29 December 2017

Canberra Day Trips: Get away from it all in Tathra

| Canberra Day Trips
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Historic Tathra Wharf nestled behind Tathra Beach. Photo: Sapphire Coast.

The tiny town of Tathra sits between two magnificent national parks. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome in this tightly-knit hideaway which has the feel of an untouched coastal getaway from a bygone era. You’ll find walking trails, lagoons, fabulous beaches and plentiful wildlife in this photographer’s paradise.

Why you’ll love it

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  • Tathra nestles between Bournda National Park and Mimosa Rocks National Park, so if it’s nature you’re after, it’s right on your doorstep.
  • There are some beautiful walks along the rugged coastline, and seemingly endless cliffs, caves and beaches waiting to be explored.
  • The beach meanders 3 kilometres around the shoreline. Lifeguards are on duty in summer, and because it is quite protected, it is ideal for surfing and water activities.
  • If sheltered swimming is more your thing, then Mogareeka Inlet, (where the Bega River meets the sea) at the end of the main beach, could suit you better.
  • The inlet is a top spot to launch your boat to go fishing in the river or take your binoculars and spot the thriving bird life, but the entire area is a paradise for anglers.
  • The coastal town is rich in history. Tathra Wharf is the only remaining sea wharf on the east coast and is popular with visitors and people casting a line into the water.
  • There is a perfect spot for a barbecue or picnic with a great park near the beach with tables, a playground and toilets making it a great day out.
  • Tathra is fast gaining a cult following for its super flowing seaside single mountain bike track and its annual MTB Enduro event.
  • For a small township, there is a surprising number of places to grab a Taste of Tathra, from elegant restaurants to clubs to casual beachfront cafes.

Getting there

From Canberra, take the Monaro Highway through Cooma, then the Snowy Mountains Highway over Brown Mountain until you reach a T-intersection with the Princes Highway near Bega. Follow the Princes Highway until just past Bega, then turn into Kerrison’s Lane, which will become Tathra Road and take you into the heart of Tathra.

When to go

Tathra is a wonderful escape from the rat race at any time of year, but it comes to life in summer, when conditions are perfect for swimming and water sports in the crystal-clear waters. The warmer months are the best time to explore the beaches and feast on fresh seafood at the wharf. Keen anglers might prefer to visit when the fishing is best, with the prawning season running from November to May and the beach delivering salmon and tailor, among other fish, at this time.

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Key details

  • Duration: Tathra is around three hours from the centre of Canberra, via Cooma and Brown Mountain.
  • Distance from Canberra: 250 kilometres each way.
  • Recommended for: people who enjoy pristine beaches, untouched natural parks, surfing, diving, fishing, history, or just relaxing while listening to the waves crash nearby.
  • More information: Visit NSW.

The area around Tathra is full of hidden gems tucked into the surrounding National Parks. Do you have any favourite spots you’d like to share with others?

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