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. 

It’s only a few days until Christmas and already the countdown to the New Year 2019 is upon us.  New Year’s Eve offers the ultimate celebration and if you are planning on celebrating in Sydney, you are not alone with more than a million people expected to flock to Sydney New Year’s Eve venues to celebrate and to experience the 2018 Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular.

If you would prefer to lose the crowds this New Year’s Eve 2018-19, then look no further than our very own Hospital Precinct, situated on the headland above Quarantine Wharf at Q Station, offering hands down one of the best Sydney New Year Eve fireworks vantage points.  Here you can enjoy a family friendly New Year’s Eve event where you can celebrate the magic of New Year’s Eve together, creating lasting memories with all the family, young and old.

Start your NYE celebration off with a pre-dinner drink at The Engine Room Bar before enjoying one of two incredible Sydney New Year’s Eve packages 2018.  Choose between a six-course degustation dinner  at the Boilerhouse Restaurant & Bar featuring favourites from the new Boilerhouse Menu while enjoying a 3-hour premium drinks package; or if you are a fan of Seafood, our famous Q Station seafood buffet will not disappoint.  Our P27 Governor Bourke Ballroom will be serving a family seafood buffet, featuring a range of delicacies including oysters and prawns in addition to favourites such as lamb, barramundi, Porchetta and pavlova as you enjoy views of the Sydney Harbour lights.

After dinner, the celebration continues as you move to the Hospital Precinct from 10:30pm to countdown the New Year!  The exclusive ‘Hospital Bar’ will be open when you arrive with drinks available for purchase.  Enjoy conversations with friends as you take in the amazing panoramic views of South Head, the Sydney Harbour, Balmoral and Manly and raise your glass at midnight as you farewell 2018 and watch the night sky light up with  the Sydney fireworks.

Avoid the taxi queue (and the traffic congestion) at the end of the night by staying the night with us.  This way you can celebrate until after midnight and not have to worry about the drive home (not to mention who’s driving!)  Simply stroll back to your room hand in hand at the end of the night on incredibly comfortable beds.  Enjoy the best start to 2019 by waking up on New Year’s Day to a delicious breakfast at Views Restaurant (that you didn’t have to cook), a refreshing swim at Quarantine Beach and a morning stroll along the Fairfax walk watching the spectacular sunrise on New Year’s Day from one of three panoramic lookout points.

​Outstanding tourism businesses from across New South Wales were honoured last week as the winners of the 2018 NSW Tourism Awards were announced at the Big Top Luna Park, Sydney.

We are so proud of all our staff members at Q Station for working together to continually improve our site and services.  We came away with a SILVER in the Unique Accommodation category! 

​Managed by the Tourism Industry division of the NSW Business Chamber, the state’s peak business organisation, and proudly supported by the NSW Government, the NSW Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism excellence in NSW.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall congratulated the winners and said they exemplify the high standard and diverse range of tourism experiences on offer in NSW. “Tourism is big business and it’s a vital industry to our State’s economy so to be recognised at the NSW Tourism Awards is an outstanding achievement and I thank all of the winners for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to offering the very best tourism and events experiences,” Mr Marshall said

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!

Join MED Festival Sydney for a day of talks, tours and short films at our unique Q Station. Investigate the history of infectious disease in Sydney and learn how medical science is keeping us one sneeze away from the next pandemic.

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.
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On Sunday 25th November join us for a program of events looking at the history of quarantine and disease.

25 November 2018 from 10am - 4pm. 

For all program details - More Info Here. 

We are very excited and super proud to announce that Q Station are finalist's in this year's NSW Tourism Awards! 

Now in its 29th year, the NSW Tourism Awards acknowledge and celebrate tourism excellence. This program rewards businesses that demonstrate significant achievement throughout the year. 

Q Station has been announced as finalist's across two categories:

1. Cultural Tourism: this category recognises tourism operations that foster a greater understanding and appreciation of authentic culture, history, heritage and/or the arts. 

2. Unique Accommodation: this category is open to properties developed around unconventional accommodation infrastructure. The focus of this award is on the uniqueness of the tourism experience. 

In 2018, there were 144 entrants across 26 categories recognising excellence from a range of tourism areas such as Tourist Attractions, Festival and Events, Ecotourism, Destination Marketing, Accommodation, Tourism Education and Training. Of those entrants, there are 125 finalists.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, The Hon Adam Marshall MP congratulated the finalists and said the awards are a wonderful platform to recognise the year’s achievements in NSW tourism.  “Our tourism industry is at the forefront when it comes to delivering quality products and experiences and I congratulate the 2018 NSW Tourism Awards finalists for contributing to our position as Australia’s premier State for tourism and events.”

