citystopover
The modern-day Q Station
After undergoing meticulous renovations, the old quarantine
station was transformed into Q Station, now run by the Accor
hotel group. Some of the rooms, beautifully refurbished in
keeping with the station's National Heritage listing, overlook
the harbour, and cabins are available for families or groups.
The Boilerhouse Restaurant and Bar serves delicious modern
Australian cuisine. The site is also popular for weddings, with
50 or more being held on the grounds every year.
Ghost tours operate regularly, scaring the pants off
kids and adults as amusing guides take them through
the morgue, surgery, acid-shower cubicles, dining halls
and gravedigger's cottage.
Those seeking an experience that doesn't involve morbid
tales of yesteryear might prefer to book in for a massage or
treatment during their stay. Today, Q Station is all about
health and wellbeing, and many people visit North Head for
retreats, participating in boot camps and yoga classes. That's
how I've come to be here, stretching my body as the sun rises
over Sydney Harbour, imagining the ships that sailed from the
other side of the world and then docked below, sending forth
passengers who had no idea what lay ahead.
Round-up
STAY
Q Station Sydney Harbour National Park,
North Head Scenic Drive, Manly
Q Station's Health and Wellness package includes
overnight accommodation, breakfast for two as well
as yoga, snorkelling, paddleboarding, bootcamp
sessions and bicycle hire.
02 9466 1500, www.qstation.com.au
EAT & DRINK
Boilerhouse Restaurant and Bar, Q Station
Lunch 11am to 3pm, Friday to Sunday; dinner from 6pm,
seven days.
02 9466 1511
EXPLORE
Sydney Harbour Yoga Retreats, Q Station
Skye LifeStyle presents a series of weekend yoga retreats
in June, August, October and November/December 2013.
www.skyelifestyle.com.au
Boot camps and health retreats, Q Station
Run by Prioritize Fitness for all levels of experience.
www.prioritizefitness.com.au
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