Introduction

The Tomaree Lodge site at Port Stephens adjoins the Tomaree National Park. Many of the wooden buildings on the site date back to 1942 when they were constructed for military purposes during the Second World War. The site was formerly known as the Tomaree Head Army/RAAF Camp and is heritage listed.

Until recent years the site was used an accommodation and care facility for people with developmental disabilities, under various NSW government departments. It was closed in May 2021.

In 2023, the NSW Government completed a community consultation process on the potential future uses of the Tomaree Lodge site. The Government received over 500 survey responses and submissions.

In June 2024, the Government released a report containing the findings of the community consultation for future uses ofhe Tomaree Lodge site.

In October 2024, the Government appointed a committee of six Port Stephens residents, titled the ‘Tomaree Lodge Community Engagement Committee’ to provide recommendations on the future of the Tomaree Lodge site. The committee was required to provide advice to the NSW Government Steering Committee that will oversee the development of the masterplan for the site.

On 27 August 2025, the NSW Government unveiled a report that set out a preliminary concept design for the future of the Tomaree Lodge site, based on research and analysis by the Hunter based urban design firm, SHAC.

Members of the community were invited to provide further feedback to help shape the final concept masterplan.

In March 2025, a new onsite office staffed by two officers, was opened in Cottage 11 near the entrance to the Tomaree Lodge site. This office will oversee operations, enhance community safety and support visitors.

Photos of the Tomaree Lodge site and its buildings are set out in this paper as a record of the site prior to it being re-purposed for varied community activities.

Sign at entrance to the Tomaree Lodge site

Map of the the Tomaree Lodge site – 1950 showing the numbers of each building on the site when it housed the Tomaree Convalescent Hostel [Museums of History NSW]

View of Tomaree Lodge site from the foreshore walk

Maintenance buildings near entrance to Tomaree Lodge

The following photos are taken from the upper area of Tomaree Lodge situated on Gun Emplacement Road leading to the Tomaree gun emplacements on Tomaree Head.

For the purpose of descriptions in the photos, this road will designated the ‘upper road’.

Start of Gun Emplacement Road (upper road) leading to the Tomaree gun emplacements

Upper road leading to Courtyard area

Upper road to accommodation facilities

Accommodation buildings

Accommodation building

Maintenance building at perimeter of Lodge site on upper road

Accommodation building on upper road

View of accommodation and maintenance buildings on the perimeter of the site from the upper road

View of buildings taken from the upper road

View of buildings 38, 39, 40, 43 on the upper road – 1950 when the site housed the Tomaree Convalescent Hostel [Museums of History NSW]

View of buildings from the upper road

Courtyard area

View of maintenance buildings in the distance taken from the upper road looking down towards the entrance

The following photos are taken from the lower area of the Tomaree Logde adjacent to the Foreshore Walk leading to the Torpedo Platform site at the base of Tomaree Head.

Service building

Service building

Recreation Hall on the Foreshore Walk

Rear of buildings on the Foreshore Walk

Service facility on the Foreshore Walk

Rear of building on the Foreshore Walk

Rear of building on the Foreshore Walk

Rear of building taken from the Foreshore Walk

Rear of building taken from the Foreshore Walk

Rear of buildings taken from the Foreshore Walk

Building leading up from the Foreshore Walk

Rear of building on the Foreshore Walk

View of accommodation block abutting the Foreshore Walk

Memorial to Roger Francis Mills, Director of Nursing at Tomaree Lodge 1976 -2001 [Tomaree Headland – Author Photo]

Concluding Comments

Over the forthcoming years the facilities of the Tomaree Lodge site will be repurposed into a community hub of various activities. Many community groups have expressed interest in the opportunities that lay ahead.

Papers concerning aspects of the history of Mount Tomaree are published at the following links on this website:

Camouflage of Mount Tomaree – 1941/42

‘Reckless Kelly’ Movie Set – Port Stephens 1992

Arthur Ernest Dickinson – Pioneer Ranger at Port Stephens

Researched and compiled by Kevin McGuinness

March 2025