Travel guide New South Wales

North Head Scenic Drive
Manly NSW

The old quarantine station has recently been transformed into an expansive and peaceful retreat, which certainly lives up to its catchphrase ‘seven miles from Sydney but literally a thousand miles from care!’

Overall rating?    Excellent   

What makes Q Station different?
The property has a sense of tranquillity and seclusion, yet its remarkable proximity to both Sydney CBD and Manly beach make it a unique place to stay. The dinner and show packages and the interactive tours are also a stand-out.

Accommodation overview
The majestic yet comfortable old converted rooms include all the modern amenities you need for a relaxing stay. Each room features a queen sized bed with crisp white and gold linen, a flat screen television, video on demand, high speed internet access, a telephone, an executive desk area, and a well-appointed ensuite.  All rooms have heating and fans. The sofa bed can be used for additional people, but a family would be better off in one of the three bedroom cottages (available soon).  Other rooms don’t have ensuites, but a personal (and exclusive) bathroom is a short step away, made more comfortable with the provision of cosy gowns and slippers.

French doors open onto external furnished verandas (shared), which have fabulous views of Sydney Harbour, the national park or the garden, depending on your room’s orientation.

Facilities overview
The expansive retreat is home to a number of facilities both for day visitors or guests staying a few nights. For those staying a night or two there is a guest lounge, which provides a place to make a cup of tea or coffee, read, sit back or watch the world go by. The ‘Wharf Precinct’ features a visitor centre and museum, to help you explore the fascinating stories of the newly arrived immigrants quarantined here from the 1830s to 1984. The ‘Boilerhouse’ licensed restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day and for breakfast on the weekend. You can choose to dine inside or outside, to make the most of the beach-side ambience.

The resort also offers a variety of interactive tours for all the family. The theatre production of ‘Defiance’ (a show which entertainingly dramatises the stories some of those immigrants who found themselves quarantined here) is also a highlight and can be arranged as a special package to include accommodation, dinner and the show.  A shuttle bus also runs from top day visitor car park to the ‘Wharf Precinct’ on the waterfront.

Location
Q Station feels amazingly hidden but yet manages to provide a beautiful 180-degree view of the magnificent Sydney Harbour from its location in the Sydney Harbour National Park off North Head. It is a five-minute drive to Manly, half an hour from Sydney or probably only 20 minutes by water taxi. As a hotel guest you can drive right into the site to reception, where you are then transported to your room ‘golf buggy’ style and your car is valet parked in the guest parking lot.

Suitable for children?
Families would probably be best accommodated in one of the self-contained cottages, due to open in 2009. The children’s menu at the ‘Boilerhouse’ restaurant and the ‘Family Ghosty’ tour both cater for children. Kayaking off Q Station’s beach or a swim down at nearby Manly beach will also keep the kids busy.       

Suitable for pets?           
The Q Station is part of Sydney Harbour National Park protected Bandicoot habitat and therefore not suitable for pets.

Wheelchair access?   
The property features one wheelchair accessible room. Ramps have been installed for wheelchair access to ‘Views’ (the breakfast restaurant) and the ‘Boilerhouse’. The heritage nature of the site makes total wheelchair access problematic, with several flights of stairs being unavoidable. However, all efforts will be made to accommodate wheelchairs where necessary.  Check for your requirements when booking.   

Perfect for?
Q Station Retreat would be the perfect location for couples who want to get away from everything yet not have to drive very far. It would also be perfect for special occasions, weddings, conferences or family gatherings. Both local and international visitors would enjoy getting a real taste of what Sydney would have been like in the early days. International guests, in particular, would appreciate getting a taste of the Australian bush so close to the city. Also a great vantage point to watch the famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Why stay longer?
The incredible history of the site, the knowledge of the guides and staff, the interactive and historic tours and fabulous sunsets would easily warrant an extended stay. The tours, theatre, restaurants and easy access to Manly would also keep you busy.

Why you wouldn’t stay longer?
If you are terrified of ghosts, this may not be the place for you!

Pricing
Room costs vary from $150 to $380 (bed and breakfast) depending on season.  Check Q Station Retreat's accommodation listing for current prices.