Tathra resident Jim Kelly said the sand dunes along the whole of Tathra Beach had retreated about 13m, with damage centred around the southern end of the beach as the storm came from the north-east. 

“We haven’t seen erosion to that extent since 1974 when they had to reinforce the surf club,” he said.

“It will eventually move back in, but it will take several months.” 

There were sand cliffs up to 3m high near the surf club. Also, he estimated the Bega River mouth has widened from about 20m to 100m. 

But Mr Kelly said the most unusual part of the storm was the foam it generated, which covered the road on Andy Poole Drive.

He knew a man who attempted to drive through the foam, but who’s car stalled and had to get pushed out. 

A major change is to the Kiah Spit, a sandbar near the Kiah and Edrom area that was used by swans and fishermen.

Eden resident Travis Radford said the spit had been completely washed away after the storms, except for part of the base.

However, he visited the area last weekend and said a little bit had reformed. 

Eden Amateur Fishing Club vice-president Wayne Holding said he had gone out on Twofold Bay on Tuesday where “the water was like coffee” and it was filled with weed. 

He said a lot of sand had been washed away from the Quarantine Bay beach and there were parts of boats all over the foreshore. 

The bar at Merimbula Lake has also suffered its share of damage, Merimbula Big Game and Lakes Angling Club secretary Chris Young said.  

“A large part of the sand dunes that protect Merimbula Lake and the moored craft have been washed away,” he said after a boat trip to view the damage.  

The main channel has been filled with sand so is not shallow and a “false channel” has formed where the sandbar used to be, with Mr Young saying boats leaving the lake could accidentally turn into it if they are not careful. 

He also said the beach off Dolphin Cove has been severely eroded, with a huge sand bar forming about 200m out to sea.