Toongla is a beautiful Victorian homestead built on a portion of land originally granted to John Paul called ‘Tullimbar’. Maurice Scanlon purchased the property in 1873 from solicitor William Billyard, who reputedly built the house. Maurice Scanlon’s daughter married prominent Albion Park figure Gabriel Timbs Junior, and their wedding reception was held at Toongla.
In 1898, William Moles, a man of much standing in the locality, purchased the property. Moles arrived at Shellharbour in 1841 as a young boy with his father Alexander and they farmed on a clearing lease near Killalea before moving to Tullimbar.
William married the daughter of Illawarra Shorthorn pioneer Andrew McGill and was a founding member of Shellharbour Municipal Council, serving as Mayor from 1860-1861, and Alderman, 1859-1863, 1866- 1867. Among the many local improvements Moles directed were those for education, development and dairying.
After his death in 1911 Toongla passed to his daughters, Marion and Barbara Moles.
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| Toongla at Tullimbar. Tongarra Museum. |
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| Toongla front verandah looking north west. Tongarra Museum. |
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| Toongla silo Tongarra Museum. |
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