Introduction

The origin of the Shoal Bay Country Club dates back to 1934 when a camping ground was established and leased on crown land on the Shoal Bay waterfront, by the newly formed Pacific Big Game Fishing Club.

A club house was planned for immediate construction.

The Newcastle Sun of 13 August 1934, page 2, reported on plans for the new Shoal Bay clubhouse:

‘Regarded by the Newcastle Publicity Director, Mr. Cahill, as an important tourist project for the Newcastle and Northern district, a modern club house which will accommodate 80 or more guests is about to be built at Shoal Bay at the entrance to Port Stephens. The object is to popularise deep-sea fishing at Port Stephens and provide facilities for big-game fishermen whom it is hoped to attract, not only from all parts of Australia, but also from overseas.

The project is being undertaken by The Pacific Big Game Fishing Club, and work has already been commenced on the erection of 14 cottages (or “huts” as they are called) which are included in the scheme.

Shoal Bay fishing huts situated behind the Pacific Big Game Fishing Club which was then under construction. The site of the huts was behind the present-day Shoal Bay Country Club Hotel and Ramada Resort precinct [NSW State Archives]

The construction of the clubhouse also encompassed the construction of a small jetty opposite, and a dirt track to allow access from Nelson Bay.

Information of the Early History of Game Fishing at Port Stephens is published on this website at this link.

This paper is the story of the Shoal Bay Country Club as set out below. It commences with the official opening of the new Pacific Big Fishing Club Clubhouse, whose premises morphed into the Shoal Bay Country Club.

Official Opening of the Pacific Big Game Fishing Club House at Shoal Bay – 1935

The Newcastle Sun of 4 March 1935, page 5, reported:

‘Set in the picturesque surroundings of Shoal Beach, Port Stephens, with the mountains of Tomaree and Yacaaba in the background, the Pacific Big Game Fishing clubhouse was opened at the weekend by the Chief Secretary (Mr. Chaffey). The Mayor of Newcastle (Alderman Christie), the Town Clerk (Mr. Glossop), the Publicity Officer (Mr. Cahill) and the district representative of the N.R.M.A. (Mr. Rue) attended the happy function, which was held in front of the attractive new quarters of the club, situated on the edge of the beach. A humorous touch was supplied when one speaker referred to the new building as the “fishtory factory,” where, he said, many stories would no doubt be originated.

The enterprise and faith of the club builders in opening up one of the most beautiful tourist resorts of the North, with its waters teeming with fishing, was the subject of general comment. ……

“Port Stephens is a haven of peace,” said Mr. Chaffey “waiting in lonely majesty for the day when Australia will use its resources for trade and commerce. “It is unequalled for snapper fishing and for big game fish such as tunny and king fish as well as for the more common varieties not to mention jewfish. The fighting shark abounds, and very soon, I am convinced, these waters will be as popular as those of New Zealand.” Mr. Chaffey proved himself an able fisherman with Mr. F. Power (Bank of New South Wales), R. Whittaker (Jeweller) and Mr. A. Berrick (Bargain Arcades), of Newcastle, when he went deep fishing near Broughton Island.’

Official opening of the Shoal Bay Club House with Mr. Chaffey, Chief Secretary, in black coat at bottom of photo [University of Newcastle Library’s Living Histories Collection]

The first big game catches of 1935 at Shoal Bay were two grey nurse sharks and a wobby-gong. The new Shoal Bay clubhouse is in the background [University of Newcastle Library’s Living Histories Collection]

Management of the Pacific Big Game Fishing Club premises taken over by Pioneer Motor Tours – 1935

In 1935, the management of the Newcastle and Port Stephens Pacific Big Game Fishing Club premises and adjacent camping ground at Shoal Bay was taken over by the travel organisation, Pioneer Motor Tours.

The Game Fishing Club retained ownership of the club’s premises.  Pioneer Tours later used the Shoal Bay Country Club, as it became known, as the base for its Port Stephens travel tours.

