Tomaree Headland Friends

12/02/2025

Community Vision for Tomaree Lodge: Share Your Ideas! 🌟
As you may be aware, the Tomaree Lodge site is owned by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, who are dedicated to ensuring that the site remains in the hands of the public and the community, always accessible to everyone. 🏞️ In recent weeks, we have highlighted several proposals and suggestions that our group has submitted to the department and other relevant government organizations. These suggestions were crafted based on community feedback gathered during our helpdesk sessions. While there have been numerous community consultation processes leading up to this point, we are eager to hear your thoughts on what should happen to this site. 🤔

We encourage you to share your ideas and visions for the future of Tomaree Lodge. Your input is invaluable as we seek to create a space that reflects the needs and desires of the entire community. Whether you envision a vibrant cultural hub 🎭, a serene nature reserve 🌳, or an educational centre 📚, your voice can help shape the direction of this project.

It is crucial to consider that the site will need to be financially sustainable due to its ongoing running costs. This sustainability will allow for a diverse range of activities, ensuring that the space can cater to various interests and needs within the community. Together, we can ensure that Tomaree Lodge remains a cherished asset for generations to come. 🏡 Please feel free to reach out to us with your suggestions and be a part of this exciting journey of transformation and growth! 🚀
[email protected]

Business Port Stephens Port Stephens Council Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port StephensRoz Armstrong Port Stephens Councillor Mark Watson - Port Stephens Councillor Meryl Swanson MP Laurence Antcliff for Paterson Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens EcoNetwork PS community Moonshadow - TQC Cruises Imagine Cruises - Port Stephens Bondi Chai Latte Readers Retreat Ray White The Knaggs Group

09/02/2025

Meet our inspiring teacher, Simmy, as she shares her insights on why she feels preserving the Tomaree Lodge site is crucial for future generations.🎓

06/02/2025

Meet our amazing, local personality and award winning photographer, Jen Newman, and hear her thoughts on the future plans for the Tomaree Lodge site 😊

Port Stephens Council Meryl Swanson MP Laurence Antcliff for Paterson Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port Stephens Mark Watson - Port Stephens Councillor Roz Armstrong Port Stephens Councillor Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens Paul Le Mottee - Port Stephens Councillor Imagine Cruises - Port Stephens
Business Port Stephens Port Stephens Ben Niland - Port Stephens Councillor

04/02/2025

Parking and Traffic Management Issues at Tomaree Headland.
The main issue highlighted by our help desk volunteers and visitors during the busy holiday season involves considerable parking difficulties at Tomaree Headland. This includes parking for those accessing the Tomaree Summit, as well as users of the Tomaree Coastal Walk and foreshore walk.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
Insufficient parking capacity:
🔸Lack of a dedicated parking area for summit visitors
🔸 Dependence on limited on-street parking
🔸 Inadequate space to accommodate peak visitor numbers during holiday seasons
Unsuitable turnaround area:
🔸 Not designed to accommodate larger vehicles like caravans or RVs
🔸 Absence of warning signs for oversized vehicles
🔸No prior warning that this is a dead-end street with very limited parking available.
Pedestrian safety concerns:
🔸 No designated pedestrian area

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆:
Pedestrians crossing the road unpredictably, Illegal parking, Vehicles occupying the turnaround area, and drivers waiting for parking spots or unloading.

In response to community feedback, our group has submitted the attached proposal to Port Stephens Council which includes a:
🔸 Vehicle turning circle
🔸 Designated pedestrian area to mitigate safety concerns.
🔸 People drop off area
🔸Implement signage that clearly communicates the scarcity of parking spot.

It’s important to note that the turning circle proposal, along with the other proposals that we have recently shared, are just that: 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 – which are derived from the community feedback we gather during our helpdesk sessions.

The council and relevant bodies, can implement the proposals, ignore or modify: our group is simply sharing the community feedback in a positive and constructive manner. All feedback on this post, respectfully given, is welcome.

