I had recently heard a talk on the history of the Quarantine Station on North Head by archeologists Greg Jackson and Pam Forbes. They gave this presentation to the South Sydney Branch of the National Parks Association of NSW, and it is available online on YouTube (see link below). So when Brian Everingham put on a followup walk to see the Quarantine Station on there NPA Walks Program, I took the opportunity of joining him. I turned out to be a very interesting place to visit.
The Quarantine Station is at present a ‘hotel” of sorts – with accomodation for paying guests in a unique part of Sydney. But the land is owned by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and there is full public access to the site.
The group, Brian, Valerie, Suzanne and myself, met at Circular Quay and travelled to Manly by ferry, and then caught a bus up to North Head and got out at the Quarantine Station entrance.
Here is a view of the Quarantine Station from the ferry –
Walking down, we spotted this Bruch Turkey –
And we soon arrived –
The Quarantine Station has great views.
We walked down these steep set of stairs. They mark the sight on an old funicular railway – used to take stores and other material delivered by boat in the small harbour below, up to the higher levels.
At the bottom, near the wharf, are some of the rock engravings that we had heard about in the presentation.
We then visited the cafe for coffee. On the wharf were some birds.
Great Cormorant
Australasian Darter
Little Pied Cormorant
Here is Valerie inspecting the Inhalation Chamber –
And nearby are large autoclaves used to steam disinfect people’s luggage –
Looking back up where the funicular used to be –
Showers –
We then visited the museum –
We then climbed up to the Isolation rooms and then to the hospital.
More great views.
Next we visited some of the accommodation areas. There were first, second and third class rooms.
After our visit, with the rain holding off, we decided to visit the newly upgraded lookout on North Head. And this was made easy, with a bus just about to arrive.
The new track and lookouts are very impressive.
Great views –
World War II defence structures –
Looking to South Head and the city –
But a storm was coming!
After enjoying the views, we made our way to the sheltered bus stop at the restaurant and waited for the next bus to Manly. We just escaped the storm.
Many thanks to Brian for putting on this interesting excursion.
And if you want to watch Greg and Pam’s presentation – here it its on YouTube –