Tomaree Holiday Lodge

Item details


Name of item:	Tomaree Holiday Lodge
Other name/s:	Tomaree Head, South Head, Psychiatric Hospital, Tomaree Head Army / RAAF Camp
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Landscape - Cultural
Category:	Historic Landscape
Location:	Lat: -32.7149077671 Long: 152.1840938890
Primary address:	Shoalhaven Road, Shoal Bay, NSW 2315
Parish:	Tomaree
County:	Gloucester
Local govt. area:	Port Stephens
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Worimi

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	453		DP	705463

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Shoalhaven Road	Shoal Bay	Port Stephens	Tomaree	Gloucester	Primary Address

Statement of significance:


	Tomaree Lodge has heritage significance at a State level. It has historic significance because of its use as an Army Garrison Camp during the Second World War. The site is a physical demonstration of Port Stephen's important contribution to the Second World War, when it was developed as a military base by the joint Australian Army-United States Navy defence ventures in March 1942, following the appointment of General Douglas MacArthur as supreme commander of the South West Pacific sector. The site has high archaeological potential and high archaeological research value. There are relatively few intact former World War Two army camps in NSW which have such high archaeological potential. Any archaeological relics dating from the World War Two period on the site have the potential to contain information not available from other sources. It also has strong interpretive values and research potential due to its relationship to other World War Two military sites in Port Stephens and Newcastle, including Fort Tomaree (and the associated camps at Tomaree Head), Camp Gan Gan and HMAS Assault, also known as the Joint Overseas Operational Training School (JOOTS). The site is a landmark on the foreshore of Shoal Bay at the entrance to Port Stephens. The site is rare as one of the few surviving, relatively intact Army garrison camps dating from the Second World War in NSW. While Tomaree Lodge has some representative value as an example of a health facility in NSW for people with mental illness and developmental disability, it is unique in this group due to its earlier use as a World War Two Army Camp. There are relatively few intact former World War Two army camps in NSW. Tomaree Lodge is one of the few known surviving examples of this type of purpose-built accommodation for the military in the State.
	Date significance updated: 03 Feb 09
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	NSW Government Architect / NSW Department of Public Works
Builder/Maker:	NSW Department of Public Works for Commonwealth Government
Construction years:	1942-
Physical description:	Tomaree Lodge is situated between Tomaree Head and Shoal Bay, at the southern entrance to Port Stephens. Tomaree Lodge comprises a range of predominantly single-storey weatherboard buildings on the western foreshore of the headland. These buildings are mostly ex-World War Two Australian Army garrison camp buildings.The Tomaree National Park (established in 1984) occupies the remainder of Tomaree Head. DADHC land in the vicinity includes the ten Tomaree Lodge accommodation buildings as well as a number of administrative and amenity buildings, and 8.8 hectares of landscaped (terraced) land on the western side of the headland. Land held by DADHC in this area accommodates a range of structures including a swimming pool, work sheds, a fisheries laboratory, and at least two relics associated with Fort Tomaree, namely the surf battery and the footings for a torpedo tube. The sealed access road to the site terminates in a cul-de-sac with accommodation buildings to the west and administrative buildings to the east. The landscape of the site is terraced, with random rubble retaining walls and features notable mature Norfolk Island pines (Araucaria heterophylla). The buildings on the site are mostly single-storey and the clustering of cottages used for accommodation provides a village atmosphere. A stone wall constructed by former residents runs along the foreshore of Shoal Bay. The ten cottages, which collectively make up Tomaree Lodge, are single-storey weatherboard buildings on the western foreshore of the headland. They were designed and built in 1942 by the NSW Government Architect's Office / Department of Public Works on behalf of the Commonwealth Government for use as an Australian Army garrison camp during the Second World War. Typically, these buildings are timber framed and are clad with weatherboard; they tend to have corrugated metal gable roofs. Those built on the