Main Image: Q Station
The historic and beautiful Q Station is located across 30 hectares on the North Head of Manly, and if you haven't been before, then you are in for a treat as this is certainly a unique destination!
Image: Q Station
Q Station is an enduring part of Sydney’s history, and it's a site that once served as the Quarantine Station for migrants who have just arrived in the country. Now, yiu can experience this important part of history, 365 days a year.
Located in the Sydney Harbour National Park, Q Station is where you can choose from a wide variety of experiences for day trips or overnight stays. What was once a destination where you just enjoyed tours, is now a fully integrated destination where you can find hotel accommodation, outdoor fun, great dining and yes, you can still enjoy those "ghost tours" too!
Image: Q Station
What's great about Q Station is that as you walk around, you’ll notice that the buildings have been kept in pristine original condition. History is important, and should be preserved!
Really look around, can you still see the old yellow paint colours? Can you spot the heavy window panes and high ceilings? These features are all part of the building landscape.
If you want to stay overnight, you'll acutally be staying in hotel rooms which are original, and were once the accommodation areas of those who were migrating to Australia for the first time! The very ones!
In keeping with this heritage the accommodation is actually divided into first, second and third class. If you're staying in the cottages, you'll be staying in the old staff quarters (these are ideal for small groups or families)
Image: Q Station
It's worth noting that because of the fact Q Station is dedicated to preserving the heritage status and with restrictions with building modifications, the accommodation rooms do not have air conditioning. However, you can cool down with ceiling fans and heating for the cooler months.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience with the family that you can't get anywhere else or looking for an educational and fun day outdoors, Q Station is the place for you!
Image: Q Station
It's also worth noting that because of their dedication to the site’s heritage preservation, there is restricted motor vehicle activity on site however you can enjoy a complimentary shuttle bus that runs 24/7 to carry both guests and visitors from place to place. If you fancy taking your time, you can enjoy the beautiful paths for walking and an opportunity to hire bicycles!
Image: Q Station
Of course, we know one of the highlights of Sydney's Quarantine Station on North Head is that it's one of Australia's most haunted sites! As darkness descends over Q Station's historic buildings, as well as the burial ground and empty pathways, this is the time where you can encounter the ghosts of quarantine's past!
People have toured the site and left with stories of ghosts and paranormal occurrences that have been entwined throughout its history. In fact, ghost tours have operated at Q Station since the early 1990s!
There are a number of tours that you can choose from, so you'll be able to find the perfect one for your family!
Image: Q Station
So are you ready to not only immerse yourself in Australia's rich history, but also (maybe) meet some of the former souls that experienced that history first hand?
Be brave, be historic, and enjoy that family day out in one of the most fascinating locations in the country!
Lisa Downs
Lisa has been a content writer for Family Days Out for nearly 10 years, and a keen travel writer for nearly 20. She loves experiencing the best of a city, discovering the many things to do and immersing herself in the culture, and sharing these experiences with others through her writing.
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