The Tathra Wharf to Waves is a South Coast gem, laid-back, beautiful, and beloved by locals and visitors alike. Returning each summer with a splash, it’s one of those ocean swims that feels like a weekend away with friends, set against the charm of one of NSW’s most picturesque seaside towns.
The event offers two swims, both anchored to the historic Tathra Wharf, where swimmers launch into clear, protected waters with a big breath and a big grin. The 600m Wharf to Waves is a breezy out-and-back from the beach, ideal for first-timers or those chasing a relaxed start to their morning. Want a bit more salt for your stroke? The 1.2km return swim takes you out to the wharf and back again, giving you a full loop of Tathra’s best views from the water.
A 200m course for juniors and a free kids Dash & Splash round out the morning’s lineup.
This event is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of coastal living, of wharf dives and sandy toes, of locals cheering from the headland and surf lifesavers guiding the way. It’s an event with heart, soul, and a post-swim buzz that lingers long after the towels come off.
With crystal-clear water, a friendly vibe, and that sweet small-town energy, the Tathra Wharf to Waves is proof that sometimes the best swims aren’t the biggest, they’re just the ones that make you smile the whole way home.
*The courses on this map are approximate; the final courses on the day may differ
Tathra Beach is a gently sloping bay with typically calm surf and good visibility. The swims all start at the beach, looping out towards the heritage-listed Tathra Wharf and back.
Water temperatures in March are warm (21–23°C), and conditions are generally swimmer-friendly, perfect for all levels.
Wetsuits are optional for this event. For the 1.2km swim, swimmers wearing a wetsuit will not be eligible for overall placings or prizes, but will still be eligible for age-group awards. If the water temperature is below 18°C on event day, all swimmers will be strongly advised to wear a wetsuit, and prizes will be awarded regardless of wetsuit use.
7:00 am – Registration opens
7:30 am – W2W 600 swim rego closes
8:30 am – W2W 600 swim start
9:00 am – W2W 200 & W2W 1200 rego closes
9:45 am – W2W 1200 swim start
10:15 am – W2W 200 rego closes
10:45 am – W2W 200 swim start
10:45 am – Dash & Splash rego opens
11:15 am – Dash & Splash rego closes
11:30 am – Dash & Splash start
12:00 pm – Presentations
For the full event timetable, visit the official event website.
Have A Go: 1km Training Program
Whether you’re coming back after a long break or you’re completely new to swimming, we’ll help you prepare for your 1km swim. Learn more
Learn online with the OceanFit Academy or join a hands-on ocean clinic to improve your surf and open water skills.
Tathra is a stunning beachside escape about 6 6-hour drive from Sydney and just 3 hours from Canberra, perfect for a long-weekend getaway or mini road trip with a salty twist. The swim hub is centred around Tathra Beach and the iconic heritage-listed Tathra Wharf, with everything within walking distance once you’re in town.
There’s plenty of event parking available at the Tathra Surf Life Saving Club car park, along with additional street parking on Andy Pool Drive. Once parked, it’s an easy stroll to the sand, swim start, and local cafés for a pre- or post-swim bite.
The whole town is walkable, so you can wander from your car to the start line, grab a coffee, and soak up the atmosphere. The wharf makes for a picture-perfect backdrop (and a great spectator viewing point), and the calm bay often delivers smooth, glassy swim conditions.
Public transport is limited in the area, so driving is your best bet, but hey, that just adds to the sense of escape.
Tathra’s got that magic mix of seaside charm and small-town soul, making it the perfect place to linger after your swim. Start with a post-dip coffee and cake at Blend Café, or go all out with a laid-back lunch or dinner at Fat Tony’s Bar & Grill, a local favourite for hearty meals and a good yarn.
Feeling adventurous? Lace up your shoes and explore Mimosa Rocks National Park, just a short drive away, where bush tracks meet dramatic headlands and hidden beaches. Or keep things cruisy, wander up to the headland above the surf club, plonk down on the grass with a takeaway cuppa, and let the rhythm of the waves do the rest.
If you’re around for the weekend, you’ll be sharing Tathra with the inaugural Tathra MultiSport Festival (14–15 March 2026), adding a lively, adventurous buzz to town. Alongside the swim, Trail Run Australia Tathra will see runners exploring the wild Sapphire Coast on stunning coastal trails, weaving through national parks, forests, beaches, and headlands. With distances ranging from family-friendly fun runs to longer coastal challenges, it’s a great chance to soak up the atmosphere, cheer from the sidelines, or even make a weekend of off-road adventure yourself.
If you’re planning to make a weekend of it (and why wouldn’t you?), book early, Tathra’s boutique stays, holiday parks, and cabins can fill up quickly, especially with festival weekend bringing extra visitors to town. Whether you’re pitching a tent, rolling in the caravan, or treating yourself to a cosy coastal cabin, it’s all part of the escape.
This is classic coastal NSW, slow, scenic, and oh-so salty.
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