It’s that time of the year: The winter school holidays are about to begin in New South Wales. If you are reading this blog post, there is a high chance you are looking for ways to entertain your children and, ideally, to get them outdoors. Travel restrictions are in place and the weather is too cold to go swimming - winter holidays are hard! But, don’t despair! Our team here at Q Station has put together ideas for the perfect day out which both kids and parents will enjoy.

7am: Wake up to the sounds of nature at Sydney Harbour National Park
Here at Q Station, we have a room option for the whole family. Whether it’s just you and your children or you are taking the extended family on a getaway, you can choose from several room types to accommodate the needs of your family. Our three bedroom cottages provide ample space and even have a separate lounge area and kitchenette (we all know how important snacks are in the life of our little ones).
The Isolation Retreat Suites have been recently renovated and provide the ultimate accommodation choice for families or groups due to their more private location away from the main accommodation precinct. If you stay at The Terraces, you will also get access of our wonderful Isolation Lounge offering the ultimate views of Sydney Harbour and Sydney CBD.

Q Station features in the film clip for the latest single from The Rions - 'Night Light' ​

Click here for the response to the devastating fire at North Head from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show the most special lady in your life how much you appreciate and care about her.  Whether it be the mother of your children, your own mum, mother in law (or all 3!), forget the flowers and chocolate this year and instead gift her the most perfect day out in Sydney that she will cherish and appreciate forever at Q Station, located at  scenic North Head,  Manly, on the edge of Sydney Harbour.

The recipe to creating a perfect day out is all the planning, so be sure to do your homework to ensure what you are putting together is something that the special ladies in your life will enjoy and appreciate. 
To help you show the special mothers in your life how much you care, we have created a guide to the most perfect Mother’s Day out that you can take credit for!

CRUISE FROM SYDNEY HARBOUR

Leave the car at home and enjoy a scenic 20-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay direct to the Q Station wharf.  The Ferry ride on the Manly Fast Ferry operates  7 days a week and the 20 minute journey is long enough to freshen you up as you breathe in the fresh air and take in the scenic backdrop of Sydney’s beautiful harbour .  The ferry will drop you right off on our door step just like our passengers of the past would have and it is an enjoyable and relaxing way to begin your Q Station experience. 

If you are planning a memorable Mother’s Day weekend in Sydney, the Manly Fast Ferry 48 hour hop on-hop off pass  with its five different ferry services included in one pass is a fun and affordable way to explore the Sydney attractions.  Why not enjoy the first day of your Mother’s Day weekend visiting the popular Sydney Harbour locations like; Manly, Darling Harbour, Watsons Bay, Taronga Zoo, Circular Quay, Rose Bay, Pyrmont Bay and Milsons Point before arriving at Q Station, enjoying a sleep in on Mother’s Day before delighting Mum with the rest of her Mother’s Day experience.

EXPLORE A LITTLE HISTORY TOGETHER

While a visit to  Q Station is an incredible experience for its impressive Sydney Harbour National Park location with varied flora and fauna, wildlife and endangered species like the eastern long-nosed bandicoots and little penguins, the former Quarantine Station also comes with an incredible 60,000 year history of the Aboriginal people and of the compelling historic stories of survival during the early migration and settlement; before it was transformed from the often harsh reality of a quarantine station to what we see today in the beautiful and peaceful location and experiences that the modern day Q Station has to offer. 
 
When you arrive at Q Station Wharf, be sure to pop in to our Visitor Centre, located on the wharf adjacent to Quarantine Beach.  Formerly the luggage storage facility of Sydney’s former Quarantine Station, the Q Station Visitor Centre also operates as a  free entry museum featuring stories and heritage artefacts from ships, quarantine staff, medical advances, natural disasters and wildlife.  A walk through this little museum is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the history of the old Quarantine Station,see memorabilia from the past and to pick up a map for a little exploring during the day.
 
Once you have explored the museum, either head out on an adventure of your own or treat mum to a Wharf Wanderer history tour which you can book online in advance or book on the day at the Visitor Centre.  The Wharf Wander Tour is the perfect way to understand the arrival and daily operation of residents at the Quarantine Station.  The walking history tour runs for 45 minutes, exploring the heritage buildings and discover the stories of migrants through the 19th and 20th centuries.   We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes for before the start of the tour and wear comfy walking shoes!
 