Tourist brochure featuring the Shoal Bay Country Club and Pioneer Motor Tours, circa mid 1930’s

The Newcastle Sun of 8 June 1936, page 8, reported:

‘Port Stephens as a winter holiday resort is receiving a lot of attention from tourists according to the City Publicity Director (Mr. P. J. Cahill), who attended a ‘house-warming’ at the Country Club, Shoal Bay, on Saturday night.

The club has been taken over by a Sydney transport organisation which proposes to develop it, Mr. Cahill [of Newcastle Tourist Bureau] said today. If present plans are carried out, it should become one of the most popular tourist resorts in the State.

The house-warming function was attended by tourists from Sydney, as well as visitors from Newcastle and Port Stephens. The President of Port Stephens Shire Council (Councillor Clode), the clerk (Mr. Monkley) and Mrs. Monkley were present. The Shire President expressed the view that Port Stephens offered possibilities second to none along the coast as a holiday resort. He recognised, he said, that the road from Newcastle to Nelson’s Bay was a handicap, but the Shire Councl proposed to tar surface another eight miles and put the balance in trafficable order before next tourist season. ……  Councillor Clode congratulated the Sydney organisation on its enterprise and assured both it, and the Newcastle Tourist Bureau of the Shire Council’s full cooperation in doing everything possible to make Nelson’s Bay more attractive.

Mr. Cahill said today that next weekend a party of 40 or 50 Sydney people would visit Shoal Bay and it was his intention to cooperate in advancing the interests of Port Stephens and Newcastle as ideal winter sports. Nelson’s Bay in particular could be regarded as a Newcastle district attraction as all traffic went through the city to the Port Stephens area and the people there traded in Newcastle.’

Shoal Bay Country Club – 1936

Pioneer Tourist Services advertisements – 1936

Advertisement for a Weekend Trip from Newcastle to Port Stephens, staying at the Shoal Bay Country Club [The Newcastle Sun, 21 July 1936]

Advertisement for a Fisherman’s Tour to stay at the Shoal Bay Country Club [The Daily Telegraph, 1 September 1936]

Advertisement for the holiday package with accommodation at the Shoal Bay Country Club [The Labor Daily, 25 September 1936]

Christmas Camp in the grounds of the Shoal Bay Country Club – 1937

The Newcastle Sun of 7 December 1937, page 10, carried the following advertisement:

‘Camping sites at [the Shoal Bay] Country Club’s Clubhouse. Turn right at Nelson’s Bay Hotel and follow Beach-road to sign ‘To Shoal Bay Clubhouse.’ Two miles to clubhouse. Camp sites for members, including water, fireplace, sanitation, tent poles. 2s 6d night, 5s week. Provisions, light refreshments from club. Handy to ocean beach and entrance to Port Stephens. Boats and launches. Fishing, swimming, boating, surfing, tennis, riding, huts available 10s week, controlled by Shoal Bay Country Club Ltd. Sydney office. 38 Martin-place. B7648′.

Poor patronage caused by the continuing Great Depression (1929 – 1939) forced the Pioneer Tourist Services to end its Shoal Bay tours.

Alex Kufner, an executive of the Pacific Big Game Fishing Club, subsequently reopened the club premises and managed it for three seasons.

Alex Kufner

Shoal Bay Country Club permitted to erect advisory signs and poles – 1939

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 11 May 1939, page 4, reported:

‘Shoal Bay Country Club was granted permission to erect telephone poles and sign boards on the way to their Club house at Shoal Bay.’

Shoal Bay Country Club Holiday Package advertised – 1939

Advertisement for the holiday package [The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate, 29 April 1939]

A refusal for improvements to the road leading to Shoal Bay Clubhouse – 1939

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens of 13 July 1939, page 4, reported:

‘The Shoal Bay Country Club asked for a few loads of gravel to fill up holes on the road to their Clubhouse at Shoal Bay, and were granted the request, if the road is a dedicated one.’

