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Boutique hotel, marine centre, cafes: Big ideas for future of iconic Tomaree Headland

The friends of Tomaree Headland are calling on the state government to implement a master plan for the future of the iconic Tomaree Headland, with the lodge site set to be vacated as a residential facility next year.

Tomaree Headland, Port Stephens. Calls for a master plan.
Tomaree Headland, Port Stephens. Calls for a master plan.

Covered in lush coastal bushland, stunning white, sandy beaches and a dramatic rocky coastline, the iconic Tomaree Headland is being touted as an ideal location for a marine centre, boutique hotel and restaurants and cafes.

With the Tomaree lodge site, a disability care centre set to be vacated by residents next year, The Friends of Tomaree Headland are desperate to see it transformed into a tourist attraction.

In the lead up to the NSW election in March, the state government and opposition both committed to retaining the eight hectare lodge site in public ownership in a bid to plan future use.

Port Stephens Tomaree Headland views. The vision is to make it a nationally significant tourist attraction
Port Stephens Tomaree Headland views. The vision is to make it a nationally significant tourist attraction
Tomaree lodge which is set to be vacated next year. Calls for a master plan to turn it into a tourist attraction.
Tomaree lodge which is set to be vacated next year. Calls for a master plan to turn it into a tourist attraction.

The local group said it’s of critical importance to immediately establish a master plan for the lodge site to ensure its future protection.

“There is a lot of history in this area, the world war two history where the Americans were based there as part of the cold sea war effort,” said convener of the Friends of Tomaree Headland Peter Clough.

“There’s a lot of Worimi history, and even European history.

“We would like to see that all interpreted into some sort of centre at the bottom of the headland, ideally in the lodge.”

Their vision is to establish Tomaree Headland into a nationally significant tourist attraction, to protect natural and heritage assets and achieve financial sustainability.

Some of the creative proposals include an aquarium to display rich marine life, a centre based on cultural and World War II heritage, a boutique hotel, restaurants and cafes.

Port Stephens Tomaree Headland views. The vision is to make it a nationally significant tourist attraction
Port Stephens Tomaree Headland views. The vision is to make it a nationally significant tourist attraction
Family looking over waters of Port Stephens inlet from Tomaree Headland, Port Stephens
Family looking over waters of Port Stephens inlet from Tomaree Headland, Port Stephens

It aims to blend in with the popular summit walk, which supplies glorious panoramic views over the region, set to receive $6.8 million dollars worth of upgrades.

“There is sections of this walk already in place but this funding was allocated to upgrade those areas and connect it all so people can walk for the full 23 kilometres,” said Mr Clough.

“We think efforts should now be made to start working with the community to develop a masterplan for both the lodge site and the headlands.”

Another concern is the increased visitation. The Friends of Tomaree Headland want to see more amenities and parking.

What a relic could look like after restoration.
What a relic could look like after restoration.
Friends of Tomaree Headland say there's a strong need to restore, protect and preserve WWII relics
Friends of Tomaree Headland say there's a strong need to restore, protect and preserve WWII relics

“It’s a very popular area especially on holidays and weekends and parking is already at a premium,” added Mr Clough.

“If we want to get this site improved, it’s important that there is additional provisions for parking.

“The other thing is there is no amenities, toilets, at the bottom or at the top of the hill. You have to walk 400/500 metres down the road to where the boat ramp is to go to the toilet.”

Plans for a skywire to the summit have also been touted.

“This would need to be evaluated in the master plan,” he said.

A spokesperson from the Department of Communities and Justice said the safe and smooth transition of residents (At Tomaree Lodge) to community living in new contemporary accommodation is the first priority.

“The Department has no comment to make on the future use of the Tomaree site as its focus is entirely on sensitively transferring the residents to their new homes,” they said.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/thenewcastlenews/boutique-hotel-marine-centre-cafes-big-ideas-for-future-of-iconic-tomaree-headland/news-story/4cf87bfc0cd54cb5b9bf5b774a0f1003