Mother’s Day Wharf Wander Tour Discount:  On Mother’s Day you can experience the Wharf Wander Tour at either 11am or 3:30pm (or 2pm if purchasing the High Tea package) at a discounted rate of $15 per adult and $10 per child/concession when purchased with the Mother’s Day Long Lunch or Mother’s Day High Tea.  

SPOIL MUM WITH A MEAL

MOTHER’S DAY LONG LUNCH

Spoil Mum with a leisurely and exquisite Sunday Long Lunch in Sydney.  Here at Q Station’s Boilerhouse Restaurant & Bar, feast on a delicious ten plate share menu designed by our Executive Chef utilising the freshest of Australian produce with mouth-watering menu inclusions such as  the grass-fed lam rump, South Australian  mussels with Cambodian curry sauce and a to die for caramelized pineapple pavlova or white chocolate parfait for dessert.
 
Housed in the original boiler house building from the days of the Sydney’s former Quarantine Station and refurbished into a uniquely styled restaurant, at the Boilerhouse you’ll show mum how much you appreciate her as you enjoy the long lunch meal while overlooking one of the most magnificent views of Sydney for only $90.00 per adult and $35 per child aged 12 years old or under.  All the mums on the day will also receive a glass of sparkling wine on arrival.
 
MOTHER’S DAY HIGH TEA

If you a looking for something a little lighter, treat the mums to High Tea in the Hospital Precinct of Sydney’s Former Quarantine with the stunning views and backdrop of Sydney Harbour.  For only $70 per adult and $35 per child (aged 12 years old or under), here the whole family can enjoy a substantial high tea of savouries, sweets, continuous tea and coffee plus a glass of sparkling on arrival for all the mums.  A cash bar will also be available.  
 
Bookings are essential for both popular events.
 
TAKE A SCENIC COASTAL WALK

A scenic, easy and enjoyable coastal walk offers the perfect opportunity to walk off an incredible lunch.  The Fairfax walk on North Head takes between 30 – 60 minutes to complete, depending on how leisurely you walk, and the 1 kilometre loop ideal for all fitness levels.  The path is paved, well maintained and it is a Sydney Harbour National park wheelchair accessible walk, perfect for all levels of fitness.
The walk has exceptional views and the track starts at the end of the North Head Scenic Drive and then loops around the top of North Head.  The circuit has three lookout points offering postcard views over the ocean or Sydney Harbour to the CBD which would create a picturesque backdrop for a Mother’s Day family photo  to remember!  It’s an exceptional walk for keen wildlife watchers and you can even spot sea life in the ocean so be sure to pack your binoculars!

RELAX ON QUARANTINE BEACH

Be sure to experience the unspoilt natural beauty that Quarantine Beach has to offer while you’re visiting North Head.  Only 200m long and facing northwest into Little Manly, , the serene and peaceful Quarantine Beach offers a private and sheltered location hemmed in by rocks and national park with silvery sand and clear, calm water.
Bring your snorkels too! So many gorgeous sea creatures have made quarantine beach and wharf their home. If you are brave enough to face the crisp May ocean, snorkels, kayaks and stand up paddleboards are available for hire from Q Station’s Visitor Centre.
Bring a picnic blanket and relax with the family on the beach making the most of your day together.  Watch the kids build sandcastles, throw a frisbee, dip your toes in the water (or take an exhilarating swim in the ocean!) and simply allow your Mum to enjoy some quality relaxing time with the family in a beautiful setting.

MAKE IT A MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

Looking to top the perfect Mother’s Day out experience?  If you are wanting to make the most of your visit to Q Station and transform  the perfect Mother’s Day out into the perfect Mother’s Day weekend, an overnight stay in our luxurious and historic Q Station accommodation will give your special ladies a weekend away that they will always remember.
Add a little pampering to their weekend away, gifting them with manicure and/pedicure at Ruby Nails & Waxing salon in Manly, and if you are wanting to step up the experience send them there in style via a Manly Stretch Limo Hire with Beachwheels Automotive.