embankment have un-rendered or painted brick bases, or engaged brick piers. A number of the cottages have fixed awnings and some retain timber framed double-hung sash windows. Ramps to the buildings, often with timber balustrades provide equitable access to the accommodation. Internally the cottages typically have timber floors and internal gyprock lining. Building 8 has caneite ceilings, wood grained panelling and exposed trusses. Previously, most of these buildings had internal lining containing asbestos which has been replaced. Internally Building 4 seems to retain the most intact room layout, although the doors have been extended. Various alterations to the cottages have taken place; the footprint of the cottages extended, alterations made to the roofs or modifications to doors, windows and other fittings. Various modifications have been made to both the site and buildings to allow equitable access, including installation of ramps and widening of doors. Services have been updated and verandahs have sometimes been enclosed and original windows replaced with aluminium framed glazing. Some of the cottages elevated on brick piers have had brick enclosures built below. The site contains a range of distinctive features relating to its earlier uses including fortifications and installations, roads, gun placements, and a random rubble walled battery. On the headland's rock platform are random rubble terracing, drains, a roadway and sea walls. Tomaree Lodge adjoins the Tomaree National Park. The native vegetation of the Tomaree Peninsula is predominantly woodland with a number of identified rare and/or threatened plant species local to this area. The DECC / National Parks and Wildlife Service considers the natural areas have a high conservation value.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Tomaree Lodge comprises a range of buildings dating from its use as an army garrison during the First World War. The buildings are generally in good condition. The DADHC lands surrounding Tomaree Lodge have high archaeological potential, high archaeological research value and high heritage significance. There are likely to be archaeological remains of the Fort Tomaree Battery Camp, established on the headland in WWII. The camp was adjacent to the torpedo tubes and gun emplacement at the end of the headland and the remains would partly extend into the national park. Evidence may include building footings, artefact deposits, underground services and evidence of changes to the landscape including terracing. There may also be concrete bases and fixtures from searchlight towers, gun platforms and other defence works. The slope up behind the former Infantry Camp (now Tomaree Lodge) is also likely to contain archaeological evidence associated with the camp and Tomaree Battery, similar to that described above for the Battery Camp. Although the area has been heavily disturbed by WWII activity, given its location it is possible there may be remnant evidence of Aboriginal occupation of the area. One of the conservation strategies in the endorsed Conservation Management Plan (CMP) prepared for Tomaree Head National Park in 1999 was the systematic site recording and assessment by a qualified Historical Archaeologist for the whole site. A detailed archaeological assessment of this site is recommended in conjunction with the adjoining national park lands.
	Date condition updated:03 Sep 08
Modifications and dates:	The original ex-World War Two Australian Army garrison camp at Tomaree Head was modified for use as a hospital in the 1950s.The site has been added to over the second half of the twentieth century to accommodate changing hospital needs, as outlined below. Modifications to the site have included: 1950-1955 (by staff and DPWS) - army huts on hill demolished, rebuilt in modernised form to provide additional accommodation. New recreation hall built from salvaged material. Garages workshops and other building similarly built. Terracing, gardens, drainage, roads, rock work on original pool, land forming to Zenith Beach. 1950-55 (DPWS) - major construction work including renovations, conversions of huts to staff cottages, wharf, swimming pools. 1953-55 - 2 tennis courts, concrete cricket pitch. 1965 - new swimming pool and facilities. 1966 - administration building, new kitchens, dining room and balconies. 1990s - land transferred to NPWS as part of Tomaree Head National Park.
Further information:	Although the endorsed Conservation Management Plan for Tomaree Head (1999) is for the adjacent headland, the policies recommend the incorporation of the Tomaree Holiday Lodge and the Tomaree Head National Park on the headland into a single listing sheet.


