Q Station Manly: Sydney’s most haunted hotel has more to offer than ghosts…
The historic Quarantine station spread across the impressive National Park on Manly’s beautiful North Head has been converted into a very unique 4.5-star accommodation and conference centre. Q Station, as it’s known as today, also serves up modern Australian cuisine at the Boilerhouse Restaurant and Bar.
The Location
The Manly North Head Quarantine Station, today known as Q Station, is a heritage-listed former quarantine station located in the National Park, an area which has important cultural and spiritual significance to the land’s traditional owners. The area is stunningly beautiful with a breathtaking view over Manly, the South Head and even the CBD. With only a 30-minute ferry ride from Sydney’s Circular Quay, Q Station is only a further short ride from the Many Wharf. For guests wishing to explore Manly further, the famous beach suburb is just a few minutes away for entertainment, nightlife and of course, the iconic Manly Beach.
The History
The Aboriginals referred to the North Head as the ‘gateway to heaven’ which can be seen as ironic given the many people who lost their lives here from various illnesses during the quarantine years. Between the 1830s to 1984 migrant ships arriving in Sydney with suspected contagious disease stopped at North Head and offloaded passengers into quarantine in order to protect the local residents. After the closure of the quarantine station, many of the buildings fell into despair and it wasn’t until 2006 when the Mawland Group signed a lease with The National Parks and Wildlife Service that Q Station, as we know today, was launched.
Q Station’s Rooms & Suites
Q Station offers unique accommodation hosting up to 180 guests where rooms are spread out across the National Park in the station’s original houses and cottages. The rooms and guest houses are ranging from Heritage Queen Room to Cottages and Apartments. After checking in at the reception there’s a shuttle bus taking guests to their respective accommodation. It’s also possible to walk around the grounds and with several maps on display it’s fairly easy to get around. The Deluxe Queen Room is spacious and has beautiful French doors leading out to a large shared terrace with outdoor chairs overlooking the National Park. The room has an ensuite bathroom, a comfortable Queen-size bed, a fridge as well as tea and coffee making facilities however Wi-Fi comes with an additional charge. Since all buildings are spread out, it almost feels like staying in ‘your own house’ and with the beautiful nature surrounding the rooms, it’s almost unimaginable to think that Sydney’s busy CBD is only half an hour away.
The Boilerhouse Restaurant & Bar
Perhaps one of the best spots at Q Station is the Engine Bar which is located right by the Quarantine beach. The outdoor area is the perfect spot to enjoy a pre-drink before dinner whilst soaking up the stunning view and atmosphere. With a great selection of cocktails, wines and beers there’s something for everyone.
The Boilerhouse Restaurant & Bar is housed in, as the name suggests, the original boiler house. Spread across two floors the interior is unique and contemporary whilst many of the original historical features have been preserved. The innovative restaurant is equally popular among locals as hotel guests. The innovative menu consists of smaller and larger plates, all prepared to be shared, similar to tapas except these dishes showcase the Australian cuisine and each dish is served one at a time. The grilled focaccia is fantastic to start with followed by the ricotta gnocchi. The Cone Bay Barramundi is cooked to perfection and the Riverine Flatiron Steak is superb and although not on the menu, we managed to get some wonderful shoestring chips on the side. There’s a great selection of Australian craft beers as well as an impressive wine list and the staff happily assists with pairing drinks with the dishes. The atmosphere is fun and cosy and definitely a unique dining experience.
Who Is The Q Station For?
For anyone who is looking for a unique experience who appreciates nature and history. Not many hotels can say they are located right in the middle of a National Park which makes Q Station so special. Perhaps most famous for their ghost tours (apparently there are a few of those lurking around) Q Station has much more to offer. The rooms are beautiful, the restaurants and bars are lovely and the staff is incredibly friendly. Families, couples of all ages and conference groups will all enjoy this spectacular place!
Q Station
1 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly NSW
For booking and more information visit www.qstation.com.au
Looking for more hotels in Manly? Check out Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific and The Sebel Manly Beach