The Maitland Daily Mercury of 16 September 1939, page 4, also reported:

‘Shoal Bay Country Club, at Nelson’s Bay, asked the [Port

Stephens Shire] Council to improve the road to the property. The club was spending a good deal of money on improvements and asked that it receive some support in this way. The engineer was instructed to inspect the place.’

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 9 November 1939, page 1, further reported:

‘The Shoal Bay Country Club, Nelsons Bay, asked for repairs to road to the Club house at Shoal Bay. Cars had been damaged in getting to the Club’s premises. The engineer [of Port Stephens Shire Council] said the road would cost about £2000. Council will state that the road cannot be done at present.’

NRMA Guide to the Shoal Bay Country Club – 1939

The Maitland Daily Mercury of 7 December 1939, page 23, reported:

‘We give below some information which has been taken from the latest issue of the N.R.M.A. Motor Camping Guide, with the hope that it will be useful for those who contemplate spending their holidays camping: —

‘Shoal Bay is located on the southern side of Port Stephens, 2 miles east of Nelson’s Bay. Follow Nelson’s Bay Road right to Nelson’s Bay, where turn right for Shoal Bay and follow signs. Camping area under control of Shoal Bay Country Club, adjacent to Club House. Tank water, sanitation, firewood, store at Club House, supplies may lie ordered from manager. Camp fee: 3/ day, 10/ week. Tents for hire. Boats and riding hacks for hire, tennis, fishing (harbour, beach and ocean), swimming, surfing (1-mile). Campers may make ‘special arrangements for use of all club facilities and privileges. Apply to Mr. G. E. Burnett, manager.’

Big Marlin taken to the Shoal Bay Country Club – 1940

The Dungog Chronicle of 5 January 1940, page 4, reported:

‘Fishing from Mr. Jack Jensen’s boat, off Little Island, outside Port Stephens, at the wee-end, Mr. Athol D’Ombrain, of Lorn, landed a 206lb. black marlin. This is the first big marlin caught around Port Stephens this season, and a rush of big game fishermen is expected. The marlin’s first run took between 300 and 400 yards of line off the reel and after an exciting struggle of 45 minutes, it was eventually brought to gaff, and proudly taken to the Shoal Bay Country Club, where Mr. and Mrs. D’Ombrain are staying.’

Athol D’Ombrain fighting a big fish off the Port Stephens coast

Advertisement for Shoal Bay Country Club – 1941

Advertisement for the Shoal Bay Country Club [The Daily Telegraph, 3 May 1941]

Shoal Bay Country Club appropriated by Australian War Cabinet – 1942

In 1942, with the Second World War in progress the Canberra War Cabinet appropriated the Shoal Bay Country Club which was still owned by the Newcastle and Port Stephens Big Game Fishing Club, for use by American military officers as their headquarters for their nearby amphibious army training area at Nelson Bay known as J.O.O.T.S. (Joint Overseas Operations Training Services).

Shoal Bay Clubhouse sold to Leonard Randall – 1947

Soon after the end of the Second World War in 1945, the Newcastle and Port Stephens Big Game Fishing Club sold the Shoal Bay clubhouse to Leonard Randall in 1947, who had been a Port Stephens Shire councillor.

Randall obtained a liquor licence in 1954 for the Shoal Bay Country and upgraded the premises from a guest house into a hotel and travel resort.

Advertisement announcing the Cub was under new management [Newcastle Morning Harald and Miners’ Advocate, 4 October 1947]

Road to the Shoal Bay Country Club not under the control of Port Stephens Shire Council  – 1948

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 13 May 1948, page 5, reported:

‘The proprietor of the Shoal Bay Country Club complained to the Port Stephens Shire Council at its recent meeting about the state of the Shoal Bay Road. Cr. Richardson moved that the proprietor, be informed that the road is not under the control of the Council.’

