Tathra Headland loop walk

Tathra Headland loop walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

This is the best walk for great views of Tathra Beach and the surrounding land and sea scapes. It also has much interesting history to share that is well worth taking time over. It can be emotional.

Description

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Dramatic history, land and seascapes surround you on this fascinating loop walk. Expect the unexpected as you stroll back through the years reading emotion evoking memorial plaques and examining the history of the area.

The path as mapped is entirely paved with one set of steps. However, mobility aid users will find they have been catered for on the eastern aspect of the walk with wide, flat and sealed concrete paths, grippy decked ramps and broad lookouts providing for a return walk without steps.

This is the perfect location for whale watching, particularly in August to November during the annual east coast migration. Dolphins also frequent the area. Don't just look down, though sea eagles hunt this coast from above.

There is comprehensive interpretive signage describing historic and cultural periods and events. The north eastern part of the walk down to the wharf was the original wharf access (1860s). It was formally completed in WWII and later sealed as part of the Snowy Mountain Highway. However, this was damaged by storm seas in the 1970s. There are still remnants present.

Amenities include picnic tables, car parking, drinking water, lookouts and access to the wharf itself. Check if the Wharf Museum is operating.

Dogs must be on a leash.

Other Sapphire Coast walks:
Middle Lagoon & Beach loop walk
Merimbula Boardwalk
Jiguma coastal walk
Goodenia Rainforest walk
Lake Street / Djirringanj People's walk
Mimosa Rocks / Aragunnu Beach walk
Pambula River Mouth walk
Pinnacles loop walk
Sandy Creek / Bournda Lagoon loop walk
Wajurda Point / Moon Bay walk

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1315 Views

Points of Interest

1. Tathra Wharf (1862)

The historic wharf had been slated for demolition in 1974 until the local community stepped. Instead, it is now being fully restored. It is looking great.

2. View to Tathra Beach

Looking across the rocky north west points and bluffs of the headland to Tathra Surf Lifesaving Club (1909). This is the beginning of the long arc that is the stunning Tathra Beach.

3. Wharf fishing

The wharf is an excellent spot from which to fish. A fish cleaning table is provided. Toilets are also available (including an accessible toilet via ramps).

4. Steps

If you do this walk as a loop you will encounter one set of concrete steps up from Wharf Road.

5. Picnic tables

Picnic tables and rubbish bins are available next to the car park. The drinking fountain is by the shelter. Tathra shops are a short walk away.

6. Memorial garden

It makes for quite emotional reading as you walk the memorial plaque section of the path toward the upper lookout.

7. The upper lookout

Looking due north across Boulder Bay (along Tathra Beach) to Wajurda Point. In 2018 sixty-nine homes were lost as bushfires ravaged the area.

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8. Interpretive signage

Fascinating historic and cultural stories are told as you walk. Allow yourself the time to take these in.

9. Shelter

This shelter houses large format interpretive boards including a site Directory and descriptions of Aboriginal and European history. Tathra Headland was an Aboriginal ceremonial site.

10. For mobility aid users

Particular attention has been paid to the sections of the walk commencing at the car park. The smooth, wide and sealed paths are traversable by mobility aid users.

11. View to the south east

Looking across the heath on the rocky points and bluffs of the Headlands.

12. The lower lookout

The larger of the two lookouts here is ramped so people using mobility aids can safely take the walk down to the wharf. Note: there is a mild slope. A WWII observation post was situated here.