Winners will be announced at an awards evening on 22nd November 2018. 

Spring Carnival is just around the corner and while racing enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting the final line up for the ‘Race that stops the nation’, there is also a lot of excitement about the Melbourne Cup fashions!  Each year the fashion stakes are higher with more men and women turning up to the event in more original and creative outfits.  Even those without fashion finesse will find themselves taking a covet peek at the unique and elaborate styles, colours and creations designed or pieced together for Melbourne Cup Day 2018. 

Melbourne Cup Day fashion has always been about style and glamour. In July 1962, the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) introduced ‘Fashions, Flowers and Favourites’ to attract more women to the male dominated racecourse. The competition was launched originally with the aim of finding the smartest dressed woman at the Carnival.  This fashion competition now includes not only the best dressed women, but also the men, and also children’s fashion!  Fashions on the Field were covered extensively by the press and its popularity grew quickly, establishing itself as Australia’s largest and most prestigious outdoor fashion event, attracting media and celebrity attention from around the world.  

If you are starting to plan your 2018 Melbourne Cup Day outfit, it’s important to respect the tradition by dressing smartly and appropriately for the occasion.  Melbourne Cup Race day etiquette is about being elegant, so your outfit should always be at or below knee length and shouldn’t show too much skin.  It’s a good idea to start planning your outfit early and invest in the best quality of dress you can afford.  If you need to stick to a budget, invest in a classic timeless piece that works with a few looks in your wardrobe so you can get maximum wear throughout the year or years to come.   Once you have the perfect dress, you can work on matching your shoes, headpiece and accessories.   

When it comes to the 2018 Melbourne Cup Fashion season for women, it’s all about bold colour, statement prints with a focus on the hat or the headpiece. Think bright hues, neon, fuchsia and hot pink, cobalt and navy blues, emerald greens and head turning reds.  Headpiece wise, the trend this year is to move away from the classic fascinator.  Choose a hat or headpiece that compliments you and your outfit such as  a metallic or lace crown or a headpiece made of fresh flowers.  Be confident with your look and wear something that you know you will look fabulous in but it’s important to not go too over the top if you don’t think you can pull off the look.  For men, a classic suit is a must, experiment with colours and textures and stay away from black or navy suits.  Instead opt for a lighter coloured suit coupled with pastels which will ensure you make an impact on the day.

In 2018 Myer Fashions on the field competition will enter the digital age with a photo-based competition for interstate contestants in October.  This is set to reinvigorate the iconic Myer Fashions on the Field, broadening the scope for entrants across Australia with the purpose of continuing the celebration of fashion and racing.  The winners from each of state will receive a 10-day trip of a life time to the 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival to compete on stage in the Myer Fashions on the Field National Final on Kennedy Oaks Day.
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If you can’t make it to Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day and are looking for the perfect venue with Melbourne Cup 2018 packages in Sydney for your office to celebrate the excitement of the cup, then Q Station has you covered with a six course degustation Melbourne Cup Day lunch package in Manly  on the edge of the Sydney  Harbour at the Boilerhouse Restaurant & Bar.  The event runs from 12-4pm and here you can enjoy the exquisite  menu while watching the day’s festivities.  Drinks can be purchased at the bar and you can continue the celebrations at the Engine Room Bar after lunch.  Even if you don’t back the winner on the day you still have the chance to win amazing lucky door prizes which include overnight accommodation, restaurant vouchers and more!   A complimentary shuttle bus service will provide transport to Manly between 4pm – 6pm, or alternatively guests can catch the Sydney Harbour EcoHopper from Quarantine Wharf at 4:20pm, arriving to Manly Wharf at 4:26pm. See the ferry timetable here
 
 

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 organisers are more interested in thinking about the best Christmas party ideas and how to make it  bigger and better this year, however the importance of venue selection for an event is key in ensuring it’s success!   Venues can book out quickly this time of year and the theming 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.

1. 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 to cater the event.  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.  If you need to stick to a tight budget, consider mid-week dates as you may find pricing is a little more competitive and the venue may be willing to negotiate on minimum numbers or add in something for free to fill days earlier in the week.

