Tomaree Head Fortifications facts for kids

The Tomaree Head Fortifications are a historic military site located at Shoal Bay, New South Wales, Australia. They are also known as Tomaree Head Battery or Stephens Battery. This important site was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 October 2010. It played a key role in Australia's defence during World War II.

History of Tomaree Head

Tomaree Head was a very important place during World War II. It helped protect Australia's east coast. This area was chosen for its strong defence features. It also became a major training ground for soldiers.

Early Radar at Tomaree Head

Tomaree Head was one of the first places chosen for a new air force project. This project aimed to build a ring of radar stations around Australia. The country faced a growing threat of war from Japan. Only three radar sets were available at first. These were borrowed from a research facility called the CSIR Radiophysics Laboratory.

Experts chose Tomaree Head because it was vital for protecting the industrial areas. These included Newcastle, Sydney, and Port Kembla. The radar station at Tomaree Head was built to watch for enemy planes and ships.

Japan entered the war before the radar building was finished. An Australian-made radar set, called AW, became available. This AW radar was a breakthrough. It could detect aircraft from far away. RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) radar teams brought the large radar equipment to Tomaree Head. The station was ready by April 1942. It quickly began reporting aircraft positions. It even detected the Japanese submarine that shelled Newcastle in June 1942.

Fortifications and Defence Functions

From 1941, gun emplacements and other structures were built on Tomaree Head. These were part of a large defence system. This system protected Newcastle and Port Stephens. The site included heavy gun positions and machine gun pits. There were also torpedo tubes and searchlight stations. A command post and barracks were built for soldiers.

The headland was cleared, and services like power and water were added. Before 1939, Tomaree Head was mostly natural land. The RAAF, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) installed all the services. US Army and Navy forces also used the site. Hundreds of people lived and worked there during the war.

The coastal defences at Tomaree Head included:

• Australian Army posts: These had observation points and radar. They also had machine gun and anti-aircraft positions.
• RAN sea defences: These included minefields and torpedo tubes. They were controlled from Nelson Head.
• RAAF radar station: This station at the top of Tomaree Headland reported aircraft movements. It provided early warnings of enemy approaches.

Tomaree Headland has the remains of many fortifications. There are also old buildings and artefacts.

Training for Allied Troops

Tomaree Head was also a major training centre. It was called the Amphibious Training Centre. Thousands of Australian and US servicemen trained here. They learned how to land on beaches during an invasion. They practiced on nearby Zenith, Wreck, and Box Beaches. This centre was officially known as HMAS Assault.

Later in the war, similar training centres were built closer to the battlefronts. The RAN trained its landing craft crews here. These crews were involved in invasions in places like Dutch New Guinea, Tarakan, and the Philippines. Tomaree's defences were strengthened as its importance grew. It protected the first Allied combined operations training centre in the South-West Pacific.

In March 1943, a Naval Control Observation Bunker was built. It was used to detect submarines. It also helped with surveillance over Providence Bay.

Post-War Changes

After Japan's invasion of South-East Asia in 1942, training camps became very important. These camps trained navy, army, and air force personnel. They learned to work together to retake captured islands. Port Stephens was chosen for a School of Combined Operations. It had a safe port and was away from Japanese submarines.

Military work began in September 1942. This included Fort Tomaree on Tomaree and Nelson Heads. The RAAF radar station started in February 1942.

By October 1943, the Amphibious Training Centre closed. Only boat crews continued training. By August 1944, the base at Port Stephens was mostly shut down. The infantry camp at Tomaree was used for training the Volunteer Defence Corps.

In 1947, the infantry camp was given to the NSW Department of Public Health. From 1960 to 1985, it was a holiday camp. Later, it became part of Tomaree Lodge for mental health patients. In 1993, the Royal Australian Air Force removed the radar tower.

Today, the site is part of Tomaree National Park. The Fort Tomaree Walk takes visitors to see the remains of the fortifications.

The Tomaree Headland has different areas:

• Batteries and Battery (or Upper) Camp
• Infantry (or Lower) Camp
• Surf Batteries and torpedo tube
• RAAF radar station

The Tomaree Hostel now uses buildings from the former infantry camp. These timber buildings are in the same locations as the original camp buildings.

