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 ancient-grain salads, Angus beef burgers and (of course) plenty of oysters.

An independent craft brewery, Humpback, occupies the former pokies’ room, serving up small-batch beers such as First Calf Pale Ale, the Black Whale Stout, Oceanview Draught and more.