Such an amazing place. When you choose an hotel on the net it is pot luck and I am so thrilled with this place and its fascinating history.
No one about as all “working” except for me! I am not remotely stressed!
From 1828 the Quarantine Station on the North Head was used to isolate people suspected of carrying infectious diseases. The mid 1800s saw up to 1,000 immigrants being housed at any one time, on a site fit to accommodate only 150 people. By the 1880s the site was expanded and internees were organised into precincts, which were used to segregate passengers according to class. The minimum time in quarantine was 40 days for a whole shipload of people even if only one person was suspected of having something.
Epidemics of smallpox in 1880 and Bubonic plague in 1900 saw the Quarantine Station (QS) housing infected Sydney-siders, some of whom were taken from their homes at a moments notice. During the Spanish Influenza Pandemic 1918-1919, 12,00 people were brought to the Station: this was the busiest time in QS’s history. After the 1930s changing models of travel and advances in medical practices brought about a significant decrease in activity at the QS. There is a wonderful collection of luggage and leather baggage reflecting the times and status of the internees. 
When folks were “quarantined” here many carved into the basalt rock to leave a little bit of themselves behind …….a different kind of Graffiti!
So much to say and not enough space to do it justice. You can feel its history and the lives, often very difficult, of folks who have passed through here.
So much to say and not enough space to do it justice. You can feel its history and the lives, often very difficult, of folks who have passed through here.
With its closure in……..1984!!!!! the QS was handed over to the National Parks and Wildlife Service of NSW.
Currently leased to Mawland Quarantine Station, the site has been reinvigorated as Q Station Retreat – an hotel, event & conference centre – and is one of Sydney’s most unique and historical sites.
There are interactive educational programmes for both primary and secondary schools and I might just join one of the groups having spoken to the archeologist and the educationalist on site…coals to Newcastle or something? Programme looks fabulous.
Currently leased to Mawland Quarantine Station, the site has been reinvigorated as Q Station Retreat – an hotel, event & conference centre – and is one of Sydney’s most unique and historical sites.
There are interactive educational programmes for both primary and secondary schools and I might just join one of the groups having spoken to the archeologist and the educationalist on site…coals to Newcastle or something? Programme looks fabulous.
Just imagine what these rocks have seen and heard? I can quite believe that there could be spirits roaming around this spot!
Maybe worth researching this gentleman when I get home?
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