History Tours
Find out about Q Station’s history and what the Quarantine Station was.
For over 150 years the Quarantine Station was for many, the beginning of a new life in Australia after making the arduous & lengthy journey from their homelands. Ships suspected of harbouring people infected with contagious disease such as Spanish Influenza, Smallpox or Bubonic Plague were quarantined here so that these deadly diseases would not reach the general population in Sydney. Ultimately a success story for the growing Sydney population, it did however leave an indelible mark on those that were quarantined; tales of love and loss play out alongside themes of cultural and social change, medical history and progress.
We operate a public schedule of history tours, bookable online or in person at our onsite Visitor Centre for you to discover more about our story. Group tours are also welcome by prior arrangement.
Q Station is a proud Probus Member Benefits Scheme Approved Partner. Present your Probus card upon booking to redeem a discount on your next tour*
QUARANTINE WANDER HISTORY TOUR
Our Wharf Precinct is the most significant place to understand the arrival and daily operations of residents at the Quarantine Station. You’ll explore the heritage buildings and discover the stories of migrants through the 19th and 20th centuries.
For over 150 years the Quarantine Station was for many, the beginning of a new life in Australia after making the arduous & lengthy journey from their homelands.
Date & Time: Mon-Thurs 11:00am & Fri-Sun 10:00am
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: Adult $30
Concession $25
Child $15
Family $80 (2 adults, 2 children)
DISEASE & BURIAL HISTORY TOUR
Get ready to be fascinated and unsettled by untold stories and scandals connected with past quarantine residents. Discover strange and alarming medical practices formerly used to treat diseases. Hear the chilling account and eerie coincidence surrounding Australia’s first bubonic plague death.
Learn about Sydney’s 1881 smallpox outbreak and the significant societal changes it led to. Uncover the deeper stories of disease and burials and the hardships endured during lockdowns of the past. By end of this tour, you may just see quarantine in a whole new light!
SIX SUNDAYS AT THE STATION
Six Sundays at the Station is an exciting new series designed to immerse participants in a variety of themed tour experiences, activations & activities throughout the year.
Spaced out every two months, this series showcases unique themes that highlights different aspects of Q Station’s rich history and stunning surroundings. This series not only enriches knowledge and appreciation of Q Stations heritage but also fosters connections between participants, and the site. Whether you’re a local, guest or day visitor, the Six Sundays at the Station promises a memorable day.
ANZAC DAY TOURS
Australia’s first and longest running Maritime Quarantine Station has many stories to tell. The end of World War One in the final months of 1918, coincided with the arrival and subsequent spread of the Spanish Flu pandemic in Australia. This became the busiest period ever for the Station.
Join us as our guides share the stories of those returning soldiers and nurses from the Western Front, who then found themselves in quarantine. You’ll see inside our Wharf Precinct buildings as well as the Hospital Ward.
Timeslots are 10:00am, 11:30am & 1:00pm
SKIP THROUGH QUARANTINE KIDS TOUR
Experience arrival at the Quarantine Station on the RMS Niagara in 1921. A case of smallpox has been discovered as the boat steams into Sydney Harbour and everyone must be quarantined.
Discover what life had been like on board the ship and how the arriving passengers were processed as they arrived at the Quarantine Station.
A tour for the whole family to enjoy these summer school holidays.
Date: 16th, 19th, 23rd & 26th April
Time: 2:00pm
Duration: 1 hour
Price: Adult $30
Child $15
Family $80 (2 adults, 2 children)
GROUP HISTORY TOURS
One of Australia’s most significant heritage sites, Q Station provides the perfect excursion for your Probus or other special interest group. Our experienced guides will fascinate you with the stories behind the unique history of this amazing site.
Quarantine Wander History Tour
Duration: 1 hour
Price: $30 adult / $25 concession / $15 child / $80 family (2 adults, 2 children)
The most accessible of our tours, you’ll explore the heritage buildings of our wharf and hospital precincts to discover the processes that arriving migrants undertook on arrival at the quarantine station. Starts and finishes at Q Station Visitor Centre.
Quarantine Station Story
Duration: From 90 mins
Price: $45 adults / $39 concession /$35 children
You will have the opportunity to explore more of our beautiful national park site. As Australia’s longest continuously operating quarantine station, our site has undergone significant change over time. The Quarantine Station’s heritage buildings reflect a rich history, highlighting historical themes of gender, race and class.
Additional Lunch Package $24.00pp (weekdays only)
Sandwich, cake, fruit and tea or coffee
All group tours and lunch bookings are prebooked and prepaid. Minimum group size is 10 people. Groups over 20 people will be split into smaller groups.
All tours are walking tours and take place inside and outside of buildings. Please discuss options with our team at time of enquiry if there are people within your group with limited mobility.
Additional time should be allowed in your schedule to enter and / or leave the site and to experience our Visitor Centre; its free exhibition and café.
