Restored iconic Tathra Wharf officially reopened

The heritage-listed Tathra Wharf on the NSW South Coast has been reopened following a major repair project after it was damaged by coastal storms.

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick and Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland officially reopened the wharf at a community event in the town on 10 August.

The historic wharf had gone through a multi-staged works program to ensure the 1862 structure continued to be a recreation and tourism magnet enjoyed by the community and visitors for generations to come.

“Without restoration works and financial backing from the NSW Government, we would have eventually lost this historic wharf to the sea,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.

“These works continue the story of a 162-year-old deep water wharf from the coastal shipping era—one of a few remaining in NSW.”

Work on the wharf included:

• Of the 78 in-water pylons, 54 were replaced and the remaining received protective works. All handrails, toe rails and kerb units were replaced as were half the sub-structure headstocks, girders and cross-braces.
• The stockyard was replaced as was the stock race, which was also extended, and the only remaining buffer assembly for coastal freighters was replaced and a second one added.
• The external and visible pylons were replaced with traditional turpentine timber pylons and some of the originals when removed were found to have blacksmith forged points to protect the timber while being driven into the seabed.
• 760 square metres of the main deck was replaced, excluding the access ramp which was replaced in 2016, and 150 square metres for the stockyard and stock race.

It is estimated upgraded pylons should last at least another 100 years.

Construction teams advised that some highlights of the restoration included whales swimming very close to the wharf, and goannas making surprise appearances while stealing fisher’s catches and scaring the occasional visitor.

Interest and support shown by the local community and visitors, including café staff and museum volunteers, during the restoration period was also another highlight.

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said Tathra Wharf is a key heritage site which contributed to the economic and social development of the South Coast in the 1800s, when coastal shipping provided an essential link between isolated communities and the outside world.

“The wharf’s structure and design reflects the engineering and maritime industries of the 19th century and the continued preservation of the structure after 160 years maintains an enduring connection to our region’s colourful history,” Dr Holland said.

“Tathra Wharf may no longer be actively used for shipping, but it still plays an important role for the South Coast economy as one of its treasured community assets and tourist attractions.”