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Book
Paradise Interrupted:
Tomaree Headland Port Stephens in World War II
(New Publication 2025)
In 1941 iconic Tomaree Headland, at the entrance to Port Stephens NSW and its adjacent beaches were transformed from an idyllic leisure area and fishing grounds into a vast military undertaking during WW II.
Its role was to protect the vital industries of nearby Newcastle and neighbouring Williamtown RAAF Base from invasion through the vulnerable entry point.
This book documents the monumental and urgent task of creation of an extensive wartime installation of gun emplacements, observation posts, torpedo tubes, a radar station at the summit of mount Tomaree, over 50 barrack and other buildings.
27 August 2025 - Public Meeting in Nelson Bay
Preliminary concepts for the future of Tomaree Lodge Site unveiled at Public Meeting
* These concepts lay the groundwork for the next stage of community engagement and consultation.
* DCJ are requesting FEEDBACK on their concept plans for the Tomaree Headland site.
* We urge you to have your say - CLICK the feedback link from DCJ.
MEMBERSHIP is vital to the work of this Volunteer Group - THHG Committee.
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The more members we have the greater the Data Validates/Impacts our presentations to the Department DCJ, Port Stephens Council and National Parks.
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Every Member contribution makes a difference.
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Your membership fee goes a long way in helping us along this journey to ensure the Tomaree Lodge site meets community expectations and has a bright future.
WHERE TO NEXT
for the ICONIC TOMAREE LODGE SITE
The iconic Tomaree Lodge site is now vacant.
Our KEY OBJECTIVES are to repurpose the site to an educational, cultural and tourism precinct ensuring it always remains accessible to the public.
The NSW Government is committed to retaining the Tomaree Lodge site in
'PUBLIC HANDS'.
The 'Community Consultation' process closed on the 6th January 2023
asking the local community to help decide the best use for it in the future.
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STRATEGIC CONCEPT PLAN
Adaptive Re-use of the Tomaree Lodge Site
Clouston Associates / Division of Beveridge Williams 28/10/2022
THHG Inc. has commissioned this Strategic Concept Plan on behalf of the
Port Stephens Community.
Our primary objective is to seek the transition of the now vacated Tomaree Lodge site in Shoal bay to the Port Stephens community by ownership or a long term lease.
Potential Adaptive Re-use
Tomaree Lodge Site
Produced by THHG Inc. - March 2023
VIDEO - Duration: 3.53minutes
Business & Heritage
Future of Tomaree Lodge Shoal Bay Port Stephens
Photography by Brent Mail - September 2022 / Supporters Tomaree Headland Heritage Group and AGL
Business Owners and the
President of the Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch
- have their say on the future of the Tomaree Lodge site at Shoal Bay Port Stephens.
Please share and we welcome your feedback.
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VIDEO - Duration: 2 minutes
A Fresh Young View
Future of Tomaree Lodge Shoal Bay Port Stephens
Photography by Brent Mail - August 2022 / Supporters Tomaree Headland Heritage Group and AGL
The iconic Tomaree Lodge site is now vacant.
Students from St Philip's Christian College Port Stephens (Salamander Bay NSW)
Tomaree Headland Heritage Group Inc. has sought the views of senior students from
St Philip's Christian College on the future opportunities for the Tomaree Lodge in Shoal Bay Port Stephens.
Please share and we welcome your feedback.
VIDEO - ​Duration: 2 minutes
Future of Tomaree Lodge Shoal Bay Port Stephens
Photography by Brent Mail 28th June 2022 Supporters Tomaree Headland Heritage Group and AGL
The iconic Tomaree Lodge site is now vacant.
There are many fantastic opportunities for the future use of this iconic Tomaree Lodge Site located on the Tomaree Headland in Shoal Bay Port Stephens.
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Education and Research are examples of the great opportunities - highlighted in this video by Frank Future a Board member of THHG - a long term resident of Port Stephens.
If this site is 'Transitioning to the Port Stephens Community' this idea and many other opportunities which have already been put forward by the Community will be considered for the FUTURE USE of the Lodge Site.
We will be putting forward other opportunities for this ICONIC SITE over the next few months.
The Tomaree Headland Heritage Group continues to seek input and comments.
We encourage you to SHARE this 2 minute video clip.
VIDEO
Tomaree - An Ancient Summit
The Video Documentary below
acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land the WORIMI PEOPLE,
their elders past, present and emerging.
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