Tathra (Tathra)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell
Spot Type
12–25 kts
Wind Range

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Tathra is a fairly exposed 3 km sandy beach break on the Far South NSW coast, best known for dependable surf in the colder months (notably June). Multiple sandbar peaks can form along the length of the beach, which helps create wave options even when conditions shift. Surf tends to be most consistent in winter; summer can be mostly flat. The most favorable swell is described as coming from the south/southeast (with SSE angles often producing decent-sized surf), and the break generally works around mid tide with sources also indicating all-tide usability. Typical waves are described as small-to-medium depending on swell, with moderate power and generally peeling wave shape. Wind can support wind sports in warmer months: consistent afternoon North-Easterly sea breezes build from late morning and peak mid-to-late afternoon. Typical winds are reported in the 12–25 knot range, with gustiness characterized as light. For kite/wind/wave conditions, offshore or cleaner-feeling directions are associated with West to North-West winds, while East/NE winds can make conditions messier for the surf. Safety is a key consideration at Tathra. Rocks and sharks are listed hazards, and rips/strong currents are reported—especially near the Mogareeka Inlet at the northern end. Lifeguards are seasonal, and Surf Life Saving coverage is not guaranteed, so plan for limited rescue response and avoid areas flagged for swimming.

  • 3 km exposed beach with multiple sandbar peaks
  • Best swell performance in winter, especially June
  • Summer sea breezes support wind sports in the afternoon
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardKitesurfing freerideWindsurfing freerideWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Fairly reliable surf for a beach break, especially around winter
  • 3 km stretch with multiple possible peaks
  • Summer sea breezes can support wind sports
Heads up
  • Rocks and sharks present
  • Limited rescue availability
  • Rips/currents reported near the Mogareeka Inlet and toward the ends of the beach
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE, W, NW
Offshore directions
NW, W
Wind Range
12–25 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Consistent summer North-Easterly sea breezes; summer afternoons build and peak mid-to-late afternoon.
Reliability
Moderate reliability during summer for wind sports.
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Generally light gusts.
Best Months
June
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–14 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Small-to-medium surf is common; swell angles from SSE can bring more usable size.
Launch
Big — Long sandy beach with plenty of space for setup.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Easy launch from the beach with ample space.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
14–23 °C
Water Temperature
6–25 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Oct–May: 3/2mm steamerDec–Mar: 2mm shorty or 3/2mm steamerJun–Sep: 4/3mm steamer + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Crowds by Season

Busiest during summer school holidays and Easter; relatively quiet during winter months.

Storm/Rain Season

Generally mild year-round, with occasional East Coast lows bringing heavy rain and large swells.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Best suited for summer when North-Easterly sea breezes fill in, creating side-onshore conditions for freeriding and wave riding.

FreerideWave
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Popular for wave-sailing when wind aligns with the swell, particularly in NE summer winds.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4.7–6.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Suitable for foiling in the ocean, but riders must manage the shore break; the northern end is generally more sheltered.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Fairly exposed beach break with reliable surf in cooler months; summer can be mostly flat. Peaks are available along the full 3 km stretch.

Beach break
Optimal Swell
SSE, SE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid, All tides — Mid tide is commonly best; sources also indicate it works across all tides.
Shelter
Exposed — Overall exposed; the northern end near the wharf/headland can provide protection from southerly winds.
Wind Effect
Cross-shore at the spot overall; gets messy in East or North-East winds, and can be offshore with West and North-West winds.
Bigger Swell
Holds size up to about 2.5 meters before closing out on the outer banks.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Short to medium rides on sandbar peaks.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Typically short to medium length rides on sandbar peaks.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tathra (Tathra) in the full forecast view.

Tathra (Tathra) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–12 ktsGusts 26 kts
Direction
NE55°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2512 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
0.6–1.8 m8s period
Temperature
10–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Tathra (Tathra) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.6–1.8 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • rocks
  • sharks
  • rips
  • strong currents near Mogareeka Inlet (northern end)
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Marine rescue coverage exists for the region, but spot-level rescue is limited.
Emergency Info
Rescue availability is limited; nearest major hospital is in Bega. Seasonal patrols are provided by the local Surf Life Saving Club.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; keep clear of flagged swimming areas when lifeguards are on duty.

Restrictions
  • No kitesurfing or windsurfing within designated swimming zones
Local Tips
  • No Surf Life Saving services available—plan accordingly and monitor tides for best conditions.
  • Expect rips near the northern and southern ends, especially close to the Mogareeka Inlet.
  • Decent-sized swell angles come in from SSE; conditions are likely cleaner in the morning.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Bega
Nearest Town
Tathra
Nearest Airport
Merimbula Airport (MIM), approximately 25 km south.
Parking
Ample parking available at the Surf Club and several points along the beach road (car parks along Andy Poole Drive).
Public Transport
Limited regional bus services connect the area; private vehicle transport is the most practical option for coastal access.
Access
Accessible beach with 3km length in Tathra, Bega Valley, NSW.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Picnic area
Playground
Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping at Tathra Beach Eco Camp and various holiday rentals in town.
Food & Drink
Multiple cafes and a historic hotel overlooking the beach and wharf area.
Equipment Rental:
Surfboards and wetsuits available for hire at local surf shops.
Gear Storage
Available at select local accommodation providers and some surf life saving clubs.
Gear Repair
Limited local repair services are available; major repairs typically require shipment to Sydney or Melbourne.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A laid-back seaside area with outdoor recreation culture, including maritime heritage and nearby national-park scenery.

Best time to visit: Summer (December to February) is ideal for warm weather and water activities.
Tathra WharfLocal

A historic timber wharf offering exceptional views, fishing, and a local café.

Bega Cheese Heritage Centre20 km

Showcasing the history of dairy farming in the Bega Valley with tastings and exhibits.

Tathra MTB TrailsLocal

An extensive network of award-winning mountain bike trails through coastal forest.

Bournda National Park5 km

Offers hiking, birdwatching, and canoeing in a pristine coastal environment.

Tathra HotelLocal

A restored historic pub featuring a microbrewery and panoramic ocean views.

Magic Mountain Merimbula25 km

A family fun park with waterslides, rollercoasters, and mini-golf.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Tathra (Tathra)?

The best overall months at Tathra (Tathra) are June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are June.

Which wind directions work at Tathra (Tathra)?

Tathra (Tathra) works with NE, W, NW winds. Offshore directions are NW, W.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Tathra (Tathra)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Tathra (Tathra): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.

What skill level is Tathra (Tathra) suitable for?

Tathra (Tathra) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.