Trust has scince recognised the importance of the Tathra Wharf in the history of the South Coast and also as part of Australia's heritage. The wharf is classified by the trust as the only remaining restored steamer wharf on Australia's coastline.

The Tathra Wharf is still dominant in the town as the focus of fun and recreation.

The Tourist Information Centre is located at the Tathra Wharf.

The centre holds information, maps, directions, opening times and advice on activities and venues in Tathra and the region. Open daily 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Phone: 64944062

Tathra Beach is 3 kms of safe, pristine surf beach, patrolled in summer and protected from southerlies by a steep headland. The Tathra Surf Club is at the southernend of the beach. A fantastic new walking and cycling track ensures easy access along Andy Poole Drive right down to the inlet.

At Mogareeka Inlet where the Bega River goes out to the inlet, there is safe, shallow water and sandy beaches. a launching ramp allows access to the river for power boating and water skiing or river fishing. The area is great for canoeing and windsurfing. BBQ, picnic, playground and toilets make this a perfect family spot.

TATHRA WHARF

The tathra Wharf has changed roles in recent years, but is still the hub of activity in Tathra. Today, the wharf houses a maritime museum upstairs whereas underneath it carries crafts and souvenirs, refreshments, seafood on the wharf, and of course, supplies for fishermen and divers. out on the restored platform, the fishing is keen and the view is spectacular.

Coose between beach fishing, rock fishing, prawning at the river or dropping in a line off the wharf. At Kianinny Bay a launchiing ramp gives access to the Pacific ocean for boats of all sizes. This is the home of the Tathra Amateir Fishing Club, which runs regular amateur fishing competitions. Other facilities include a fish cleaning area, picnic spot, playground and toilets. Charters are available for deep sea fishing and diving. Full details on fishing conditions are available at the wharf.

As well as sailboarding, surfing, swimming, boating and canoeing, there is also under the water to explore around tathra. Divers can experience excellent diversity of fish, invertibrates and gorgonian life. Snorkelling also reveals a large variety of marine life. Visitors to the Tathra Country and Bowling Clubs are welcome to challenge the locals on the 9-hole golf course, tennis coourts or three bowling greens.

The Beach House Gallery has a selected range of craft and giftware. the gallery is a devotee to art with an emphasis on the local environment.  Open 7 days.

Apple Gum antique Tea Room 1 Bournda Park, Kalaru. Specialising in collectables and antiques. Devonshire teas.  Open 7 days 10am to 4pm.  Phone 6494 1943.

Nestled in an attractive rural setting a short drive from tathra, Bilyara Gallery offers quality arts, crafts and wholesome refreshments.  Open 10am to 5pm Wed to Sun and public holidays. Wallagoot Lane.  Phone 6494 1559.

Nearby, at Country Brook, recycled timbers are made into individul pieces of colonial style furniture.  Open 10am to 5pm Mon to Sat.  Phone 6494 1363.

Gnomes and Friends on Saphire Coast Drive has a full collection of stoneware, animals, birds and ornaments for the garden. The gnomes would be pleased to see you on any day from 9am to 5pm.  phone 6494 1960.

Kanguratha Nursery at Evans Hill on the Snowy Mountains Hwy has an extensive range of native and exotic plants and is open every day.  Phone 6494 1500.

Kalaru Orchid Nursery on the snowy Mountains Hwy soecialises in orchids and native varieties.  Open daily.  Phone 6494 1230.

Fresh seafood and other delights can be enjoyed at several venues in Tathra. The Tathra Hotel Motel offers fabulous panoramic views in the Ocean Blue Brasserie with popular bands all year round.  phone 6494 1101.

Tathra Beach Bowling and Country Clubs offer relaxation, refreshments and meals.

Mimosa Rocks Resteraunt offers wood-fired oven pizza and gourmet meals.  Phone 6494 1483

The Tathra Forest Wildlife Reserve has walking trails on the western boundary of the town where native flora and fauna abound. Start at the tourist information bay on the Snowy Mountains Hwy.

The 9 km Kangarutha Track from Kianinny Bay offers a challenging walk with spectacular coastal views.

Bournda National Park is a combination of oceans, beaches, creeks and lagoons and the expensive waters of Wallagoot Lake, which makes it a most appealing area. Bournda has facilities for camping at Hobart Beach on the southern shores of Wallagoot Lake. Bushwalking is well Provided for in the park with an extensive network of tracks. Other popular activities include; fishing, surfing, picnicking, canoeing, swimming and birdwatching.

To the north, Mimosa Rocks National Park attracts walkers, campers and birdwatches. It is a heavily timbered park and its rugged coastlinehas caves, cliffs, lagoons and beaches to be explored.