National Heritage Trust Festival: Unearthed

Join us for a free two-day Community Day at Q Station on 17th & 18th May 2025!

Mark your calendars for this special weekend filled with free guided tours and activities as Q Station takes part in this year’s Heritage Festival. Dive into the rich history and unearth the incredible heritage and environment of North Head Quarantine Station at Q Station.

As Australia’s oldest continuously operating quarantine station, Q Station has a rich history spanning from the 1830s to 1984, when thousands of migrants and returning Australians were quarantined there. Visitors can explore their stories through the Quarantine Life tour or family-friendly Skip through Quarantine tour, while the Unearthing Quarantine tour examines the historical and cultural significance of the site. A unique exhibition showcases important artefacts from the moveable heritage collection, and educational activities like scavenger hunts and trivia keep guests engaged. Additionally, nature tours, yoga, and bush regeneration sessions deepen visitors’ connection to the land, making Q Station an invaluable resource for teachers interested in themes of migration and medical history.

17TH MAY SCHEDULE:

9:00am – 4:00pm: Q Museum

Our moveable heritage collection at North Head Quarantine Station includes unique artefacts and historical exhibits in the Visitor Centre, showcasing passenger journeys, quarantine life, replica RMS Niagara cabins, preserved gravestones, and highlights from the Stories of the Sandstone project, highlighting the site’s Aboriginal significance and biodiversity.

9:30am – 10:00am: Intro To Quarantine For School Teachers

History, HSIE, biology, and hospitality teachers are welcome to visit our Education Room at Q Station for an introduction to engaging excursions that bring history and science to life.

10:00am – 11:00am: Quarantine Wander History Tour

Our Wharf Precinct showcases the heritage of migrants at the Quarantine Station, where for over 150 years residents began new lives in Australia after their arduous journeys.

10:00am – 11:30am: Unearthing Quarantine

Join a guided one-way tour from Q Station reception to the Wharf precinct to discover the intriguing history revealed through the cultural landscape and heritage buildings of the Quarantine Station.

11:00am – 12:00pm: Scavenger Hunt

Unleash your curiosity and embark on an adventurous quest at Quarantine Station to uncover magical spots, historical landmarks, and hidden treasures!

11:00am – 1:30pm: Moveable Heritage (P14 & P15)

The North Head Quarantine Station’s significant moveable heritage collection of over 2,500 items reflects its operation from 1828 to 1984 and the evolution of public health in Australia. Bookings not required

12:00pm – 1:00pm: Skip Through Quarantine Family History Tour

In 1921, passengers arriving on the RMS Niagara were quarantined at the Sydney Harbour Quarantine Station after a smallpox case was discovered on board.

1:00pm – 2:00pm: Nature Explorers

Join our passionate Q Station Educators for a serene nature walk at North Head, where you can admire stunning views, spot wildlife, and explore the rich heritage, history, and natural beauty of Sydney Harbour National Park.

2:00pm – 3:00pm: Sydney Trivia at Boilerhouse

Think you know Sydney best? Test your knowledge with these fun trivia facts about our iconic city!

18TH MAY SCHEDULE: (Same description as Saturday 17th May)

• 9:00am – 4:00pm: Q Museum
• 9:30am – 10:00am: Intro To Q (Teachers)
• 10:00am – 11:00am: Quarantine Wander History Tour
• 10:00am – 11:30am: Unearthing Quarantine
• 11:00am – 12:00pm: Scavenger Hunt
• 11:00am – 12:00pm: Quarantine Life Tour
• 11:00am – 1:30pm: Moveable Heritage (P14 & P15)
• 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Skip Through Quarantine Family History Tour
• 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Nature Explorers
• 2:00pm – 3:00pm: Sydney Trivia

For event details, please refer to the links above. For activity descriptions, please refer to the button below.