​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.

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.

This guided tour will take you through buildings used on arrival by passengers first setting foot into the Quarantine Station. Hear about their journeys, why Quarantine was so significant, and the site's use over time.

• 1 hour guided tour
• Access to otherwise locked buildings
• Expert insight into life at Quarantine

• Arrive to Q Station hotel reception, where you can either catch a free shuttle bus from reception, or walk down to the wharf, where the tour begins
• Commence tour from the Visitor Centre, on the wharf
• Tour will conclude at the Hospital Precinct

• Meet at the Visitor Centre at the Wharf, 5-10 minutes prior to tour commencement
• It will take 10-15 minutes to get from Q Station Hotel Reception, down to the wharf
• Please check in at the tours desk on your arrival

Please wear enclosed flat, comfortable walking shoes. Sandals, thongs and heels are not recommended footwear.
As our tours are all weather, you may need to bring a rain jacket/umbrella, or hat + sunscreen.

Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

This is our most accessible tour, for all ages.
Moderate mobility is required for the walk up to the hospital at the end, as a 150m steep incline. The remainder of th etour is completely accessible.
All tours are walking tours and include inclines, declines, steps and uneven surfaces through our national park heritage site. Reasonable walking mobility and fitness level is required as you will be standing or walking for the duration of the tour.

Tours may include content and stories that some may find confronting, including but not limited to death and mortality, mistreatment and harsh living conditions of those quarantined.

All tours are non-smoking. Consumption of alcohol is not permitted during the tour. For the safety of all attending the tour, any person who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will not be allowed to attend the tour. Disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated on the tour. Anyone deemed disruptive will be asked to leave & will not be issued a refund.

Warning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders: Our tours contain stories and may contain images and/or visuals of deceased people.

Tours go ahead in all weather conditions & are conducted inside and outside buildings. Please dress appropriately for the weather including a warm jacket and torch at night, a raincoat, or hat and sun protection dependent on the weather forecast and time of your tour. A water bottle is also recommended. There is no secure facility to store bags for the duration of the tour.