Current use:	Large Residential Centre
Former use:	Aboriginal land, WW2 Military camp; Hospital

History

Historical notes:

Tomaree Headland is situated at the southern entrance to Port Stephens. Tomaree Lodge is located in a range of ten predominantly single-storey weatherboard ex-World War Two Australian Army garrison camp buildings on the western foreshore of the headland. Tomaree National Park occupies the remainder of land on Tomaree Head. DADHC land in this vicinity includes the ten buildings used for accommodation (c1941), the Recreation Hall, the Administration Block (c1980s) and staff cottages, as well as 8.8 hectares of terraced and landscaped land on the western side of the headland. DADHC-owned land in the vicinity accommodates a range of structures including a swimming pool, work sheds, a fisheries laboratory, and at least two relics associated with Fort Tomaree, namely the surf battery and the footings for a torpedo tube.

The Port Stephens area, including Tomaree Head, is part of land occupied by the Worimi Aboriginal language group. Captain Cook noted Tomaree Head in 1770 when he was travelling along the NSW coast. Following European settlement to the east coast of NSW from 1788, Port Stephens's rich resources were harvested; fishing and cedar getting were the main industries in the early nineteenth century. Port Stephens was occupied by the Australian Agricultural Company from 1824. Point Stephens lighthouse was erected in 1864 to provide safe entrance to Port Stephens.

Under the Crown Lands Alienation Act 1861, Tomaree Head(land) was declared a reserve; it was used for recreational purposes and occasional squatting from the 1860s until the 1930s.

In 1932, Alfred Ernest Dickenson made an application for a special lease of Tomaree Head to graze goats. Dickenson 's lease was withdrawn in 1947, with the site having been used for health purposes since this time. In the interim, however, Tomaree Head played an important role in the defence of Australia during the Second World War.

In March 1942, General Douglas MacArthur was appointed the supreme commander of the South West Pacific sector, 'with authority over all allied naval, land and air forces in the theatre '. This appointment effectively meant that MacArthur had control of the Australian forces (ADB, Douglas MacArthur 1880-1964: http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A150186b.htm). At this time, Port Stephens, including Tomaree Head, was developed as a World War Two miliary base by a joint Australian Army-United States Navy defence venture.

Port Stephens was a vital part of the Australian coastal defence system during World War 2, and become the focus of first Australian-United States combined training operations for the South-West Pacific sector. This included Camp Gan Gan (located around 4kms from Nelson Bay), Fort Tomaree (and the associated camps at Tomaree Head) and HMAS Assault on St Nazaire's Road, also known as the Joint Overseas Operational Training School (JOOTS), which became Nelson's Bay Migrant Hostel in the post-war period (NAA, HMAS Assault - Port Stephens 1953, Series number A5799, Control symbol 144/1953).

Plans for two camps on Tomaree Head, to service the Fort Tomaree defence installations as part of the military occupation at Port Stephens, were prepared in 1941 by the NSW Government Architect / Department of Public Works. It is likely that these buildings were constructed by the NSW Department of Public Works on behalf of the Commonwealth Government, which was standard practice at this time due to labour shortages caused by the war. These 1941 plans of Tomaree Head show that most of the buildings dating from this time on the Tomaree Lodge site have been retained in-situ (Department of Commerce Plan Room MISC56/44 & MISC56/53).

The surf battery within DADHC-owned land at Tomaree Head, consisting of two Quick Firing 3 pounder Hoskiss Mark 1 guns, was intended for close defence of the entrance to Port Stephens and the approaches to Shoal Bay: 'After investigation, it was later decided to install land based torpedo tubes on the north west side of Tomaree Head. A special launching platform was constructed on the shoreline some 50m to the west of No. 2 Gun (3 pounder) of Surf Section. Support facilities including accommodation were provided for the naval personnel. ' (WW2 Fortification Study, part 10, pp 1-3.).

Two years after the end of the Second World War, in 1947, the Commonwealth Defence Department transferred the former military camp at Tomaree Head to the Department of Public Health, for use as a convalescent hospital for patients from State hospitals. An undated contour plan of the Tomaree Convalescent Home (c1947-50) shows two groups of buildings on Tomaree Head at this time. The site of Tomaree Lodge is referred to on this plan as Lower Tomaree. At this time, it contained sixteen buildings numbered 34 to 52. It appears that these buildings had been used as the Garrison Camp for the C Company of the 20 Australian Garrison (Army) from 1942 until the close of the Second World War. This plan also shows that Upper Tomaree, located further to the south around Tomaree Head, was the site of the former Battery Camp and RAAF Camp during the war. The buildings at Upper Tomaree were demolished, and the site is now within the Tomaree National Park (Department of Commerce Plan Room MISC56/19)

When the former Military Camp had been acquired by the NSW Government, it reportedly had been 'an abandoned army camp, which seemed to be suitable for a convalescent hostel, but which had few amenities and little satisfactory accommodation. The first six patients arrived in June, 1947.' (Health in NSW Vol 6 No 1 February 1965).

