The rich Bega River flats and nearby coastal areas were developed in the 1800s.
With poor roads, no rail and irregular punts used to cross the Bega River, a jetty at Tathra was built to provide access for the shipping of local goods to Sydney. The Bega Valley produced pigs, beef and skins, butter, cream, cheese and wattle bark.
In 1862, a platform was constructed over the jetty and in 1866, a single-storey cargo shed was added.
The newly-established Illawarra Steamship Company (locally known as the Pig & Whistle Line) provided a regular transport service by steamer, beginning a near century partnership with the district's farmers.
The wharf and buildings continued to be extended during the late 1800s, with cattle and pig yards added in 1901. The wharf was extended in 1903 and the present two-storey building was constructed in 1908 to store cargo. Spring-loaded buffers were introduced to assist in the berthing of larger vessels in the difficult north-easterly seas to which the wharf was exposed. This was in conjunction with a mooring buoy to the north-east of the jetty.
Between 1907 and 1912, the wharf underwent major extensions in eight definable stages, including a sub-deck, jib crane, the addition of a cattle race, loading ramp and passenger shelter. In 1919, the passenger shelter was replaced by a more substantial construction abutting the two-storey cargo shed.
The last passenger steamship, the SS Cobargo, departed in 1952. In 1954, the SS Tathra was the last cargo steamer to leave the wharf. Up to 1954, the working wharf was the lifeblood of the district, providing work for the locals, an outlet for produce and a port for incoming goods desperately needed by the growing communities.
Management of NSW wharves was delegated to local shire councils. The financial burden was huge; mass deterioration resulted and invariably each fell into disrepair, with a number meeting their end by fire.
Tathra Wharf has faced numerous challenges over the decades. Severe weather conditions, including storms and heavy seas, took their toll on the structure.
Facing demolition in 1973, the wharf's fate turned thanks to the community’s concern. Persistence by many individuals led to the formation of the Tathra Wharf Action Movement and by 1977, the Tathra Wharf Trust had secured a lease to restore this historic site. The wharf was officially reopened on 16 December 1988.
In 2006, piers, bearers and the platform were replaced using spotted gum and turpentine timbers as originally built. The cargo shed roof was also renovated. Further remedial work was undertaken following a severe storm in 2016.
The latest renovation, completed in 2024, included the replacement of pylons, the stockyard, buffer assembly and main deck. Theis should see the wharf standing for at least another century.