Guest at the Country Club goes missing feared drowned – 1949

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 29 October 1949, page 1, reported on the following tragic event that received much coverage in various newspapers:

‘An intensive search yesterday for Thomas Haylen, 35, who has been missing from Shoal Bay Country Club since Wednesday, proved fruitless. The search will be continued today. Twenty police, under Inspector Fairlamb, of Maitland, assisted by Sergeant Airs, of Newcastle, helped by several civilians, combed the two-mile strip from Nelson’s Bay to Tomaree Point without finding any trace of the missing man.

Wirraways from Williamtown, flying low, patrolled beaches, headlands and areas where Haylen might have lost his way. One search party visited Broughton Island, 15 miles north of Nelson’s Bay. Superintendent Parmenter, who visited Nelson’s Bay yesterday with Inspector Noble, said he had given instructions that the search should continue today, although hopes of finding Haylen alive were rapidly diminishing. He said the idea that Haylen had lost himself in the surrounding area was discounted by the fact that he was an observer in the R.A.A.F. in the war. A crash-boat from Rathmines patrolled the coast from Tomaree Point to Norah Head yesterday but had nothing to report when it returned to the shore last night.

Some residents believe Haylen fell from the rocks into the ocean between Wreck Beach and Box Beach while taking a short cut to pick up a picnic party which left him behind when it started for Box Beach on Wednesday morning. Others believe Haylen decided to have a swim and was taken by shark. Haylen was wearing shorts and sandals and was carrying a towel. The police are puzzled that no trace of the towel has been found. A pair of khaki shorts were found floating outside Nelson’s Bay baths yesterday morning. Haylen was wearing pearl grey shorts.’

One of Haylen’s brothers listens as Sergeant Airs, of Newcastle police, plans the search [Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 29 October 1949]

Constable L. Colless with one of the police dogs he is using in the search [Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 29 October 1949]

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 1 November 1949, page 2, also reported:

‘Police and civilians searched unsuccessfully yesterday for Thomas Haylen. 35, who has been missing from Shoal Bay Country Club since Wednesday. Grappling irons were used without success. Searchers kept a close watch on all beaches. Haylen’s brothers are still at Nelson Bay. The search will be continued today.’

The Daily Telegraph of 15 November 1949, page 9, further reported:

‘Fishermen at Nelson’s Bay today recovered a towel identified as belonging to Thomas Leslie Haylen, 35, of Sydney, who disappeared from Shoal Bay three weeks ago. The fishermen and Haylen’s brother dynamited an area of the sea around a rocky headland, where searchers had found a jumper belonging to Haylen. The towel then floated to the surface.

An extensive search for Haylen’s body was unsuccessful. Police believe that Haylen fell into the sea while trying to climb round a rocky headland to Box Beach. Haylen was spending a holiday at the Shoal Bay Country Club when he disappeared.’

Shoal Bay Country Club Launch damaged in a storm – 1950

The Newcastle Sun of 19 January 1950, page 1, reported:

‘The valuable yacht owned by Mr. H. De Lore, of Newcastle, was driven aground at Shoal Bay in the gale last night but was towed to safety this morning. The yacht was one of several craft which broke away from their anchorage. The 24ft. launch owned by the Shoal Bay Country Club, was extensively damaged. Valued at £400, the launch was so badly battered that it may be beyond repair.

Wreckage of the Shoal Bay Country Club Launch [Newcastle Sun, 19 January 1950]

Shoal Bay Country Club venue of a meeting with local residents – 1950

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 22 August 1950, page 2, reported:

‘Plans to acquire land for military training at Nelson’s Bay and Shoal Bay would be reviewed, the Minister for the Army (Mr. Franc’s) told a deputation yesterday. The deputation, led by the President of Port Stephens Shire Council (Cr. R. J. Richardson), had asked Mr. Francis to reconsider plans to take parts of Shoal Bay and Nelson’s Bay for amphibious assault training. ……..

Mr. Francis said that before a decision was given the question would be carefully considered. The area was ideal for a tourist resort, but also for Army purposes. As soon as possible, marked maps of the areas to be acquired would be given to Mr. Fairhall, M.H.R. Where beaches were taken by the Army, the public would have access except during training. The Army would not come to the district and make “a clean sweep,” as was feared.’