In 1949, the Annual Report for the Inspector General of Mental Hospitals reported that 'the establishment of a Convalescent Hostel for mental patients by the adaption of an ex-army camp situated at the southern headland at Port Stephens is more half completed so far as the accommodation required for male patients is concerned. Future development of the Hostel will provide for females as well as male patients, and in the meantime the accommodation for about fifty patients will be put into use.' (Report of the Inspector-General of Mental Hospitals for the year ended 1949).

Works at Tomaree continued into the 1950s, following initiation of a 'five-year plan of general development' in 1950. This involved demolition of 'the old army huts high on the hill' (presumably this is in reference to the camp at Upper Tomaree), with some 're-built in modernised form on the present site to provide additional accommodation for the increasing number of patients enjoying the hostel's peaceful surroundings. The new recreation hall was built from material salvaged with great ingenuity from the old army installations. Garages, workshops and other outbuildings were also erected '. (Health in NSW Vol 6 No 1 February 1965).

By 1952, the number of patients at the Tomaree Holiday Lodge increased to 118, with a staff of eleven. In 1953-55 'two tennis courts and a concrete cricket pitch were laid in the lawn area in the entrance to the grounds'.

In 1960 a holiday scheme was introduced whereby patients from other hospitals were given a two-week holiday at Tomaree before returning to their permanent accommodation; by 1962, there were approximately 40 holiday beds available. During this time, there was a permanent population of around forty residents who carried out maintenance works on the buildings and grounds. In 1965, it was reported that Tomaree Holiday Lodge was 'used by the Health Department to provide holiday accommodation for long-stay patients from metropolitan and country psychiatric hospitals', known as Schedule 5 Hospitals. In this year, it was reported that 'a new fresh water, white tile, swimming pool equipped with dressing and toilet facilities' was under construction.' (Health in NSW Vol 6 No 1 February 1965).

Tomaree National Park, comprising 2266 hectares, was gazetted in 1984. The hospital reserve was divided and the eastern portion of it was added to the park. In 1985, the practice of providing 'holiday beds' was suspended when permanent residents were relocated to Tomaree Lodge from the Stockton and Kanangra Centres.

In 1989 the State Government proposed to sell Tomaree Lodge, but the decision was retracted following fierce local opposition. In 1992, Tomaree Lodge was in the ownership of the Department of Health and included in their s170 Heritage and Conservation Register that year. By this time, the centre no longer provided respite holiday care for patients at mental hospitals in NSW, but was providing long-term accommodation for people with developmental disabilities.

Tomaree Lodge has been operated by DADHC as a Large Residential Centre since 2001, providing accommodation for around 45-50 residents. Today, Tomaree Lodge occupies 8.8 hectares of land on the foreshores of Shoal Bay. Site plans dated to 1942 and 1959 show that Tomaree Lodge has changed little since it was erected in 1942; as at 2008, the buildings on the site are in roughly the same location and configuration as they were in these years (Department of Commerce Plan Room MISC56/21).

In 2018 the state government announced almost $7m to extend and link parts of the Tomaree Coastal Walk at Port Stephens. The project will deliver enhanced visitor experiences for the Tomaree Headland including improved access, walking tracks, visitor amenity and interpretation, creation of a signature loop walking track and a coastal walking connection from Birubi Point to Tomaree Headland using existing trails (OEH CE News, 9/6/2018). The improvements are expected to be completed by 2022, with tourism bodies hoping it will boost the regional visitor economy, cementing its reputation as a nature-based walking destination. Tomaree Headland Heritage Group president, Peter Clough supports a public ferry, with a pontoon, reinstating the jetty, would improve visitor access and appreciation of the waterways. Approximately 200,000 plus people visit the Tomaree Headland every year (Newcastle Weekly, 3/12/2020).

Local author John 'Stinker' Clarke is lobbying for a regional museum on the soon-to-be-vacated Tomaree Lodge site, noting that the area has no such museum as a focus for tourists. NSW Health intends to remove the last of its aging disability patients by June, although staff say the prime site might be vacated earlier. A Tomaree Museum Committee was established in December 2019, separate from the Friends of Tomaree Headland Group (Scanlon, 2020).