Make the celebration even more special and memorable as you watch the sunset over the Darling Harbour before heading out to dinner, or as darkness descends over the historic Q Station’s buildings and burial grounds (and if you dare), treat the family to a thrilling interactive Sydney Ghost tour on the Q Station grounds - reputed to be one of Australia’s most haunted sites – listening to stories and if you are lucky experience  a paranormal encounter or two.

KICK BACK AND RELAX
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After such a perfect day out (and all the planning involved),  wind down and relax enjoying a coffee at our Visitor Centre Café as you await your ferry ride home and begin thinking about how you are possibly going to top this experience next year! 

Valentine’s Day; one of the most important days of the year for loved up couples. A day to spoil that someone special, an excuse to leave the kids at home for a romantic dinner, and the perfect opportunity to impress a new love. 

Here in Sydney there are lots of things to do, places to eat, and ways to spoil your loved one. From romantic harbour side dinners, to outdoor cinemas, and comedy shows, there’s no excuse not to pick up a bouquet of roses, a box of chocolates and head off on the perfect Valentine’s date.

Here are 6 of our favourite Valentine’s Day date ideas to do in Sydney – there’s something for everyone from the classic romantics, to the nature lovers, and even the competitive couples.

1.Valentine’s Dinner at the Boilerhouse
Celebrate love by the beach in one of Manly’s most romantic harbourside restaurants, The Boilerhouse at Q Station. Take in the beachfront views of Sydney Harbour while you dine on fresh and modern Australian cuisine, and of course because it’s valentines Day you can even sip on a free glass of sparkling! Our pick for dinner? The Vannella burrata with heirloom cherry tomato, black garlic and puffed nori.  Bookings are essential, so make sure to reserve your table!

2.Catch a flick under the stars

Situated on Mrs Macquarie's Point against a backdrop spanning the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline, Sydney’s OpenAir Cinema is the perfect casual Valentine’s Day date. This Valentines Day they’ll be showing the classic Little Women – perfect if you want to win some brownie points with that special lady in your life, or just want a date night with the girls. Sit back and enjoy the sunset, the amazing cinema menu, and then watch the movie on a massive three storey high screen.

3.Get your putt putt on

Consider yourself a competitive couple? Get ready to flex those putt putt skills at Holey Moley. Forget the usual windmills and castles, putt your stuff through shark infested waters and pop culture references like The Simpsons couch and into the Nine Iron Throne itself. And of course, after you’ve shown your date your impressive skills you’ll need to treat them dinner – think stone baked pizzas, loaded hotdogs, and putt putt themed cocktails.

4. Get spooked together

For those who want something a little different than the usual dinner date you can’t go past a spooky ghost tour at Q Station. Reputed to be one of Australia’s most haunted sites, with stories of ghosts and paranormal occurrences entwined throughout its history, it’s a fun night out that you will be sure to remember!

5. Share a laugh together

Sydney’s famous Comedy Store will be serving up the romantic laughs with their Valentines Day’s showcase.  They have a range of ticket and drink packages on offer including their Veuve Clicquot package which is sure to impressive your special someone. The line up you ask?  While they are yet to announce the night’s guests, you can be sure that they’ve hand-picked a line-up of the funniest Romeos and Juliet’s Sydney has to offer.

6. Dine among the sealife

How many people can say that they’ve had a 3-course dinner among an underwater reef? Don’t worry you won’t need your bathers for this Valentine’s date. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is holding a very special Valentine’s night dinner package, which will see you dining by tropical coral reefs, fish, turtles, sharks and more! With exclusive after hours access, a 2 hour drinks package, entrée, main, dessert, and six oceanariums to choose from, this is a very special trip to the aquarium. 

There is no better way to kick start a productive and collaborative working environment than by organising a team bonding activity.  Implementing regular team building activities can help improve morale and internal communication, set goals, strengthen internal support networks and increase self-motivation. 

If you are on the hunt for unique team building ideas in Sydney, Q Station, located in the picturesque Sydney Harbour National Park on the edge of the Sydney Harbour, is the perfect choice.  Q Station team building activities include a variety of structured and informal team building programs and options either hosted onsite or close by.  Set on the site of the former Quarantine Station, our team building programs have a focus on collaboration, communication and fun in addition to practical skills focused around leadership and problem solving.  Choose to spend the entire day participating in your chosen activities or combine with a half day strategy meeting in one of our 11 Heritage listed meeting rooms. 
With the best team building activities in Sydney a short ferry ride away from the city, the team will return to the office empowered, focused, clear on their objectives and ready to get started.

