[1] The presence of the large lagoon was one of the deciding factors in the use of this area by both Aboriginal people (who harvested plants and animals for use in daily life - from the rainforest along the river and surrounding paperbark (Melaleuca sp.)

[1] The fertile flats on the banks of Webber's Creek were cleared with convict labour in the 1820s and it is from this land that much of the wealth of Tocal was created.

[2][1] The planting of vineyards and the making of wine were given every encouragement by the early governors of New South Wales, as well as by urban and rural authorities, for their economic value and also partly, if not chiefly, for their "sobering" appeal.

J. D. Lang noted that in 1836 the farms varied from 202–809 hectares (500–2,000 acres), and were held by free immigrants employing convict labour.

[5][1] In 1834 Webber sold Tocal to Caleb and Felix Wilson (father and son), who had a large business in Sydney.

Felix commissioned Scottish architect, William Moir to design it for use as a country residence, and the Wilson family held the property till 1907.

[1] In 1844 Charles Reynolds leased Tocal until 1871[8] and the following two generations of that family made it one of the most famous stud farms in the country.

"Free Trader" winner of the 1856 Grand National was imported by the Reynolds to Tocal but before he could be extensively used was stolen by bushranger Captain Thunderbolt.

It most likely dates from the Alexanders' time, and displays the style of garden favoured by early settlers, based on familiar English plants.

He gave his nieces, Misses Myrtle and Marguerita Curtis life tenancy and they lived at Tocal Homestead until 1985, dying just five days apart.

[13][1] Tocal Homestead is carefully located on the top of a small rise overlooking the lagoon to its east and Paterson Road beyond that.

The house is framed by a number of magnificent (again, carefully placed) mature Moreton Bay fig trees (Ficus macrophylla) which are visible from quite some distance away[14] and the homestead garden is enclosed, by a white painted picket fence.

[1] Other trees near the house include some local rainforest species, such as red kamala (Mallotus philippensis) south-west of the homestead facing its rear yard.

[1] The site also consists of a wide range of vernacular timber buildings, stockyards, post and rail fences, underground silos and other elements representing technology of a 19th-century farm.

[1] Sandstock Brick Buildings, Barracks & Thunderbolt's Cottage - These are in reasonably stable condition, they require extensive repairs but retain much of their original qualities.

A garage has been converted to public toilets (1990) and the staff quarters modified to incorporate Tea Rooms (1990, 96)[1] The place is significant because it represents the complete range of human habitation in the Paterson Valley.

There is evidence of its use by the Gringai Clan of the Wonnerau people through the name "Tocal" and the presence of axe grinding grooves on site.

The main significance of Tocal as a European site is the entire precinct which is a stud horse and cattle agricultural property from the 19th century.

[16][1] The key element within this important precinct is the Homestead representing a very fine residence of which few of equal age and quality remain today.

[1] Tocal Homestead was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999 having satisfied the following criteria.

[1] The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

The association with the Gringai Clan of the Wonnerau people, with Reynolds who were pioneers in stud cattle and horses and the Alexander family are all important social aspects of the property.

[1] The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

[1] The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.