Tathra (Tathra)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- Fairly reliable surf for a beach break, especially around winter
- 3 km stretch with multiple possible peaks
- Summer sea breezes can support wind sports
- Rocks and sharks present
- Limited rescue availability
- Rips/currents reported near the Mogareeka Inlet and toward the ends of the beach
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
Busiest during summer school holidays and Easter; relatively quiet during winter months.
Generally mild year-round, with occasional East Coast lows bringing heavy rain and large swells.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Best suited for summer when North-Easterly sea breezes fill in, creating side-onshore conditions for freeriding and wave riding.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Popular for wave-sailing when wind aligns with the swell, particularly in NE summer winds.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–6.5 m²
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
Fairly exposed beach break with reliable surf in cooler months; summer can be mostly flat. Peaks are available along the full 3 km stretch.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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)
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.
- No kitesurfing or windsurfing within designated swimming zones
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A laid-back seaside area with outdoor recreation culture, including maritime heritage and nearby national-park scenery.
A historic timber wharf offering exceptional views, fishing, and a local café.
Showcasing the history of dairy farming in the Bega Valley with tastings and exhibits.
An extensive network of award-winning mountain bike trails through coastal forest.
Offers hiking, birdwatching, and canoeing in a pristine coastal environment.
A restored historic pub featuring a microbrewery and panoramic ocean views.
A family fun park with waterslides, rollercoasters, and mini-golf.
From riders who've been here
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.