OUTBREAK
90 Minutes / 10-70 people
 
Your organisation has been quarantined!  It’s up to you and your team to survive the outbreak! Hiding out in the former Quarantine station is the best place to survive an unknown disease so it’s lucky you are in the right place. Forming teams, you set out on a hunt for your personal protection equipment solving puzzles along the way.  As a team unit you must work together to form a strategy to ensure your team collects the correct vaccine, ultimately saving yourselves.
 
WHO DUN IT?
90 Minutes / Up to 24 people
 
Ideal for smaller teams, in this Q Station ‘Who dun it?’ mystery your team will go back in time to the 1800’s to solve a murder before they can be released from quarantine.  Each team member will take on the role and identity of a quarantined passenger or Quarantine staff member.  Together you will visit key locations to search for clues and working together to unravel the mystery.  To build excitement in the lead up to the team building day, teams can find out their characters role and information in the weeks before the day to prepare a costume for the role, or we can provide an assortment of accessories on the day.

QUEST
60 Minutes / 12 people
 
A Sydney scavenger hunt with a difference and inspired by the Quarantine Stations history, your team will immerse themselves in multiple team activities.  Offering something for everyone your team will work together to solve the clues and puzzles in scavenger hunt that is focused around various precincts on site.
 
TEAM BUILDING GAMES
Varied timeframes
 
Perfect for an informal team building activity, interacting with team building games is a great way for team members to tap into their competitive spirit (in a fun way) and mingle with other departments and management in a fun and relaxed environment.  Combine a delicious team lunch with an afternoon of beach cricket, bocce, fun oversized boardgames, a kayak circuit race, and even a sand castle building competition. For something more formal we work with a variety of experienced Sydney Team Building companies who can put together a day of entertainment structured to fit your objectives. 

GHOST TOURS
2-10 hours
 
For smaller groups our Quarantine Station Ghost Tours offer an after-hours team building activity with a difference.  Reputed to be one of Australia’s most haunted sites, the Quarantine Station is home to some of the best Ghost Tours in Sydney having operated here since the early 1990s.  Whether your team are sceptics or believers, with stories of ghosts and paranormal occurrences entwined throughout its history, our Ghost Tours will give them all something to talk about in the lunch room the next day!  Choose from a Ghostly Encounters tour, Ghost Trackers tour, Extreme Ghost tour or if you dare, a 10 hour overnight ghost tour on the Spirit Searching Sleepover.  Combined with a ‘to die for’ dinner in Boilerhouse Restaurant and an  overnight stay in one of our heritage listed accommodation is a great way to spoil the team and reward them for their efforts. 

BUSH WALKING TEAM ADVENTURE
30-60 minutes
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After long hours in the office, getting back to nature, breathing in the fresh air and leaving the city behind for a few hours can be a revitalising experience for the entire team. The scenic Fairfax walk is an ideal walk to take the team taking approximately 30 minutes to an hour and the 1 kilometre loop ideal for all fitness levels.  The views from the lookouts over the Sydney Harbour are well worth the roundtrip and the path is paved, well maintained and wheelchair accessible.  The trail is only a short distance from the hotel so it’s a perfect activity to combine with a team breakfast in Views Restaurant or lunch before or after the walk. 

School is almost finished for another year, Christmas is just around the corner, and before we know it we’ll be toasting in the New Year.  While most parents can take a well-deserved break from the manic school run, many are left wondering how they’re going to keep their little ones entertained over the summer school holidays.
 
But don’t stress, Sydney is bustling with loads of family friendly events and activities that are sure to keep the kids happy. From Christmas activities, theatre shows, to animal encounters and glamping staycations here’s 7 of our must do activities to keep the kids entertained these Sydney summer school holidays.
 
1.      LEGO Build to Give 
Throughout late November, Sydney’s World Square will be teaming up with Camp Quality to host the LEGO Build to Give.  Families are invited to come along, show their creative side, and build their own LEGO Christmas Tree ornament.
 
