Q Station Sydney Harbour National Park - Manly, New South Wales

Penny R.

Very comfortable, staff helpful. The only issue was that the restaurant was closed Sunday and Monday evening. We didn't use the courtesy bus into Manly but used the service bus which ends its service quite early. On the second evening we used the bus back to Q Station and picked up our car before going to a restaurant in Manly, so no alcohol.
Allowing cars to access the site close to the accommodation before being removed to the car park would be helpful for any luggage.

Gary G.

Despite requesting an early check-in (of only one hour), several days before, as we are Accor Gold members, there was no room ready. I got the impression this message had been missed, not that it wasn't available. We went down to the bar to wait for a call that our room would be ready. By 2:10 there was still no call. We tried ringing reception multiple times but the phone rang out. We eventually headed back to reception for the key.

Our room was large and very nice. Some furniture is dated but it was clean and serviceable. The views were excellent. Be aware there is NO AIR CONDITIONING. Thankfully the weather was pleasant and the ceiling fans were adequate.

We had a very nice dinner in the restaurant. Breakfast was disappointing. We ended up heading to Manly Pacific for breakfast on the following two mornings.

We were very disappointed to learn the restaurant is not opened for dinner on Sunday night. It is completely closed on Monday and Tuesday. There is a large sign at the reception area that claims the restaurant is open 7 days. This obviously needs to be updated.

Bear in mind Q Station is quite isolated from the rest of Manly. There is a shuttle bus, but we did not expect to have to leave the site to eat. We couldn't even get takeaway as the room is devoid of crockery and cutlery. The fact that Accor Plus encourages loyalty with half price dining seems to wasted if the restaurant is closed.

The lack of access to a daily restaurant would deter us from visiting Q Station again.

Paulie S.

A friend of ours, told us about the ghost tour and history tour held at Q Station. They totally won us over and we had no hesitation and booked the two tours online as well as a two-night stay at Q Station. Unfortunately, most rooms were already booked out but there was one available with external bathroom – don’t like the idea but it was only for two nights and at least we still get to have a bathroom and it’s not a community share. I didn’t know that Q Station existed really and had to check whereabouts it’s located… North Head at Manly. There is a decent sized carpark when you arrive at reception. You need to park your car there, private cars are not given access to drive through, but they do have a free shuttle bus to take you back and forth on the premise as well as taking you to and from Manly CBD – check their timetable at reception or at information desk on-site. Reception is impressive - love the murals surrounding the building, very talented artist and captures the place really well. Q Station is a National Park and is heritage listed with historical significance / history attached to this site and it’s opened to the public. We were greeted by a super friendly Milan at reception, he beamed with confidence and professionalism and quickly checked us in, provided us a map of the area, highlighted the key areas of where we were staying, the café, Boilerhouse Kitchen and Bar restaurant and lastly organised a shuttle bus to take us to our accommodation. Again, the person driving the shuttle bus was super friendly and professional. Our accommodation was of decent size, considering it was once used for quarantining people – it’s not modern, but the room was very clean, had all the necessities you need (body wash / shampoo and conditioner, coffee/tea condiments and the necessary appliances, ceiling fans, ironing board / iron) to make our stay comfortable plus complimentary Wi-Fi and a television and I did like that personal touch in the lounge room - a welcome sign on the tele with your name on it (like on the cruise ship). The bathroom was spacious with a shower, a toilet and a washing basin with a side table to put your toiletries on. Here comes the ”but…”, the shower has no screen doors, hence the water literally goes everywhere and the tiles are rather slippery – either install screen doors or replace the tiles with other non-slippery tiles to prevent from slipping. Did I like the external bathroom? Not really. Considering the place is haunted, it’s not a pleasant feeling going outside, late at night, for a toilet break. My suggestion is, to call to book accommodation and be sure that your room has an ensuite bathroom. We have also paid extra for a full buffet breakfast at the ‘Views Restaurant’ – lovely display of hots and colds (Hot food: bacon, scramble, mushroom, grilled tomatoes, hashbrowns and DIY toast with spreads. Cold food: fruits, cereals, natural yoghurt, sweet mini pastries; mini chocolate and blueberry muffins and of course your teas/coffees, apple / orange juices, water – still / sparkling). It’s a National Park, the area is secluded and surrounded with beauty. Lots to do at Q Station and plenty to explore for free and if you want to know a bit about the place, go to the Visitor Centre and their heritage collection and artefacts – interesting read. A must do… you have to walk up and down the Funicular Stairway at least once – 234 steps! Not easy walking back up those stairs. Almost forgot, bring your swimmers, you pretty much have the Quarantine Beach to yourselves – not overcrowded, no need to go to Manly beach. The ladies at the Visitor Centre are super friendly, very helpful and always with a smile on their face. I really can’t say enough about the staff at Q Station – they are simply amazing and professional individuals. You’re not too far from Manly CBD. From Reception, it’s only a 15-minute walk or check the timetable to see when the next shuttle bus is ready to leave for Manly CBD. If you head the opposite direction, you will be heading towards ‘Fairfax Track’ and see spectacular views at Burragula Lookout and Yiningma Lookout – it’s a fair distance, I suggest to wear good walking shoes. Check-out was super easy and fast, we just handed our keys to reception and left. It’s amazing whoever was responsible for this project, changed a quarantine area into accommodation for people to stay… well thought out with comforts at your fingertips, not just for recreational purpose but to explore the beauty it has to offer - genius. I highly recommend Q Station for young and old, couples and families, well-located and conveniently close to the CBD, reasonably priced and perfect place to relax - it’s truly a sanctuary and most definitely a hidden gem!

