Meet the site
Tathra Wharf is one of only two large ocean wharves in NSW that are regularly dived (the other is Merimbula). The first wharf was built in 1862 and replaced in 1878 so coastal steamers could land passengers and cargo for Tathra and Bega and ship out cattle and dairy produce. It was used until road transport took over in the mid-1900s and has since been restored as a heritage structure, with a restaurant and museum in the building on the wharf.
There are two dives. The one McFadyen rates best heads north towards the point. From the entry, you descend to 3 m in a shallow valley of clean white and pink rock, reach the reef edge at 7–8 m and follow the sand edge north. For the first 10 minutes the bottom is fairly bare. Then, at a couple of large boulders with small overhangs, the site changes dramatically. The rocks are covered in sponges, sea squirts, Gabo Island soft corals, giant jelly ascidians, magnificent ascidians and literally thousands of gorgonians, from hand-sized fans to specimens as big as a small person, in yellow, pink, red and purple. McFadyen says there are more gorgonians here than anywhere he has seen outside the tropics, the best south of the Great Barrier Reef. Basket stars cling to some fans. Fish include large schools of yellowtail, many species of leatherjacket, friendly blue groper, blackfish and wrasse. The depth reaches about 15 m among more boulders and gullies.
The second dive explores the area under the wharf, where barnacle-encrusted pylons shelter juvenile fish, seahorses, morays, butterflyfish, octopus, large stingrays and groper (Merimbula Divers Lodge). If many people are fishing from the wharf, avoid that area because of lines and hooks. McFadyen calls Tathra one of the best shore dives he has done, and it suits Open Water divers who can manage the rock climb and judge the swell.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tathra Wharf is recorded as Jetty/Pier in Bermagui & Tathra. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Tathra Wharf suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Tathra Wharf through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Gorgonians (thousands, many colours), basket stars, sponges, sea squirts, Gabo Island soft corals, giant jelly ascidians, magnificent ascidians, yellowtail, leatherjackets, blue groper, blackfish, wrasse, seahorses, morays, butterflyfish, octopus, large stingrays
Location
Historic ocean wharf (1862, rebuilt 1878) on the northern side of Tathra; shore dive either north along the reef towards the point – with some of the best gorgonian growth south of the Great Barrier Reef – or under the wharf; 3–15 m.
Facilities nearby
Small car park at the end of Wharf Road; restaurant/café and museum on the wharf; shops and pub in Tathra; nearest air fills Merimbula or Eden.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
michaelmcfadyenscuba.infomerimbuladiverslodge.com.aumerimbuladiverslodge.com.ausapphirecoastscuba.comdiveeden.com.aupeterfuller.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.