2. Dates

If you already have the perfect venue in mind – well done you!  However, you may be foiled by venue availability on the date you have selected.  If you can, try to have at least 3 alternate date options which you can choose from which will give you a little more flexibility when selecting a venue.   Check that the event date you are selecting doesn’t clash with busy periods in the office, this way you can ensure a better turn out on the day.

3. 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 get everyone  excited. .  While you can’t always please everyone – especially when you have larger teams –  it’s a good idea to understand the office demographic.  Think about age groups, family commitments or proximity to the event which are important considerations.  After all, you may like the idea of holding your event on a sunset boat cruise along the river, however some people may not be able to stay for the duration which could mean many of the team potentially missing out.  Putting an ‘idea’s box’ in the team lunch area where people can make suggestions or a ballot system where the team can vote on ideas is a way to make them feel involved in the process.  You can also establish a ‘Christmas Party Committee’ but be ready for some passionate and energetic ideas to come your way!
 
4. Style and Theming

Deciding on the style and theme of the event is key to choosing the correct venue.  If you have a larger team a cocktail event where people can mingle rather than stay seated at the one table may be a better option, for a smaller team a seated dinner or a more casual afternoon barbeque with team building games on the beach is a great idea.  Theming your event can 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.

5. 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 means your guests won’t enjoy themselves on the night.  If you are looking at an indoor event, are there out door options for guests wanting a little fresh air?
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.

6. Location

Why is location important for an event?  The office Christmas Party is often the one celebration where team members can feel like they can let their hair down.  Often the office is winding down just before the event date so having a WOW factor venue can build excitement and employee satisfaction.  Having a similar venue each year can be a little boring so it’s a good idea to mix this up.  If you held last year’s event in a function room in the city, an outdoor cocktail event complete with fairy lights in the trees and an informal set up under the stars allowing guests to mingle and watch the sunset is guaranteed to WOW!  

If the chosen location is away from public transport, arranging transportation for the team can make certain that everyone arrives on time and makes it home safely after the event.

7. 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, dancefloor, basic theming and lighting it can really add up so it’s important to understand what’s included.  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.

8. 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.
 
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 2018 Christmas Party packages offer exquisite food and beverage selections that they entire team will enjoy!

If you are looking for places to visit in and around Sydney during the winter, there is no better place to entertain couples or the entire family than around Q Station.  We offer the perfect central place to base yourself in, far enough away from the city to relax, unwind and experience the perfect blend of history and nature – yet only a short ferry ride away from all the action, hustle and vibe of the Sydney Harbour and city sights.

If you are looking for a short getaway in a site steeped in history and nature you will enjoy our 72 hour itinerary where you can explore what’s on offer in the Sydney Harbour National Park which is also our incredible back yard.  There is so much to do around Q Station and Sydney so we have created a 3 day itinerary - the perfect long weekend getaway:

DAY 1

7:30am                        Take a morning stroll followed by breakfast in Views Restaurant
Put on your warm walking gear and lace up your boots and enjoy the crisp air as you take in the incredible views on the Fairfax walk, it’s easy and enjoyable and the 1 kilometre loop will be enough to fire up your appetite so you can really enjoy your breakfast at Views Restaurant  overlooking the picturesque sights of Sydney Harbour.

10:00am                      Take the Eco Hopper to Taronga Zoo!
Time to spend some time quality family time exploring the famous Taronga Zoo.  The Sydney Harbour Eco Hopper leaves at 10:20am however we suggest you arrive early and enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate at the Visitor Centre Café before you head out on your 30-minute ride out over the water to the Zoo.  HINT:  Purchase the Taronga Zoo Combo Pass which offers 24 hour access to the Eco hopper which will come in handy tonight!

11:00am                      Explore Taronga Zoo  
You will arrive in time to make it to the first Seal Show of the day which starts at 11am.  Here you will learn more about seals and their marine environment.  You will get to meet an Australian Sea-Lion and a New Zealand Fur-Seal as you watch these graceful creatures show off their natural abilities including catching fish, climbing and diving, with a whole lot more surprises in store.    

Take your time as you explore the zoo making certain to highlight your copy of the Daily Park Timetable in advance so that you can learn more about the animals at the different hosted educational talks which are all included in the entry price.  The Gorilla feed, Giraffe and ANZ Asian Elephant Keeper talks are great ones to highlight.

