One of the sparkling gems of the New South Wales Sapphire Coast, Tathra is the ultimate coastal holiday haven. A six-hour drive south of Sydney or just 20 minutes north of Merimbula Airport, this laid-back small town has plenty of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are five reasons why it should be on your radar.   

Laid-back coastal dining 

The small town of Tathra boasts an impressive range of cafés and restaurants for its size, with a strong focus on wholesome local produce and top-quality coffee.  

Options abound for your morning caffeine hit. Tucked away down a side street behind Tathra Beach, Blend Providore Fine Food and Coffee also stocks a great selection of local cheeses, meats and other gourmet produce to put together a picnic basket for lunch on the beach. Just around the corner, Wild Orchid serves some of the tastiest café fare (and coffee) on the far South Coast in a light and airy space you'll want to linger in. Right on Tathra's historic wharf, get a front row seat for whale watching (which peaks in spring) at The Wharf Local, a café-gallery specialising in fresh bread, pastries and good coffee. 

Later on, head to the Tathra Hotel. Opened in 1888 and set on a cliff top overlooking the ocean, it's a South Coast icon. Grab a spot on the sunny deck and sample fresh seafood and craft beer from the on-site Humpback Brewery.  

Award-winning oysters 

If you want to sample oysters at their very best, Tathra is the place. Award-winning Sydney rock oysters are grown in the pristine conditions of Nelson Lake, just north of town, by family-owned Tathra Oysters. No other commercial farms operate in the estuary, meaning these unique oysters are only available from this supplier. Renowned for their complex flavours and lasting sweetness, these delicacies can be purchased from Tathra Oysters' 'Little Shop Behind The House' on Reservoir Street. The peak season for Sydney rocks is August to March, which also coincides with Tathra's best weather. 

Great fishing  

From estuaries to the open ocean, the sparkling waters around Tathra teem with fish. Throw a line in straight off Tathra's iconic wharf (idea for first-time fishers) and reel in flathead, snapper, leatherjacket, salmon or red rock. The northern end of Tathra Beach is another excellent fishing spot, where your catch could include whiting, bream, salmon, tailor and flathead. 

The Bega River meets the ocean close to Tathra, creating an estuary that's ideal for fishing from a small boat or from the shore. Bass, bream and perch are the most common catches, with good prawning in the warmer months. For game fishing, hook up with Headland Fishing charters in Merimbula. 

Outdoor adventures 

Nestled between national parks to the north and south and hugging the dazzling blue ocean (which attracts surfers of all experience levels), Tathra is a nature lover's playground. In Mimosa Rocks National Park to the north, intriguing rock formations and rugged cliffs separate a string of idyllic beaches. At the northern end of the park, marvel at the rock 'pyramid' from the lookout at the end of the easy, 2km-return Mimosa Rocks Walking Track. Other highlights include the secluded curve of Moon Bay located down a steep walking track, and the 1km-return Wajurda Point Walking Track which leads you to a superb coastal lookout. Take binoculars — it's a great vantage point for dolphin spotting and seasonal whale watching.  

To the south, Bournda National Park has two scenic walking trails. Discover hidden beaches on the 9km Kangarutha Walking Track that hugs the coast (allow up to four hours each way), go kayaking in Bournda Lagoon, enjoy a swim in the calm waters of Wallagoot Lake, and maybe even set up camp at Hobart Beach Campground on the lake's southern shores.  

Finally, if you love mountain biking, you can also tackle the Bundadung Mountain Biking Network, which begins just 800m from the hub of all things mountain biking, Tathra Beach and Bike. 

History and heritage 

Tathra has rich Aboriginal and maritime histories. The Traditional Owners of the land are the Yuin people, who are thought to have occupied the region for more than 7,000 years before Europeans settled there. Look for the four signs between Tathra Public School's bush tucker garden and Tathra's headland that detail significant Aboriginal sites and history.  

The only remaining deep-water timber wharf on Australia's east coast, Tathra Wharf, built in 1862, holds a significant place in maritime history. Once a docking station for steamships carrying cargo and passengers between the Bega Valley and Sydney, the wharf is now more popular for its café, fishing opportunities, and the Tathra Wharf Museum, which showcases its fascinating history. 

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