The best bit? With every ornament built, LEGO Australia will donate a LEGO set to a child who’ll be spending their holiday season in hospital fighting cancer.
Dates include:

• Friday 22 November 2019 from 11am to 2pm
• Friday 22 November 2019 from 4pm to 7pm
• Saturday 23 November 2019 from 10am to 8pm
• Sunday 24 November 2019 from 12pm to 6pm

 
2.      The Ultimate Christmas Market
If your little ones are already counting down to Santa’s visit then make sure you don’t miss the ultimate Christmas market at Moore Park on Sunday 24th November 2019.  There will be loads of Christmas themed goods and gift shopping, and lots of festive foods including puddings and Christmas cakes, sauces, preserves, gingerbread houses and chocolates. For the little ones there’ll even be a dedicated children’s precinct featuring a huge range of kids rides, sweet treats, toys, and activities including hair braiding, sand art, craft, face painting, pony rides.  

 3.      Kids Glamping
Here at Q Station we think one of the best school holiday’s activities is a little family staycation. Our Kids Glamping adventure will see the kids hanging out in their indoor teepee with unlimited movies, board games and popcorn while the parents get to relax in the peaceful surroundings of the National Park and enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sunset.  The next morning the whole family can enjoy full buffet breakfast in Views Restaurant and a late check out of 12pm. 

While you’re here, take a swim and play in the sand at Quarantine Beach, join our daily History Tour, wander through the free museum or spook yourselves on the Ghost Trackers family tour!

4.      Sydney Christmas Children's Concert
To really get your family into the Christmas cheer be sure to put the Sydney Christmas Children’s Concert on Saturday 30th November on your list. The free concert will have the whole family dusting off those reindeer ears, and jingling along to Jimmy Giggle, SplashDance, Sesame Street and Carpe Idiotus! 

The kids can also join in on craft activities, table tennis and giant Jenga with the Christmas elves and there may even be a special guest appearance by the man in red himself. Make sure to pack your picnic rug and get in early for the best spots.

5.       The Midnight Gang
Sydney’s Opera House will be bringing David Walliams' best-selling novel, The Midnight Gang, to life from the 3rd – 21st January 2020. It will tell the story of twelve-year-old Tom who unexpectedly finds himself lonely and lost in the children’s ward of St Crook’s Hospital, away from his family and at the mercy of evil Matron. 

Tom feels like he’ll never leave, but his fellow young patients have other ideas. They might be stuck in hospital, but their imaginations can take them anywhere as The Midnight Gang. Each night when the clock strikes midnight, The Midnight Gang go on a series of amazing journeys as they turn the hospital into the places they’ve always wanted to go and make dreams come true.

6.     Sharks of the Reef
Not scared of a little Great White Shark? These summer school holidays SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is celebrating all things JAW-some about Sharks. Home to 13 different species of sharks including the local Port Jackson sharks and the giant Grey Nurse Sharks, they’ll be running a range of free activities that will teach kids all about these fascinating animals. The activities will run from 5th Dec 2019 – 31st Jan 2020, with more details to be released on their website soon.
 
7.      The Wind in the Willows
From the 4th – 26th January 2020 the amazing Mr Toad and his bonny, boisterous pals will be heading back to Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden for the 17th consecutive year of their interactive outdoor theatre show, The Wind in The Willows.
 
Children will giggle and howl at the characters’ mad antics, go on an adventure with head chief Rabbit, Ratty and Mole, join a dangerous mission with the Rat Pack and Badger Patrol to rescue little, lost Portly the Otter from the Wild Wood.

It's hard to believe that Christmas is almost upon us and if you haven’t already started – and let’s face of it not many of us have – now is the perfect time to start planning your Christmas gift giving!

Christmas is a festive time of year where you come together with family and friends to celebrate, eat, drink and exchange gifts.  And there is no better feeling than when you know you have nailed the perfect gift or when someone has taken the time to find the perfect Christmas gift for you.

Forget wading through the Christmas crowds at the shopping centres looking for Christmas present ideas for friends and family. We are helping you to get it right this year and make it a Christmas to remember with the ultimate Christmas gift ideas at Q Station.