Image: artists impression of our proposal

Port Stephens Council Meryl Swanson MP Laurence Antcliff for Paterson
Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port Stephens Mark Watson - Port Stephens Councillor
Roz Armstrong Port Stephens Councillor Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens Business Port Stephens Imagine Cruises - Port Stephens
EcoNetwork PS community Bondi Chai Latte

02/02/2025

"Honouring History: The Proposal for a Memorial Walk on Tomaree Headland" 🌅

Join us in discussing a proposal put forward by Tom Lupton, the former NB RSL Subbranch President, for the creation of a Memorial Walk on the stunning Tomaree Headland. 🏞️

Tom's visionary suggestion aims to connect and interpret the key World War II remnants scattered across this historic landscape, offering visitors a deeper understanding of their significance and the vital roles they played during the war. 🕊️

As we explore this proposed path, we would encounter landmarks like the first-of-its-kind radar station, observation decks, torpedo platforms, surf batteries, and telecommunications stations—all pivotal in defending Australia's East Coast, particularly against Japanese submarines. ⚓️🎖️

This Memorial Walk would not only honour these remnants but also the brave people of Port Stephens who contributed to the war effort. 🇦🇺✨ Let's come together to support this initiative, commemorating their sacrifices and preserving this important chapter of our history for future generations. 📜🌺

Image bottom right - courtesy of renowned local photographer - Jen Newman

Business Port Stephens Port Stephens
Imagine Cruises - Port Stephens Port Stephens Council Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port Stephens Mark Watson - Port Stephens Councillor Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens Roz Armstrong Port Stephens Councillor Tomaree Museum Tomaree Cultural Development Group

30/01/2025

Exciting news from the Tomaree Headland Group! 🎉
In response to the valuable feedback we received from visitors, 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 the addition of a café ☕ and information section 📚 to the existing amenities block at Tomaree Headland. It is essential to mention that the Tomaree Lodge site, along with the existing amenities block, is owned by the Department of Communities and Justice, which is not governed by the Crown Lands Act.

As you know, during the bustling holiday season, our help desk is inundated with inquiries 📞, highlighting the need for a dedicated space to enhance the visitor experience. We believe this addition will not only provide a convenient spot for tourists to relax 🛋️ and refresh but also serve as an informative hub for those eager to learn more about the stunning surroundings 🌅.

Therefore, in response to community and visitor feedback, we've commissioned an artist's impression 🎨 that beautifully integrates the café and information section into the natural landscape 🌳, complementing the site's breathtaking beauty. We look forward to your thoughts and support as we aim to enrich the Tomaree Headland experience for all! 🙌

Image: Artists impression of the upgrade to the existing amenities block.

Business Port Stephens Port Stephens Examiner Port Stephens Port Stephens News Of The Area Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port Stephens Roz Armstrong Port Stephens Councillor
Mark Watson - Port Stephens Councillor Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens Port Stephens Council Paul Le Mottee - Port Stephens Councillor
Giacomo Arnott - Port Stephens Councillor Peter Francis Jason Wells - Deputy Mayor of Port Stephens Chris Doohan - Councillor for Port Stephens Ben Niland - Port Stephens Councillor Meryl Swanson MP Laurence Antcliff for Paterson Bondi Chai Latte EcoNetwork PS community Moonshadow - TQC Cruises Readers Retreat Imagine Cruises - Port Stephens Ray White The Knaggs Group

29/01/2025

Working together to achieve great things ❤️😊

Business Port Stephens Port Stephens Council Meryl Swanson MP Laurence Antcliff for Paterson Kate Washington MP Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port Stephens Mark Watson - Port Stephens Councillor Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens

26/01/2025

Yesterday we had the pleasure of operating our Help Desk at the Australia Day celebrations, at Fly Point, Nelson Bay 🦘🌏

Pete, Chris and Grenville were on hand to answer questions from locals and visitors about Tomaree Headland and the Tomaree Lodge Site, as well as the answer odd question about the facilities at yesterdays event ☺️

Manning the Help Desk is a great opportunity for our volunteers to share their passion of this beautiful area with the public and provide the latest update on the lodge site. Plus, our volunteers were able to enjoy the event in the shade and luxury of their marquis ☺️😊

Don't forget, if you have any questions or comments, we'd love to hear from you, or if you would like to be added to our email list, send your details or questions to [email protected]

26/01/2025

Congratulations Judy Washington (our Judy ❤️☺️) - Freeman of the Year and Citizen of the Year, and author of the amazing book "Paradise Interrupted" 🎉🎊

And to a huge congratulations to all 🏆 Port Stephens Annual Award recipients 🏆what an amazing achievement!!!