Minister for the Navy-Army (Mr. Francis) inspected tourist areas on the foreshores of Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay. He met a deputation at the Shoal Bay Country Club. From left: The President of Port Stephens Shire (Cr. Richardson), the Secretary of the United Fishermen’s League (Mr. J. H. Facey), Mr. Francis, the Vice-president of the Shoal Bay Ratepayers and Residents’ Association (Mr. L. Randall), Mr. A. Fairhall, M.H.R., and the President of the Association (Mr. E. Carter) [Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 22 August 1950]

Liquor License transferred to the Shoal Bay Country Club from Bathurst – 1954

In 1947, the Licensing Court issued an order for the Cosmopolitan Hotel at Bathurst to be rebuilt. Instead of rebuilding, the owners (Tooheys Brewery) transferred the liquor license to the Shoal Bay Country Club Hotel. The Cosmopolitan officially ceased trading as a hotel in 1954.

Former Cosmopolitan Hotel at Bathurst

The Maitland Mercury of 24 March 1954, page 4, reported:

‘The Licensing Bench sitting at Newcastle yesterday granted an application by L. Hoffman to transfer the licence of the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Bathurst, to premises at Shoal Bay occupied by the Country Club guesthouse owned by Leonard Randall. The Bench— Messrs. S. J. Bliss (chairman), R. M. Stewart and J. M. Kelly — was unanimous in its decision. Mr. John Rothery, who appeared in support of the application, said the Randall family proposed to spend £35,000 on building two wings on the premises. The eastern wing would provide for bars, lounge and a grass-covered beer garden. In the western wing there would be 25 rooms and a dining room to cater for 165 people. Two tennis-courts would be constructed.’

Plans for a major upgrade to the Shoal Bay Country Club – 1954

The Newcastle Sun of 23 March 1954, page 3, reported:

‘Plans were submitted at the Newcastle Licensing Court today for £35,000 alterations to a well-known Shoal Bay boarding house to provide Port Stephens with a luxury tourist hotel.

The court was hearing an application for the transfer of a hotel licence from the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Bathurst to the Country Club Guesthouse, Shoal Bay, owned by Mr. Len Randall. The application was made by Mr. L. Hoffman, licensee of the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Bathurst. Mr. J. Rothery (for Messrs. Randall and Hoffman) said that the Randall family intended to spend about £35,000 in transforming the present boarding house into a luxury tourist hotel.

The present two-storey building would be renovated, and two wings would be added. The plans provided for a wing on the east side which would contain drinking lounges and bars. This building would be separated by a grass-covered beer garden. On the western side of the main building a new wing would be constructed containing 25 rooms, 19 of which would be self-contained units with hot and cold showers. A dining room would accommodate 165 guests. In the main building renovations would provide a ballroom and modern recreational facilities. Tennis courts would be built nearby.

Roderick Richardson of Raymond Terrace, past chairman of Northumberland County Council, said the Nelson Bay-Shoal Bay area was included with Lake Macquarie as the main recreational facilities in the Northumberland town-planning scheme. He said the development over the past three years in the Nelson Bay-Shoal Bay area had been enormous. ‘Thirty years ago, the only access to this area was by boat to Salt Ash, he said. ‘As recently as 1939 only a poor road existed to as far as a place called Bobs Farm.

‘However’ during the last war the American forces built good roads to service their military bases at Shoal Bay. ‘About four years ago restrictions were lifted in the Shoal Bay area and land became available for subdivision and purchase. Since 1949 more than 100 homes have been built in the area.’ Mr. Richardson said that enormous sums were being paid for building blocks. Some blocks near the water were changing hands at £1000. ‘Thirty years ago, there was one hotel at Nelson Bay [Sea Breeze Hotel] to serve a population of 100 people.’ he added. ‘The present population exceeds 2000, and there is a floating population in holiday periods in excess of 5000 people.’