The Tomaree Headland Heritage Group has gained a $10,000 grant to commission a definitive historic account of Tomaree Lodge site, once it is fully vacated. It will form the starting point to a master plan for the site. The grant forms part of the group's aim to restore and preserve the military history of the lodge, as well as including its extensive marine and cultural (Indigenous) history. The THHG has been collaborating with the Tomaree Museum Association (TMA) and supported the TMA's plans to establish an historic museum and interpretive centre. THHG president, Peter Clough noted the state government has stated its intention to retain the site in public ownership after it is vacted (Elias, 2021).

In 2022 the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group is seeking expressions of interest to prepare a concept plan for the Tomaree Lodge and headland site (Port Stephens Examiner, 4/2/2022). The THHG has gained a $5000 grant from AGL Newcastle Gas Community grants funding round to create a number of video clips, including drone footage, highlighting the area's features and opportunities for the future. These aim to engage the community and include interviews with key local people, representing the site's military, Indigenous and marine history. They will complement the preparation of a concept plan commissioned by THHG for the adaptive reuse of the Tomaree Lodge site. THHG will use social media and traditional media to highlight potential educational and research opportunities, interpretation and restoration of key heritage assets, including tours of the oyster hatchery. The site offers several ecotourism opportunities such as (themed) walking tours, possibly serviced by a visitors' information centre with cafe and amenities... Tomaree Headland offers a spectacular start or grand finale for the Tomaree Coastal Walk which will extend to Birubi Beach, which is being developed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Opportunities include potentially reinstating the original site jetty with a pontoon platform to increase public access to the future Tomaree Lodge site, the Tomaree Headland summit and Coastal Walk (Sampson, 2022).

In July 2022 the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group reveals ambitious plan to transform former Tomaree Lodge into education and tourism precinct. The idea is to deck it out with a Marine Research Centre, museum and interpretive centre showcasing its rich WWII military history, Visitor Information Centre and perhaps a restaurant, cafe and oyster tasting tours on the side. 'It's a far more palatable idea than whacking a casino on the nine-hectare block at the footfill of Tomaree Heads, as proposed back in 2012, the group's president Peter Clough said. 'The idea to put a 12-storey casino there had the community in uproar," he said. "All we have focused in on is what the site could be in the future that would sit comfortably with the community. "It's a pretty precious bit of land and there's a strong feeling in the community that we must keep it in those hands in some way." (Link, 2022).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Introduce cultural planting-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural - Coasts and coastal features supporting human activities-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Worimi nation - places of contact-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Ethnic influences-Activities associated with common cultural traditions and peoples of shared descent, and with exchanges between such traditions and peoples.	American military defence cooperation sites-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Private farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Clearing land for farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant Places How are significant places marked in the landscape by, or for, different groups-Monuments and Sites
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and countryside of rural charm-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Caring for the sick in hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Operating convalescent and rehabilitation hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Operating mental health facilities-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Agisting and fattening stock for slaughter-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	Defending the homeland-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	Army housing-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	Involvement with the Second World War-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	Naval establishment or involvement-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	Military barracks accommodation-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Federal Government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - providing health care facilities-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - parks and open spaces-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - public land administration-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Hospital/nursing home phase-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Sanatoria-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Welfare-Includes charitable and self-help institutions.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Playing tennis-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Playing cricket-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Tourism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going swimming-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with the NSW Government Architect's Office-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Tomaree Lodge has State significance because of its prior use as an Army Garrison Camp during the Second World War. The site is a physical demonstration of Port Stephen's important contribution to the Second World War, when it was developed as a miliary base by the joint Australian Army-United States Navy defence ventures in March 1942, following the appointment of General Douglas MacArthur as supreme commander of the South West Pacific sector.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Tomaree Lodge has aesthetic significance at a Local level, due to its landmark qualities on the foreshore of Shoal Bay at the entrance to Port Stephens.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The social significance of the Tomaree Lodge has not been assessed. However, it is likely that it has strong association with past and present residents and staff. Tomaree Lodge has been, and continues to be, home to many of these people who have spent extended periods of their life there. The significance of Tomaree Lodge to the local community was clearly established when there was vocal public opposition to its sale in 1989.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Tomaree Lodge has technical significance at a State level because the land surrounding it has high archaeological potential and high archaeological research value related to its use during World War Two. There are relatively few intact former World War Two army camps in NSW which have such high archaeological potential. Any archaeological relics dating from the World War Two period on the site have the potential to contain information not available from other sources. Tomaree Lodge has strong interpretive values and research potential due to its relationship to other World War Two military sites in Port Stephens and Newcastle, including Fort Tomaree (and the associated camps at Tomaree Head), Camp Gan Gan and HMAS Assault, also known as the Joint Overseas Operational Training School (JOOTS). The nine LRCs owned or managed by DADHC (as at January 2009), including the Tomaree Centre, have technical / research significance at a State Level for their potential to explain the ways that residential health facilities for people with mental illness and disabilities in NSW were designed, built and operated, reflecting the changing attitudes and philosophies of care over the twentieth century.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Tomaree Lodge has rarity value at a State level as one of the few surviving, relatively intact Army garrison camps dating from the Second World War in NSW. While Tomaree Lodge has some representative value as an example of a health facility in NSW for people with mental illness and developmental disability, it is unique in this group due to its earlier use as a World War Two Army Camp.
Integrity/Intactness:	Tomaree Lodge is a functioning Large Residential Centre which means that most of the buildings on the site are in good working order. Even though many buildings have undergone alterations and additions, the original form of the buildings is generally discernible. Tomaree Lodge is one of the few known surviving examples of this type of purpose-built accommodation for the military in the State. There are relatively few intact former World War Two army camps in NSW.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