25/01/2025

21/01/2025

Now that the bay has calmed down a bit, it’s the perfect time to hit the Tomaree Coastal Walk. Starting at Tomaree Headland and making your way to Birubi Point is just amazing. The views? Absolutely breathtaking! You’ll get to see the coastline stretching out, lush greenery all around, and you might even spot some wildlife along the way 🦘 It’s such a great opportunity to explore and really soak in the beauty of nature. Trust me, this is an adventure you won’t want to miss! 🦅

Business Port Stephens

19/01/2025

Have you read the most recent edition of Port Stephens News of the Area? The paper features a fantastic article highlighting the latest insights from our helpdesk volunteers who assisted from December 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025. As you may know, during this time, over 2,000 individuals climbed the Tomaree Summit daily, resulting in considerable traffic congestion around the Headland—accentuating the need for a shuttle bus service and reinstatement of the Tomaree Lodge jetty.

If you haven't had the opportunity to pick up your copy yet, now is the perfect moment to do so and stay updated on this crucial matter.

THE summer holiday season has once again brought hordes of visitors to Port Stephens, sparking debate over ways to better manage traffic congestion. As it has previously, the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group (THHG) set up “help desks” at Tomaree Headland from Boxing Day into the new year, providi...

17/01/2025

Meet our amazing, local personality, Seva, and hear her thoughts on the future plans for the Tomaree Lodge site 😊

Business Port Stephens Port Stephens Council Meryl Swanson MP Laurence Antcliff for Paterson Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port Stephens Roz Armstrong Port Stephens Councillor Mark Watson - Port Stephens Councillor Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens

16/01/2025

Help Desk Findings 🏞️
Our volunteers received numerous inquiries from both locals and visitors about the Tomaree Lodge site. We were delighted to share the latest updates with everyone.

The Dept of Communities and Justice has announced several exciting developments with the transition of the Tomaree Lodge to Port Stephens for community and recreational use.

For example, the Department is currently recruiting 2 admin staff members to be based in a recently renovated building at the Lodge. These staff will primarily be responsible for managing maintenance and security at the Lodge ensuring a well maintained and safe environment for visitors. Also, outdoor showers have recently been introduced next to the Amenities block near the entrance especially for walkers and those enjoying the nearby Shoal Bay and Zenith beaches proving to be very popular during these holidays.

Also, the Department in consultation with the new Community Consultation Committee is considering a variety of “Meanwhile” projects to enhance the functionality of the site without compromising the integrity of the Long-Term planning for the Tomaree Lodge including improved safety and accessibility and other features which will make the visitor experience more appealing.

These will include improving the Sense of Arrival which will provide a more welcoming atmosphere including information and directions that will enhance the Visitor Experience from the moment they arrive.

These initiatives reflect the Government commitment to improving the Tomaree Lodge site and reinforcing that it remains in public and community hands and of course always remains accessible to everyone.

Business Port Stephens What's On In Our Backyard: Port Stephens Port Stephens Council Meryl Swanson MP Laurence Antcliff for Paterson

11/01/2025

Today is the perfect day to embrace the sunshine and head outdoors, as the weather is absolutely amazing! Lace up your walking shoes 👟 and hit the Tomaree Coastal Walk, where stunning views and invigorating sea breezes await 🌊

Whether you're a seasoned hiker 🥾 or just looking for a leisurely stroll 🚶‍♀️, this scenic trail offers the perfect escape to rejuvenate your spirit and soak up nature's beauty. Don't let this gorgeous day pass you by—seize the opportunity to explore and make unforgettable memories in the great outdoors! 🌄✨

Start your adventure at the fabulous Tomaree Headland, and hey, make sure to swing by the Tomaree Summit while you're at it! You won't want to miss the view!