Francis George Dudley Stone, of Stewart Ave., Hamilton, Town Planning Consultant, to the Northumberland County Council, described Shoal Bay and Port Stephens as one of the finest seaside and lakeside resorts in the Commonwealth. He said the character of the present Country Club, which was an institution amongst many tourists in NS.W. would be retained in plans to convert the building to a hotel. ‘Rather than destroy the identity of the Country Club which is popular with families, the plans provided for a bar to be built some distance from the main building,’ he added.

‘The present building, when reconstructed, and the new wings will give all the services of a first-class hotel.’ Jack Shearman, of Raymond Terrace, president of Port Stephens Shire Council, said the council realised the great tourist potential of the Nelson Bay-Shoal Bay area and was planning to improve the roads. He said the present hotel at Nelson Bay was totally inadequate to deal with the drinking requirements for the area.

Charles Francis Knox, of Bellevue Hill Road, Bellevue Hill said he was the manager of one of the State’s largest tourist booking agencies, handling between 500 and 600 inquiries daily. He had travelled throughout America and considered Shoal Bay and Port Stephens to contain greater natural resources for boating, fishing and other tourist attractions than anything he had seen in America. He said he considered Shoal Bay had a great potential as a tourist attraction.’

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 25 March 1954, page 6, further reported that whilst there was overwhelming support for the transfer of the liquor licence to the Shoal Bay Country Club there was still some opposition:

‘Goninan said he thought half the residents of Shoal Bay were opposed to the transfer of the licence. Teenagers comprised about 30 per cent of the people who spent vacations at the Country Clubhouse. Percy Marshall, of Shoal Bay said there was no difficulty in getting liquor at the hotel at Nelson Bay during the week. He did not think that Shoal Bay was a proper place for a hotel. Gladys Irene Russom, widow, said she lived next door to the proposed licensed premises. She had obtained the signatures of those who signed a petition opposing the proposal. The hotel at Nelson Bay was small, but she thought that it could be enlarged.’

The upgrade to the Country Club Hotel and accommodation complex was completed during 1955.

Improvement of the road adjacent to the Country Club delayed – 1954

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 14 July 1954, page 8, reported:

‘Port Stephens Shire Council yesterday decided not to make any improvements to Shoal Bay-road before the new Country Club was built. Cr. S. Rogers said it was not advisable to go ahead and widen the road till the council could see how much extra traffic the new hotel would bring. Cr. L. Randall said there had been sufficient congestion in the past few years to justify widening the road now, whether a new hotel were being built or not’

The road was improved during December 1955.

Easement on western side of the Country Club causes a problem for a neighbour – 1954

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 15 July 1954, page 1, reported:

‘At the [Port Stephens] Shire Council meeting on Tuesday, the use of a drainage easement for foot traffic at Shoal Bay came up. The easement is one for drainage past the Shoal Bay Country Club’s premises and objection was taken to its use as a laneway by the adjoining landowner.

Messrs. A. Alister, Johnson and McDonald, wrote the Shire: ‘We have been consulted by Mrs. Gladys Irene Russom, of Shoal Bay, with reference to the easement, which was transferred by your Council some time ago to the western side which adjoins Shoal Bay Country Club premises from the eastern side of the property owned by our client. Our enquiries show that this only, whereas the same is now being used as a right-of-way.

Our client is a widow living alone and finds the constant traffic on this easement a gross source of annoyance and inconvenience to her. This condition will only be aggravated when the new hotel premises are erected on the site of the Country Club. Would you kindly bring all these facts to the notice of your Council and give favourable consideration to ordering the owners of the Shoal Bay Country Club to use the easement only for the purpose for which it was dedicated or in the alternative to have same fenced off so that it cannot and will not be used as a laneway.’

Mr. Monkley, (Shire Clerk), said the only way the Shire Council could take action was to fence the area off. Cr. Randall said he was agreeable to the fencing off, but by so doing it may deprive some residents further back of a short access to the foreshore. After discussion Crs. Scott and James moved that the Shoal Bay Progress Association be asked to forward their views on the matter and also the solicitors be informed that, the area is not to be used by the Country club as a lane way. This was carried.’

