IMMERSIVE BLISS AT Q Station

IFamily holidays don’t have to involve a chockers trailer and “are we there yet” for hours on end. Quirky but tranquil Q Station is Manly’s answer to the increasingly popular 'staycation'.

It’s a warm, early morning. Sitting amidst the shelter of the trees, the call of a cockatoo empties into the silence, blissfully blanketing you as you sip your cup of tea. The kids are sleeping in the next room, and you’re enjoying a few moments of peace, nestled in the national park of North Head. What will you get up to today?

The festive summer months are here, and Q Station is the staycation that takes zero stress to plan or get to, so all you have to worry about is how you’ll spend that much needed leisure time each day. Perfect for the family, this unique spot boasts a stunning location with 360° views of Sydney Harbour, and a private harbour beach, unpatrolled.

Hire out kayaks, SUPs or snorkels, or walk or ride on one of the many trails around Q Station and North Head. You may even spot an echidna, or one of the other many wild residents sharing this beautiful slice of wilderness with you on your stay. The kids can bring their scooters along to explore the grounds; save for Q Station vehicles, no cars are allowed on site, continuing that impenetrable quiet of paradise.

For those who want to venture beyond, visitors have easy access to North Head, Manly and the city for a day out. The ‘Hop On Hop Off’ Ferry leaves direct from Q Station wharf, making this a no fuss option for families especially.

By night, the kooky, historical parts of Q Station creep out. The location was once a quarantine station for those migrating to Australia in the 19th century, who had contagious diseases. History and ghost tours are available for families, and for the more daring adults (18+), try an extreme ghost tour. The free museum offers more background to the house of spooks. The tour guides are passionate, and will take the family on a ghost tour on a Friday or Saturday night. Even for the non believers, it’s a fun and interesting tour with lots of history thrown in as well.

The food and drink options at Q Station make it a destination in and of itself, offering visitors a choice of restaurant, cafe or bar, each with its own draws. Award winning Boilerhouse Restaurant has a shared style menu with delicious Manly Spirits Co. Distillery cocktails, whereas Engine Room Bar has more casual dining options. The Visitor Centre Café is perfect if you’re after a snack on the go, and hot buffet breakfasts are also available at Views Restaurant if booked with an accommodation package.

A range of accommodation options include deluxe rooms, apartments and three bedroom cottages perfectly suited to families. There are a total of 106 accommodation rooms on site.

The restaurant menu does change quite regularly, according to what’s in season: just one of the many ways the venue honors its roots in its natural surrounds. Diners can definitely expect an exciting summer menu!

Immerse yourself in nature and chill into the summer months. •