Explore now: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/experiences/tomaree-coastal-walk

10/01/2025

Help Desk Findings 🏞️
Tomaree Headland and its summit climb are undoubtedly among the top tourist attractions in Port Stephens. With over 2,000 visitors reaching Tomaree Summit daily, we were eager to gather opinions on our stunning area. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, featuring comments such as: "amazing," "worth the climb," "loved it," and "spectacular views." This tourist destination in Port Stephens is certainly gaining popularity.

The majority of visitors included:
✅ Families, often with young children
✅ Young adults aged 15 to 30

Key statistics highlight:
✅More than 90% of visitors came from Sydney
✅Another notable source of visitors was from Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.

A significant number of international guests, mainly from Europe and Asia, discovered Tomaree Headland through platforms like Lonely Planet and TikTok. Their expectations were not only met but exceeded, as confirmed by exit interviews.

Our little slice of paradise continues to enchant and astonish visitors. We feel incredibly fortunate to have this beautiful setting as our backyard. 💞🙏

Port Stephens News Of The Area What's On In Our Backyard: Port Stephens Port Stephens Council Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port Stephens Meryl Swanson MP Laurence Antcliff for Paterson Roz Armstrong Port Stephens Councillor Mark Watson - Port Stephens Councillor Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens Business Port Stephens

09/01/2025

Help Desk Findings 🏞️
The primary concern identified by our help desk volunteers and visitors points to a significant parking challenge at Tomaree Headland. The following issues have been intensified this year because of the increased number of visitors to our area.

Key issues include:
Insufficient parking capacity:
🔸Lack of a dedicated parking area for summit visitors
🔸Dependence on limited on-street parking
🔸Inadequate space to accommodate peak visitor numbers during holiday seasons
Unsuitable turnaround area:
🔸Not designed to accommodate larger vehicles like caravans or RVs
🔸Absence of warning signs for oversized vehicles
Pedestrian safety concerns:
🔸No designated pedestrian crossings
🔸Visitors crossing the road unpredictably, disrupting traffic flow
Illegal parking:
🔸Vehicles occupying the turnaround area
🔸Drivers waiting for parking spots or unloading, which adds to congestion
Traffic management:
🔸Increased traffic volume worsening existing issues
On a positive note, local law enforcement has been proactive in tackling these challenges by increasing patrols in the area 😊

The above issues have been passed onto council, and we would also like to note that the council is always eager to collaborate with the community to identify and tackle issues as needed. Joint efforts between local authorities and visitors can help alleviate these challenges and enhance the overall experience for those climbing the summit 😊

Don't forget, we also encourage and welcome any questions or feedback you may have. 💬

Port Stephens Council Meryl Swanson MP Kate Washington MP Laurence Antcliff for Paterson Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port Stephens Roz Armstrong Port Stephens Councillor Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens Mark Watson - Port Stephens Councillor Business Port Stephens

07/01/2025

Help Desk Findings 🏞️
As you are aware, our team operated a help desk at the base of Tomaree Summit from December 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025. This help desk was established to assist visitors in exploring the Tomaree headland and to provide updates on Tomaree Lodge, all staffed by dedicated volunteers. 🙌 The information gathered during this time has been compiled into a report, which will be submitted to the council and other relevant organizations to aid in decision-making for the area. 📊

Many people know that Tomaree Summit offers some of the most breathtaking views in New South Wales, attracting thousand of visitors during the holiday period. 🌅 We estimate that around 2,500 individuals climbed the summit each day from Boxing Day to January 5. 🏔️ The Tomaree Lodge site is owned by the state government, with initial planning phases are underway for its future, the government is dedicated to preserving this area for public enjoyment. 🏛️

In the coming week, we will also share our findings on our page to keep you updated. 📢 We encourage any questions or feedback you may have. 💬

Port Stephens Council Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port Stephens Meryl Swanson MP
Kate Washington MP Laurence Antcliff for Paterson Mark Watson - Port Stephens Councillor Roz Armstrong Port Stephens Councillor Nathan Errington - Councillor for East Ward, Port Stephens Business Port Stephens