Renovated and enlarged Shoal Bay Country Club officially opened – 1954

The renovated and enlarged Shoal Bay Country Club premises including the Hotel section was officially opened on New Year’s Eve in 1954.

The joy of this official opening was to be short lived for the Randall family owners.

Section of the renovated Country Club destroyed by fire – 1955

In September 1955, a fire destroyed a section of the newly renovated Country Club premises. It was believed to have started accidentally when a guest smoked in bed.

The Country Club reopened again after fifteen months on 6 December 1957.

Section of the newly renovated Country Club destroyed by fire in 1955

Photos of the Shoal Bay Country Club over the years

Shoal Bay Country Club – mid 1940’s

Female lifeguards outside the Shoal Bay Country Club – 1940’s

Lifeguards on the beach opposite the Shoal Bay Country Club -1940’s

View from the Shoal Bay Country Club with its jetty in the foreground – 1940’s

Bathers on the Shoal Bay Country Club Hotel wharf – 1949          

Holiday makers outside the Shoal Bay Country Club – 1951

Holiday makers from the Shoal Bay Country Club competing in a three-legged race on the beach opposite the resort – mid 1950’s

Holiday makers from the Shoal Bay Country Club opposite the resort – February 1952

Shoal Bay Country Club circa 1960 [University of Newcastle Library’s Living Histories Collection]

View of the Shoal Bay Country Club and Hotel circa 1960

Photos of the Shoal Bay Country Club – 1969

Aerial view of the Shoal Bay Country Club precinct with the hotel at left – 1969

Street view of the Shoal Bay Country Club precinct – 1969

View of the Shoal Bay Country Club from the Shoal Bay wharf

Interior of the Shoal Bay County Club near the dining room entrance – 1969

Dining Room at the Shoal Bay Country Club – 1969

Beer garden of the hotel area at the Shoal Bay Country Club – 1969

Concluding Comments

The Randall family owned and operated the Shoal Bay Country Club including the hotel and accommodation premises for forty years, until its sale to a Newcastle family in 1987.

In July 1989, the Shoal Bay Property Corporation purchased the Shoal Bay Country Club and invested over $3 million to create an unique luxury holiday resort.

View of the Shoal Bay Country Club with the hotel section on the left – 1983 (prior to its sale to the Shoal Bay Property Corporation in 1989)

In 2003, the area surrounding area the Country Club site was redeveloped as two residential apartments towers.

The Australian Financial Review of 3 January 2003 reported:

”The $80 million Shoal Bay Resort and Spa north of Newcastle has sold all its apartments less than two weeks after the official opening. …… The resort is on the site of the former Shoal Bay Country Club directly opposite Shoal Bay Beach and with views from many of the apartments over Port Stephens.

The Shoal Bay Property Corporation a joint venture between former transport operator John McPhee and the Sydney building and electronics group Rotric Holdings bought the site in 1989.

They redeveloped it with two apartment towers, more apartments in smaller clusters across the site, a convention centre capable of catering to functions for up to 400 people and a $5.5 million hydrotherapy spa and health centre.

The Shoal Bay Property Corporation will hold the convention centre, the spa and the former country club building valued together at $24.5 million.’

In April 2014, the ‘Shoal Bay Resort and Spa’ was taken over and rebranded by the Ramada group of hotels, as the Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay.

The Ramada apartment towers are managed under a timeshare scheme operated by Club Wyndham Shoal Bay.  The accommodation buildings sit directly beside and behind the Shoal Bay Country Club and Hotel providing easy access to the venue’s cafes, bars, and entertainment.

In 2018, Andrew Lazarus (Zenith Hotels) purchased the hotel section of the complex and upgraded the premises again.

A view of the Shoal Bay Country Club from Shoal Bay Road [Author photo – October 2026]

Shoal Bay Country Club and Ramada Resort precinct along Shoal Bay Road [Author photo – October 2026]

Researched and compiled by Kevin McGuinness

November 2026