Q Station, is a contemporary take on the site’s use as a station for the quarantine of migrants and travellers suspected of carrying contagious diseases.
The Quarantine Station site is located near the suburb of Manly on Sydney’s North Head, an area which has important cultural and spiritual significance to the land’s traditional owners. The site is part of the rich history of Aboriginal occupation of the Sydney area.
A brief history...
Chosen in 1832 as the ideal site for the development of a quarantine facility, due to its isolation, deep anchorage options and proximity to the entrance to Sydney Harbour, the site reflects the evolving cultural landscape of colonial Australia, as well as demonstrating the impact of changing social attitudes and scientific and medical developments.
Thousands of individually carved stone engravings on site, also record the diverse cultural and social backgrounds of quarantined passengers, mapping the station’s use from its early beginnings until its closure for quarantine purposes in 1984.
The Quarantine Station today...
Today the site is renowned for its spectacular vantage points over Sydney Harbour and its situation within the beautiful surrounds of Sydney Harbour National Park. The site’s 65 heritage buildings reflect a rich history. Their diverse character is obtained through changing practices of use and expansions, when the site’s facilities were in high demand due to larger disease outbreaks. Many of these buildings have now been reinvigorated and restored providing unique Hotel, Conference and Wedding facilities.
Its diverse Education Programs, free Historical Exhibition, fascinating Ghost and History Tours and Luggage Store Visitor Centre and Cafe (open daily from 10am to 4pm) make the site a popular destination for day visitors, history buffs and school groups alike.
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Australia's history just waiting to be explored!