If you are looking for an extra special experience for the kids, why not book them in for an encounter with a koala, penguin, tortoise, or owl (the Giraffe Encounter will be back on offer in August) or try the  ‘Keeper for a day’ experience which is bound to be a highlight!

3:30pm            Head back to Q Station
Time to start winding up your day at the zoo and head back to the ferry terminal to take the Eco Hopper back to the Q Station.  The ferry departs at 3:53pm so make sure you are there early to make your ride back to the hotel, so you can quickly freshen up for tonight.

6:00pm            Catch the Eco Hopper to Circular Quay 
Take advantage of your all day eco hopper pass and take the eco hopper from Manly Wharf 2 to Circular Quay.  Watch the sunset as you enjoy the trip into the city, make sure you plan on a taxi back to  Q Station tonight to make the most of your night in the city.

7:00pm            Dinner at The Dining Room, The Rocks
Tonight, you can take in the incredible views of the lights over Sydney Harbour while enjoying an amazing  meal at Bennelong Restaurant, a short 5-minute walk from the circular quay wharf and located within the famous Sydney Opera House.   This venue is stunning during the day, but more so by night.   

Tonight, it is time to spoil yourself with a menu designed by Executive Chef Peter Gilmore whose cuisine has won a number of Australian and International Awards.  You will be spoilt for choice with mouth-watering menu choices like twice cooked goats curd soufflé, pure bred roast wagyu cipollini & buckwheat pudding and wild Cape York barramundi coupled with one of the best wine lists in Sydney.

DAY 2

9:00am            Breakfast at The Pantry, Manly 
You’ve earned a sleep in and no doubt your tummy is grumbling, so a great way to fill it is enjoying breakfast at The Pantry located right on the waterfront in Manly a short 7-minute drive from  Q Station.  Here you can enjoy your fill of buttermilk pancakes with candied walnuts, poached eggs with smashed avocado and feta or go all out with the breakfast board which offers a selection of San Daniele prosciutto, truffled salami with chargrilled capsicum and almond sauce (drooling…), marinated olives, toasted sour dough and poached eggs.
 
10:30am          Experience a little culture at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum
Continue the relaxed tone of the day and enjoy the rest of your morning wandering the vibrant and creative cultural hub of the Northern Beaches at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum.  First opened in 1930 as NSW’s first metropolitan-based public regional gallery, here you can view a fine collection of early modern paintings by artists such an Antonio Dattilo-Rubbo, one of the finest collections of studio ceramics in Australia and changing art and museum exhibitions.  Also on offer is a stimulating program of art workshops for both kids and adults, artists talks, performances and special events – you can view the entire program in the July-Dec 2018 Manly Art Gallery & Museum Calendar.

2:00pm           Manly Spirits - Guided Tour
Our friends at Manly Spirits are a mere 15 minute drive from Q Station, in Brookvale.   These guys provide 1.5 hour tours of their distillery and it is a fantastic way to learn the craft and processes of distillation.  Go behind the scenes, with each tour providing an insight to their production processes, fermentation tanks, barrel storage and bottling.  The end of the tour concludes with an in-depth tasting experience of three of their core expressions to sit, sip and compare.  Well worth it at only $25.00 per person!

3:00pm            Hire a bike and take a self-guided tour of Manly
Hire a bike and helmet from Manly Bike tours and set off on a self-guided tour.  There are 4 recommended rides to choose from and the good news is that you don’t have to be an athlete or a super experienced rider as the it caters for all levels of ability and you can take it at your own pace. 

You can opt for a leisurely bike ride on a beach for an hour, a scenic 2.5-hour tour of the Sydney Harbour National Park – home to our very own Q Station - or for the more adventurous, you can take on the mountain bike Manly Dam tour or simply create your own.  Manly has more than 10 beaches in the area, in addition to Sydney Harbour’s largest National Park offering incredible views of the coastline and a more unique way to explore Sydney’s back yard. 
When you finish your ride, head back to the hotel to freshen up before heading out to dinner.

7:00pm            Experience Manly’s Middle Eastern Cuisine  
Tonight, you are heading back to Manly to enjoy the Middle East flavours of Manly at Maestro & Co, a Middle Eastern tapas restaurant and bar offering great food, great wine and a fantastic atmosphere.  Enjoy a selection of tapas to share, choosing from duck maryland, a warm roasted cauliflower salad, grilled octopus, sumac fried calamari, mussels, Lebanese chat potatoes served with saffron mayo, grilled haloumi – YUM! – and so much more.  If you are looking for a main the free-range grass-fed lamb shoulder, slowly simmered in honey, ginger and aromatic spices is sure to please – but be sure to leave room for dessert – the cinnamon & hazelnut chocolate tart is delish!  Check out the menu HERE.