A WEEKEND AWAY

Gift someone the ultimate experience of a weekend or overnight stay in the privacy and comfort of our Quarantine Station accommodation in one of our historic heritage or deluxe rooms.  This is without a doubt a truly wonderful (and unique) Christmas gift and one which will make you popular this Christmas.  Here your recipient can relax and unwind in a unique natural setting, with gorgeous views of  Sydney Harbour.  Better yet, if you are gifting this to your partner you will have the bonus of enjoying the gift too!

During their stay they can experience the serene beauty of Quarantine Beach taking a swim, relaxing in the sun with a book in hand, join a history tour, wander through the free museum and hike the many scenic walking tracks in  Sydney Harbour National Park, truly getting away from it all.

KIDS GLAMPING

The kids will be all smiles with a Kids Glamping experience  at Q Station.  The best Christmas gift idea for kids, they will love hanging out in their indoor teepee where they can watch unlimited tv, play board games and enjoy popcorn and other treats, leaving their parents to enjoy a glass of wine on their balcony overlooking the beautiful tranquil surroundings of  Sydney Harbour National Park!

GHOSTLY FUN

BOO! Sydney’s Quarantine Station is reputed to be one of Australia’s most haunted sites and we have plenty of spooky Ghost Tours on offer for adults and children (aged 8+).   Whether they believe in ghost or not, the tours will keep them entertained as they discover the intriguing stories of Q Station’s history and it’s most eccentric characters, making this a perfect and unique Christmas gift and one that will be sure to get their hearts racing! 

WINE & DINE

Have a foodie on the gift list? A dinner voucher to experience the exquisitely crafted menu at Boilerhouse Restaurant and Bar is the ultimate gift for food lovers.  Housed in the original boiler house building from the days of Sydney’s former Quarantine Station, the restaurant has been refurbished into a uniquely styled restaurant with an incredible atmosphere.  Here your giftee can enjoy the ultimate Sydney foodie experience while dining in the outdoor terrace, surrounded by nature and overlooking one of the most incredible views of Sydney. 

HIGH TEA & HISTORY

The High Tea & History package is an incredible gift for the entire family.  Here your group can immerse themselves in the history of  Q Station on the Quarantine Wander Tour followed by an indulgent high tea in the original First-Class Dining Room.  Feast on delicious beef and red wine pie with mustard pickles, sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, blueberry friands, salted caramel macaroons and pistachio and fig biscotti washed down with barista style tea and coffee as your guide enthralls you with tales from the past.

BIKE TOUR OF  SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK

The outdoors lover with enjoy the unique gift of a self-guided bike tour of  Sydney Harbour National Park.  Suitable for beginner bike riders and above, your gift includes bike hire from Manly Bike Tours where they can set off on  Sydney Harbour National Park Explore Tour.  On the self-guided tour they can explore the secluded Collins Beach and waterfall, Little Manly Point, St Patrick’s Estate, North Fort Artillery Museum,  Sydney Harbour National Park and our Q Station Visitor Centre and Museum taking in the scenic ocean views and the peace beauty the tour has to offer.

ALL OF THE ABOVE!

If you are not sure which option to choose, a gift voucher with a monetary value is perfect for the person who has everything!  All gift vouchers have a validity of 3-years, so they will have plenty of time to use and the flexibility of deciding what to use the voucher towards. 

Whichever option or gift you choose, we have all you need here at the Q Station to ensure its smiles all round this Christmas!

The festive season is only a few months away and the office Christmas party is an event that is most looked forward to… That is, unless you are the person tasked to plan it!

Planning the perfect Christmas party can put the organiser under a lot of pressure, especially if the event is being used as an added incentive to have the team push through the busy time of the year.  Many event planners are more interested in thinking about the best Christmas party ideas and how to make it a bigger and better event this year, however the importance of venue selection for an event is key in ensuring a successful event as venues can book out quickly this time of year and the theme of the event will come down to what you can do with the chosen space – once you have decided.

Organisation is key in creating the best office Christmas party and we have put together 8 important factors to consider when choosing the right venue for your Christmas party.

•  Budget

This is one of the most important things you need to establish before you can start planning your event.  There is no point booking out a ballroom, locking away entertainment and theming if you don’t have any money left over for food and drinks!  If you have already planned the event in the past, you many have an idea of what you can spend, however it’s important to sit down with whoever is signing the cheque at the end of the night before you spend valuable time choosing your venue and planning the perfect event.  Being flexible and organised can also help you save on your budget with many venues offering early booking discounts or lower priced packages for mid-week and lunchtime bookings.

