Once upon a time this place used to be a working quarantine station. In fact, it was in operation for more than 150 years. From 1828 onwards, ships in Sydney Harbour suspected of carrying people with smallpox, bubonic plague, cholera and Spanish flu, were diverted to North Head, Manly. Passengers were forced to stay at the quarantine station until they proved well.

Yep, it’s a bit of a quirky honeymoon pick, but stick with us!

The Q Station, as it is now known, is part of Sydney’s vast and vibrant history. If you’re considering Sydney as your honeymoon destination and you’re after a bit of a different experience, you’ll probably really enjoy staying here. This place has come along way since its quarantine days, and was converted into luxury accommodation on 2008. Whether you agree with that decision or not, it’s hard to deny that the accommodation is super stylish and inviting, with that heritage feel you’d expect from a site like this.

The original first and second-class quarters have been sensitively adapted to create the rooms, yet have a contemporary style. They all offer the mod cons – queen-sized beds, flat-screen TVs, on-demand video, wifi and ensuite bathrooms. Being perched on top of a hill overlooking the ocean means you get all the best breezes and of course, the glorious afternoon sun. You can enjoy this from the extensive timber verandas, where you can pull up a seat, relax and take it all in.

There’s also the Boilerhouse restaurant, which serves contemporary cuisine for lunch and dinner. Then you can pop on over the Engineroom bar for a drink. It’s a great spot as it overlooks Quarantine Beach. Breakfast is served in the original second-class dining room. Other facilities include a lounge with Internet access in the old gentleman’s first class smoking lounge, and a massage centre in a building that once served as family accommodation.

If you’re looking for some history and want to hear some thrillingly spooky stories, there are ghost tours. And boy, are you in for a treat with these! There’s a range to choose from, but we reckon the Spirit Investigator tour would be unreal because a medium walks around with you! Even if you don’t believe in the supernatural, you’ll still feel creeped out and wonder if it was the wind making strange noises and brushing up against the back of your neck. Or perhaps it was something a little more ghostly…

Ghost tours not your thing? Not a problem. There are also other activities like bike riding, swimming, bushwalking and kayaking. Q Station is also a good place to stay for access to Manly. Stroll down the hill (or take the bus) and you’ll find the famous Manly Beach, lots of restaurants and bars, activities like surfing and rollerblading, plus there’s also the ferry that will take you over to Circular Quay. Once there you’ve got endless options – stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, scope out the shops at The Rocks, snap heaps of pics of the Opera House, visit museums and art galleries… you name it, you’ll find it in Sydney. And when you’re finished with the hustle and bustle of Manly and the city, all you need to do is wander back up the hill to your quiet and serene accommodation with the phenomenal view. Ahh, sounds good, doesn’t it?

Whether you’re a Sydney-sider who doesn’t want to travel far, an Aussie who hasn’t visited the big smoke before, or one of our fab overseas readers itching to sink their feet into Aussie soil, you’ll all find something truly special at the Q Station. It might be the view, the haven feel, the history and heritage or even the ghosts… whatever it is; your honeymoon sure won’t be dull!

PS – They also do weddings if you’re interested.

Photos from Q Station