The DADHC HAMS (January 2007) identified that a Conservation Management Plan and Statement of Significance for Tomaree Lodge should be completed by June 2008. The endorsed Conservation Management Plan for Tomaree Head (1999) recommends the incorporation of Tomaree Holiday Lodge and Tomaree Head National Park into a single listing sheet. The s170 HCR for Department of Health (1992) recommended the identification of Aboriginal archaeological sites at Tomaree Lodge through further investigation and the preparation of an archaeological management strategy. It also recommended systematic site recording and assessment by a qualified historical archaeologist for the whole site, to identify and record the archaeology relating to the WW2 military phase.

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Tomaree Head CMP	Endorsed CMP is for adjacant headland, but policies recommend incorporation of this site and the headland into a single SHR listing.	Jun 5 2002
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00835	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register		04/5/22/2000	01 Feb 92

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Department of Community Services - Preliminary s170 Register	1993	04/5/22/20	State Projects Heritage Group		Yes
Port Stephens Community based Heritage Study	2000		Port Stephens		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written		1965	The Tomaree Holiday Lodge
Written	Armstrong, John	1996	Yacaaba and Tomaree: a history of Port Stephens
Written	Elias, Charlie	2021	Heritage history to be logged	View detail
Written	Graham Brooks and Associates	2006	Tomaree Centre: 4 Shoal Bay Raod, Shoal Bay: Due Diligence Assessment (Draft)
Written	Graham Brooks and Associates	2006	Tomaree Centre: Due Diligence Assessment (Draft)
Written	Gutteridge Haskins and Davies		Tomaree Holiday Lodge Report
Written	Link, Madeline	2022	Tomaree Headland Heritage Group reveals ambitious plan to transform former Tomaree Lodge into education and tourism precinct	View detail
Written	Prowd, Eric N	1988	HMAS Assault Combined Operations Port Stephens NSW
Written	Sampson, Marian	2022	Preservation of Tomaree Headland heritage	View detail
Written	Scanlon, Mike	2020	Soon-to-be-vacated Tomaree Lodge at Shoal Bay would draw tourists as a museum, says Stinker Clarke	View detail
Written	Schwager Brooks and Partners	1992	NSW Health - Preliminary Heritage and Conservation Register	View detail
Written	Smith, Michael and Graeme Steinbeck	1998	The Guns of Tomaree
Written	unattributed, in Newcastle Weekly 3/12/2020:	2020	'Jetty plan will boost tourism, says Tomaree Group',
Written	unattributed, Port Stephens Examiner	2022	Concept plans for Tomaree Headland sought by heritage group	View detail

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5012303
File number:	H00/00295

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