Tathra Wharf

Region: Tathra, NSW

Skill Level: Intermediate

Depth: 3-15m

Water Temperature: 12-20°C

Visibility: Said to be normally quite good (no published range)

Best Time to Dive: Calm days without north-easterly wind or swell; McFadyen says strong north-easterlies make it dangerous above 10 to 15 knots.

Marine Life: Gorgonians in their thousands, sponges, sea squirts, Gabo Island soft corals, giant jelly ascidians, basket stars; yellowtail, yellowtail scad, old wives, leatherjackets, blue gropers, blackfish, wrasse, Port Jackson sharks, banded wobbegongs, smooth stingrays, crested horn sharks.

Hazards: Steep rock climb down to and up from the entry; north-easterly wind and swell; anglers' lines around the wharf; high ladder if entering from the wharf.

Facilities: Small car park at the end of Wharf Road; café and museum in the cargo building on the wharf.