Tathra Hotel

The Tathra Hotel, perched on Tathra headland, started life as The Ocean View Hotel, built in 1888 by one JW Twyford. Now heritage-listed, the pub retains plenty of character, including its timber exterior and expansive verandahs with lace balustrades. But it underwent major renovations in 2016-17 and now has a distinctly modern vibe, helped by fairy lights and polished concrete. There’s plenty to like about The Tathra, but it’s the view that is the standout here: a 270-degree vista of the Tathra coastline and beyond. Parents will also appreciate the adjoining children’s playground, watched over by the pub’s mascot, Winky the Mechanical Whale. In the family-friendly bistro, the kitchen makes a conscious effort to reduce food miles by only using local suppliers to provide produce for seasonal fresh salads, Angus beef burgers and (of course) plenty of oysters. An independent craft brewery, Humpback Brewery, occupies the former pokies’ room, serving up 11 own beers on tap. And the bar also has an extensive wine list serving a vast array of Australian quality wines.