In 1860, money was raised by local farmers together with the Illawarra Steam Navigation Company to construct a timber wharf and store shed at a site on the southern corner of the bay which was sheltered by the headland from the fierce southerly winds.

The small jetty and buildings were designed by S.N. Moriarty and built by R. Mowalt with the help of Daniel Gowing and John Kirkwood. As trade boomed, extensions and improvements were necessary. In 1873, the small platform was extended and some of the original timbers from this still stood at the time of the restoration in 1981.

The stone wall and the first wharf crane were fitted in 1889 after severe storm damage to some of the structure. Between 1901 and 1903 an addition to the shed built. At this time cattle yards were also built.

Rough seas continued to batter the area and in spite of its sheltered location sometimes it was impossible for steamers to dock at the wharf. In 1910, buffers were erected for the protection of ships in rough seas

Further alterations in 1911 and 1912 saw the construction of an extra single story shed; a jib crane and a timber cattle race to enable the loading of stock onto the steamers. Passenger accommodation was also improved.

By 1913, the steamers called twice a week to Tathra and the wharf was the centre of the town's activity. The size of the structure enabled a 1000 ton ship to be secured in rough swells.

The coastal steamers ceased calling to Tathra in 1954 when other trade routes were more economic. The wharf went into disrepair.

During the 1970's, the Department of Public Works planned to demolish Tathra Wharf. However a co-operative effort between local people, the Department and the National Trust has restored the structure. In 1978 the wharf was entered into the register of the National Estate by the Australian Heritage Commission and restored.

Construction engineer Mc Bean and Crisp Pty. Ltd. undertook the work along with contractors Pearson Bridge Pty. Ltd. It was one of the most difficult restoration projects on the South Coast. Work began in 1981. Much of the decking required replacement but the timber piles where remarkably sound. The single story shed extension was removed, as well as cattle yards added during the wharf's long working life.

What stands today is a close approximation of the wharf which was at the site in the late 19th century. The building is now a shop and museum and the platform is a very popular fishing spot. It stands as a monument to the early white settlers and a tribute to the skills of the designers and builders of the 19th century.