• Dates

If you already have the perfect venue in mind – well done you – you may be foiled by venue availability on the date you have selected.  If you can, try to have at least 3 alternative date options which you can choose from which will give you a little more flexibility when selecting a venue.   If you can, make certain the event date you are selecting doesn’t clash with busy periods in the office or any important deadlines, this way you can ensure a better turn out on the day.
While you may be tempted to leave your Christmas party to the last week of work before holidays when everyone is truly in the Christmas spirit, be conscious that many families are quick to take off on holidays and booking your party too close to Christmas Day may also affect your RSVPs. If you’re really struggling to pick a date for your party, try setting up an online poll or survey which you can then email to your office and let the majority decide on the date for you!

Once you’ve picked your date be sure to send out a save the date so your team have the party marked in the calendar. Once you’ve finalized more details you can then send an official invitation.

• Know your team   

This is often the most overlooked element of planning a Christmas party, yet it’s crucial in ensuring that the event is one that will have people excited about.  While you can’t always please everyone – especially when you have larger teams –it’s good idea to understand the office demographic and overall workplace culture.  Think about age groups, family commitments, and the different morales between departments; understanding these considerations will help you pick both the perfect venue and time for your Christmas party.

If you’re office is generally a younger crowd they will want a venue that will allow them to continue the party well into the night, whereas a more family orientated workplace will appreciate a day time activity or early evening get together. And if you’re bringing together different departments who don’t often socialise or work together think about including an activity or theme to act as an icebreaker.

Putting an idea’s box’ in the team lunch area where people can make suggestions or vote on themes or activities is a great way to make them feel involved in the process and build excitement for your event.

• Style and Theme

Deciding on the style and theme of the event is key to choosing the right venue for your party.  If you have a larger team, a cocktail event will make it easy for staff to mingle rather than stay seated at the one table. Whereas smaller teams are normally better suited to sit down dinners or a more casual afternoon barbeque with team building games.  Again take into account your team culture and demographics – while cocktail parties are especially great for younger teams, older demographics will appreciate a more quiet and comfortable venue.

Once you know your style of event you can then start thinking about theming your chosen venue. For fun and casual parties a dress or costume theme is a great way to create some excitement in the lead up to the occasion with team members discussing what they will be wearing and an opportunity for departments to compete in order to “out do” other departments – make certain you allow plenty of time for invitations to go out however so they have plenty of time to work on their outfits.

For more formal or sit down events, put some thought in to the room decorations or place settings. These little touches can make the whole night feel just that little bit more special.

• Flexible Function Spaces and Packages

Having an idea of the number of guests and your event space requirements when selecting a venue for an event, will make the whole process a lot easier.  If you have your heart set on a venue, make sure that they have flexible function space options to suit the number of guests as it becomes costly to theme and fill out a large venue if you have smaller numbers.  Likewise squeezing 80 people in a space more ideal for 60 won’t have your guests enjoying themselves on the night.  If you are looking at an indoor event, are there out door options for guests wanting a little fresh air. On the other hand if you’re hosting an outdoor event, is there a wet-weather back up plan?

Flexible packages are also important, look at the inclusions they offer and whether there are enough options to cater for all dietary requirements.  Quality food & beverage are important elements in a successful event so having the flexibility to upgrade certain elements of a package is ideal.

• Location

When selecting a venue it’s important to mix things up -after all having a similar venue each year can be a little boring! If you held last year’s event in a function room in the city, try hosting this year’s party outdoors complete with fairy lights in the trees and an informal set up under the stars allowing guests to mingle and watch the sunset.

But while you might be tempted by a totally unique venue in the suburbs or out of the city, you need to take into account that your team are going to be travelling from all sides of town and will need an easy journey home. If you have selected a venue that isn’t close to pubic transport or is a little outside of town think about arranging a bus to transport staff to a central location where they can easily catch a taxi home.

• Inclusions

When choosing the right venue, it’s important to find out what inclusions they offer as part of their package.  The venue hire might seem like a good price however if you are having to hire your own tables, dance floor, basic theming and lighting it can add up quickly!