What Tomaree Head Looks Like

Tomaree Head is a 162-meter-high hill. It is at the southern entrance to Port Stephens. The headland has natural plants, steep cliffs, and interesting rock formations. On the west side, facing Port Stephens, is the Tomaree Lodge. This lodge is also a heritage-listed site. Visitors can enjoy amazing views from many spots on Tomaree Head.

Tomaree Head is a popular place for recreation. It has a beautiful appearance. In 1940, Port Stephens was seen as a large harbour. It was close to the important steelworks in Newcastle. An unprotected Port Stephens could have been an easy landing spot for enemies.

By 1942, Tomaree was fortified with six-inch guns and torpedo tubes. It also had mortars, machine guns, and searchlights. Command posts and accommodation were built. The guns were never fired in a real battle. After 1943, the artillery defences were reduced. Some gun positions closed, and gunners were moved to other areas. The No. 20 Radar Station kept working until 1947. In 1993, the RAAF returned part of the radar antenna to the summit.

Why Tomaree Head is Important

Tomaree Head is a very important landmark. It has been significant to Aboriginal people for a long time. Its unique geology, with sand and volcanic clays, is also interesting. Tomaree Head has a rich history. It has been linked to Captain Cook's discovery and early settlers. Fishing, timber, and farming were also part of its past.

One of its best features is its beauty. It is a prominent landform with steep cliffs and a natural landscape. Explorers noted its beauty in the 19th century. Today, many people visit the area for recreation.

Tomaree Head was chosen for Australia's first radar station. In 1942, it housed the first Australian-made AW (air warning) radar set. The fortifications on the headland were key parts of Australia's coastal defence. They protected important places from Port Stephens to Jervis Bay. It is one of the few non-urban forts that protected Australia. It was vital for protecting Newcastle and the RAAF base at Williamtown. The remaining parts offer great opportunities for history, education, and research.

Tomaree Head Fortifications was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 October 2010. It met several important criteria.

Historical Significance

Tomaree Head has always been a clear landmark. Aboriginal people used it as a beacon. Early European explorers and settlers also used it. It is linked to the exploration and development of NSW. Fishing, timber, and farming have all been part of its history.

The Tomaree fortifications are historically important. They were part of the World War II coastal defence network. This network protected strategic places along the NSW coast. The fort protected Port Stephens and the industrial sites at Newcastle. It is one of the few non-urban forts that still has elements like rifle pits.

The radar at Tomaree was the first air warning radar made in Australia. It was designed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Its parts were made by Australian companies. It was the first radar manned by RAAF-trained mechanics. It was also the longest-serving RAAF radar in World War II. The site was also used for some of the largest troop movements in Australia. Allied troops trained here for beach landings. Tomaree Head shows Australia's long-standing concern for coastal defence. It also shows the fear of invasion during World War II.

Association with Important People or Groups

The lives of the few European people who lived on Tomaree Head before World War II are part of local stories. The site was also important to Aboriginal people. For those who served at Tomaree during World War II, it holds special memories. The headland has been a place for recreation for locals and visitors since the 19th century.

Aesthetic Qualities and Technical Achievements

Tomaree Head is visually stunning. Its partner, Yacaaba, on the north side, is taller but harder to reach. Aboriginal stories and beliefs included the beauty of the headland. One of the best things about Tomaree Head is its amazing views. You can see stunning land and sea views from its summit and slopes. Its height made it a great lookout. It was used by Aboriginal people to spot fish. During wartime, it was used to spot enemies. The views include mountains, natural plants, and water. These are highly valued by people from all backgrounds.

The functional design of the wartime defences also adds to its unique look.

Research Potential

Tomaree Head has the potential to teach us more about NSW's history. This helps explain why many different visitors enjoy the site. The views of woodlands, ancient rocks, and winding tracks are beautiful. The cliffs and rock formations along the eastern side are very dramatic. The headland is a landmark. It can be seen from far away, both from the sea and from the surrounding land.

Rare or Endangered Aspects

The native plants on the Tomaree Peninsula are mostly woodland types. Some rare or threatened plant species are found here. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service believes these natural areas are very important to protect. Tomaree Headland is listed on the State Heritage Register for its ecological value.

Demonstrating Principal Characteristics

Tomaree shows the natural beauty of the area's geology and landscape. It also shows the type of fortifications built as part of NSW's coastal defences during World War II.