DAY 3
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5:45am            Take a behind the scenes tour of the Sydney Fish Market
It’s an early morning start for you this morning as you head into the Sydney Fish Market for a behind the scenes tour.  Teeming with tourists the fish market is a popular and lively attraction and one of the Sydney points of interest.  The tour starts at 6:45am sharp so it’s best to arrive by 6:30am.  This morning you will learn about the history of the Sydney Fish market, learn where your seafood comes from and what the Australian seafood industry does to ensure your seafood is sustainable. You will tour the auction floor, viewing over 100 species, witness oyster shucking and find out more about sashimi. 

Tours are held every weekend (excludes week day and special holiday periods) and is suitable for ages 10+.   We suggest taking a taxi from Q Station as parking can be expensive, however if you are keen to drive the parking entry is via Bank Street and you can find more information regarding getting to the Sydney Fish Market HERE.

8:30am            Breakfast at Ministry of Coffee
You’ve earned your coffee this morning and Ministry of Coffee offers one of the best brews in Sydney at its Pyrmont café.  They roast and blend their coffee beans onsite to ensure a quality coffee experience.  They also offer an enticing breakfast menu using locally sourced and organic ingredients to create delish menu items like the smoked salmon open omelet, grilled corn fritters, breakfast bruschetta and a melt in your mouth banana bread with ricotta and honey.

9:30am            Talk a walk along Pyrmont Bridge
After breakfast it’s time to walk off breakfast with a walk along the pedestrian Pyrmont Bridge to  Darling Harbour, it’s a picturesque 15minute walk from the café to the other side of the famous swing bridge across Cockle Bay.  The bridge connects both sides of  Sydney Harbour and offers incredible views and at the end you can either choose to take the stairs or the escalator.

While you are here you can pop into the Sydney Aquarium  to explore the stunning marine life or experience  the lifelike wax models at Madame Tussauds.

From here you can continue your walk along Sydney Harbour and enjoy the rest of your morning at your own pace, taking in the views until you arrive at the impressive stone steps leading to the famous  Sydney Opera House, soaking up  the impressive  site and surrounds, offering a different perspective during the day.

12:00pm          Enjoy a light lunch the Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café
You had an early start so it’s perfectly acceptable that another coffee or perhaps a delicious mocha is on the cards after your morning’s adventures at the Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café.  Enjoy a Belgian sandwich with a variety of fillings and be sure to ask for some of their famous chocolates and cakes to enjoy for an afternoon energy boost later today.

1:30pm            Take in the views from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
A leisurely 15 – 20 minute walk along the foreshore from the restaurant and you will find Mrs Macquarie’s Chair which offers one of the most beautiful places in Sydney to visit and one of the best photo vantage spots of the harbour vista taking in the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

The historic chair was hand carved out of a rock overhang by convicts in 1810, which commemorates Elizabeth, the wife of Major-General Lachlan Macquarie who was Governor of NSW from 1810-1821.  His wife, Elizabeth, was known to visit the area and sit enjoying the panoramic views of the Harbour.

The chair is part of the Royal Botanical Gardens Sydney and you take a walk back through the gardens on your way back to  Darling Harbour to catch the Eco Hopper back to the hotel.

3:10 pm            Take the Eco Hopper back to Q Station for an afternoon siesta
Arrive  at Darling Harbour to take the Ferry back to Q Station.  This is a great time to enjoy those tasty Belgian Guylian chocolate treats you took away with you from the café as you enjoy your journey back to the hotel.  When you arrive take a siesta on the beach until it’s time to freshen up for dinner.

6pm                 Early Dinner 
It’s been a big day so an early dinner at the Boilerhouse Restaurant & Bar.  Our Executive Chef James Green has recently introduced an amazing share plate menu.  Choose from dishes such as Cone Bay Barramundi and  Scallop Ceviche - they are simply delicious and perfect to share with a group.    The restaurant has stunning views of Sydney Harbour and is cosy inside during the winter months.  Enjoy a cocktail and reflect on what has been an amazing Sydney adventure!

We are very proud to announce that Q Station is now officially a plastic straw-free hotel! #switchthestraw