Rocky Creek World War Two Hospital Complex (former)

The remnants of the Rocky Creek WWII Hospital north of Tolga, comprise an Igloo used as an entertainment hall, and building foundations on Frazer Road Reserve. Around 30,000 patients were treated here between October 1942 and September 1945. Construction of military facilities began following the declaration of war with Japan on 9 December 1941. The Rocky Creek site began as a tent hospital, established by the 19th Field Ambulance and the 5th Australian Camp Hospital. Patients returning from New Guinea arrived by train from Cairns. By January 1943 the tent hospital was expanded into a 1200 bed General Hospital, constructed by Cairns firm T J Watkins Pty Ltd. There were soon 73 buildings on site including facilities 2/2nd and 2/6th Hospitals, the 21st Australian Convalescence Depot, the 4th Australian Static Laundry and the entertainment igloo. By March 1944, both hospitals had been transformed from tent to hut hospitals and by September housed 1760 patients. Power was supplied from the Barron Falls Hydro Electricity Board. After the war, the entertainment igloo was used to manufacture cane furniture. In 1995 a War Memorial Park was established on site. The local Rotary Club is involved in the ongoing restoration of the site.