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Communities and Justice

What's happening at Tomaree

DCJ is commited to upgrading and maintaining Tomaree Lodge for public enjoyment

 

Success alert
Over 30 projects have been identified for completion to improve amenity at Tomaree Lodge

The April 2026 Progress Update Newsletter is now available. Sign up for our mailing list for more information including future editions of the newsletter.

Two white trucks pulled over on the side of a tree lined road with large drilling equiptment. there are two people in high-visibility workwear standing nearby
Warning alert
Temporary disruptions to Tomaree Lodge access for detailed engineering site investigations

As part of our work to renew Tomaree Lodge for the community, geotechnical survey and investigation works are taking place from 4 May 2026. Part of this work includes test sample drilling and commercial drone operation, as well as other site investigations.

Between 4-22 May, there will be intermittent disruptions to pedestrian access to the site, particularly along the foreshore walking track. Please follow directions onsite during this time and reschedule your plans if required.

Completed works

  • Foreshore walkway asphalt repairs
  • Gun Emplacement road pothole repairs
  • ‘Make safe’ building 5 to address all issues relating to asbestos
  • Building 10 (Hall) Minor upgrades – Paint and lock replacements (Kitchenette yet to be installed)
  • Removal of hazardous tree along the Gun Emplacement Road walking path.
  • There was a bumper bunya cone crop on the bunya pines outside cottage 11. This only happens every 2-3 years. Skilled arborists harvested the cones and left them out for people to take, with the leftovers being removed,. Bunya pines and cones are a culturally significant bush tucker, ABC news has more information.
  • New inviting glass paneled door on Cottage 11
  • Upgrade of ligthing along the foreshore to energy efficient LED
  • Returfing slope outside of cottages, as well as removal of dilapidated ramp structures to improve aesthetic appeal from the foreshore walk
  • New signage to improve wayfinding for people accessing the numerous walking trails,
  • A new Information Centre with two full time staff on site to greet visitors and provide information about Tomaree Lodge,
  • Improving community access and amenity, including the installation of a new beach shower and creating more open public space, including the refurbishment of picnic tables at the breakout area
  • Improving information available on site, including sharing the history of this unique location,
  • Safety and security upgrades, including the installation of over 30 new CCTV cameras,
  • Installation of a publicly accessible defibrillator outside the information centre
  • A mural completed by a Worimi Artist
  • Collaboration with Heritage NSW, NSW Soil Conservation Service, and Crown Lands NSW to restore the historic World War Il torpedo emplacement at the Tomaree Headland
  • Removal of unsightly tree stumps
  • Invasive weed eradication program
  • Photographic Heritage displays at the information centre
  • Demolition of dilapidated and unsafe BBQ/Picnic block
an aerial photo of the tomaree tube platform. the ocean is reflecting a beautiful colourful sunset
The historic Torpedo Tube which has been preserved in line with heritage requirements
A traditional Aboriginal artwork with earth based and ocean based colours. Minister Kate Washington is wearing a pink suit and The artist Jason Russell is wearing a tshirt and shorts
Minister Kate Washington, Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Disability Inclusion and the artist, Jason Russell in front of the new mural outside the Information Centre
a series of wooden picnic tables in front of a sweeping view of the bay, with a mountain in the background
Picnic tables refurbished for public enjoyment
For more information

Last updated:

Upcoming Work

• Interpretation planning and wayfinding upgrades

• Foreshore walk upgrade

• Public amenities upgrades

• Landscaping upgrades

• Building upgrades, recommissioning and adaptive reuse

• Feasibility assessment for jetty and ocean bath reinstatement

• Full site services and substructure assessments, including sewerage, stormwater, electrical, building condition and heritage assessments

• Ongoing site amenity, safety, signage and building upgrades

• Design of foreshore walking track connection to National Park track network at Tomaree Headland (in collaboration with NPWS)

• Design of upgraded traffic management and parking solution at Shoal Bay Road entry (in collaboration with Port Stephens Council)