Tissia

Q Station is a unique and peaceful destination with stunning views of Sydney Harbour and a fascinating history. The heritage buildings and quiet surroundings make it an ideal place to relax and explore.
The private beach was a great place to relax.
One of the highlights of my stay was the breakfast. It was fresh, delicious, and a perfect way to start the day.
The server at the restaurant was so friendly and attentive, which made the dining experience even better. However, I did feel that the overall food prices were a bit too high.
Despite this, Q Station is a fantastic place to visit. Whether you’re interested in history, love being surrounded by nature, or just want a peaceful getaway, this place has a lot to offer. The combination of beautiful scenery, a rich historical atmosphere, and great service makes it a memorable experience. I would definitely recommend it.
TOP : the free shuttle , so a good idea , makes your life easier.

N

So pleased I phoned and spoke to the staff to plan our New Year's Eve stay! We were given a comfortable room with everything we needed. The shuttle bus is perfect and whenever we booked there was never a long wait. Great way to get around the property. The breakfast was good with a choice from hot or cold with tea, coffee and juice. The beach is perfect with a cafe close by and another restaurant for a casual lunch or more formal dinner. Understand keeping things heritage but like most people would recommend if there could somehow be a window installed in the rooms we were in a building that had no opening windows, I noticed some other buildings had windows. Or the buildings are tall enough with access that you could install a split system air conditioning system and have the outdoor unit under the building. Keeping things heritage doesn't mean you have to give up comfort. Overall very happy and will be back to share more time with friends but probably in Autumn or Spring.

Emma C.

What a unique experience- the views are stunning and you can feel the history all around you. I would just be aware there is no sound proofing between rooms - we were woke up by young children early each day and keep awake by neighbours chatting and laughing at night - however you have to remember the age and heritage of the building and just go with it, the quirkiness of the hotel and it’s location are worth it. We took breakfast which we thought was good value taking into consideration the remoteness of the hotel and lack of other options. Shuttle buses are reliable the drivers are all super friendly

Rachel S.

I loved our stay at the Q Station! It was something different and beautiful in the heart of Sydney! The staff was lovely and helpful, and it was great being able to call a shuttle any time you needed. The beach was gorgeous and I couldn’t believe how much wildlife was around. The breakfast tasted great too! We also ate at the Boilerhouse and that was delicious! I wish I had more time there and would love to do the tours and walk around the National Park. I will be back!

Bec G.

This is my second stay at this property, albeit 12 years apart.||Being school holidays, Sydney hotel prices were eye watering and the Q Station offered reasonable rates mid week. I was travelling solo for business this time and wouldn’t stay again unless for leisure. ||I was upgraded to a suite which was generous, however it was a decent walk from the building to reception where you need to leave your car. I’d have preferred to walk but I wasn’t in suitable attire and the map provided could be updated making it easier to read and add more signs around the property. In saying that, there was an umbrella in the room and it was never too long to wait for the shuttle. ||The room was very sparse, no scatter cushions on the uncomfortable sofa, a bare coffee table that looked out of place, with the decor it looked like I was in quarantine rather than a hotel. No extra plates or cutlery provided in the room which you are forced to order from offsite as the restaurant isn’t open every night and when they are, it’s a 2-3 course set menu, no other options on the property for dinner. ||First night I ordered delivery and since the offsite restaurant didn’t pack the requested cutlery, I needed to eat with the two supplied teaspoons in the room. I cleaned up as best I could, but housekeeping did very little the following day and hadn’t wiped the desk properly and left used cups etc. The bathroom is spotless however, with no mouldy grout whatsoever. ||The bed was too soft / needs replacing and the tv intermittently lost the picture and went to black whilst still hearing the sound. Leisure guests probably wouldn’t even turn it on.||All staff that I came in contact with were great and a highlight of the property.