It’s important to understand what’s on the table.  Set up a simple venue requirements spreadsheet with your short-listed venues side by side with all the important elements listed with a dollar value beside it – this will help you understand which venue best suits your budget and help you leverage a deal at the venue sitting at number 1!

Venues like ours include a dedicated functions coordinator who will be with you every step of the way, assisting you with your planning and helping to ensure your event runs smoothly.

• Team Activities

Keeping the team engaged during a Christmas party is an important element to ensuring a successful event, so it’s a good idea to see if your short-listed venues have any activities or entertainment on offer to liven up the event.  Look for team building activities that get departments who normally don’t mix, to start talking and laughing together – our popular “Outbreak!” program is perfect for this, which sees your entire company quarantined at the Q Station, and you need to work together in groups to collect vaccine to survive!  If it’s an afternoon event you can treat your colleagues to a casual beachside afternoon of kayaks, stand up paddleboards and giant games, or scare them silly as they take part in one of our famous Ghost tours.
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If you are looking for the perfect venue for your next Christmas event, then look no further than Q Station.  We have stunning views overlooking the Sydney Harbour, an array of outdoor spaces and dedicated function rooms and our 2019 Christmas Party packages offer exquisite food and beverage selections that they entire team will enjoy!

​As one of the creepiest, spookiest, and darkest nights of the year approaches, it’s time to dust off those witch’s hats, pull out your vampire fangs, and of course get ready for some scary surprises. Over at Manly’s Q Station, Halloween is one of their biggest celebrations of the year and is when the site truly comes to life – with paranormal activity that is. 
 
If 150 years history of misfortune, untimely deaths, and over 572 gravestones wasn’t unsettling enough, Q Station is about to get even spookier for this year’s Halloween festivities. They’ll be celebrating their status as one of Australia’s most haunted sites with four spine shuddering Halloween tours; Family Fright Night, Halloween Scream, their famous Ghostly Encounters, and the ultimate Spirit Investigator tour.
 
Family Fright Night

Looking for a spooky family night out? Live out your Addams Family dream by bringing the whole family to Family Fright Night. Designed for families and groups with children between 5 – 14 years old, the whole family can be entertained with a 90 minute tour with lots of fun stories and scary moments. The family are also encouraged to dress up in their Halloween best!
 
Child: $32
Adult: $40
​Concession: $32
  
Halloween Scream

Leave the little ones at home for Halloween Scream night which is open for ages 15+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). You’ll be taken along for a 90-minute tour through Q Station’s creepiest buildings including the infamous shower block, haunted hospital & the dreaded morgue.  To help take you back to Q Stations historic days, expect your guide to be in full character and be prepared for some startling surprises during the tour!
Adult: $40
 
 Ghostly Encounters

Q Station’s most famous tours, their 2.5 hour Ghost Encounters is sure to be extra eerie on Halloween night. Perfect for those who love a good story and want to learn more about the tragic quarantine station history and the hundreds of bodies that have been buried there over time. You’re sure to feel the paranormal restlessness as you walk the same steps of those who have long passed.

Adult: $49 ($55 Saturdays)
Concession: $44 ($49 Saturdays)
 
Spirit Investigator

Do you take your Halloween seriously? Consider yourself a paranormal enthusiast? Then Q Station’s Spirit Investigate is the tour for you. Over 4 hours you’ll investigate the paranormal presences that call Q Station home and you’ll even have the chance to try out some of the latest ghost hunting equipment! This one is for adults only so under 18s will have to stay at home.

Adult: $125
 
Q Station are also running group packages on Monday, 28th, Tuesday, 29th and Wednesday 30th October.  Get a group of 15 people together for a night of fun and book either Halloween tour during this period. Enquire about packages available with the Boilerhouse Restaurant.

Halloween Scream group price for $550 (min. 15 people) or Family Fright Night group price for $450 (13 children and 2 adults).

Book now online or book directly by calling 9466 1551, alternatively email h8773-cr5@accor.com
 
So, if you aren’t scared of a few ghosts, spirits and mysteries, then make sure to book your place for one of Q Station’s Halloween tours! One of the most popular Halloween activities to do in the Sydney region!
 
As well as our Halloween focused packages, Q Station also runs Ghostly Tours all throughout the year, so you don’t even need to wait for October to get spooked! Check out the Ghost Tours packages page here.