Quarantine Station Story Tour

1. For over 150 years, from the 1830s, 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.  Ultimately a success story for the growing Sydney population, it did however leave an indelible mark on those that were quarantined; tales of love and loss play out alongside themes of cultural and social change, medical history and progress.

​This tour is a 90-minute guided tour of the various buildings and archeological sites that comprise the quarantine station precinct.  Walking is required inside and outdoors, sometimes on sloping or uneven surfaces. Please take appropriate clothing for outside weather conditions, and closed walking shoes for uneven surfaces.

After the tour a light lunch will be provided. Weather permitting, this can be eaten outside, taking in the spectacular harbour view.

We will meet at the Q Station Reception Centre.  This is at the end of North Head Scenic Drive.  There is plentiful car parking there. 

Because bus transfers are required to the quarantine station precinct, we will meet at 9.30am for the tour commencing at 10.00am. 

The cost is $60 per person which includes lunch at the tour's conclusion.

Contact on the day:  Bob Eckstein

An exploration of the historic house and gardens of Lindesay

A hidden gem overlooking Sydney harbour, Lindesay is an atmospheric 19th century mansion with restored Georgian interiors and a glorious garden to explore. Now administered by the National Trust, Lindesay was built in 1834 on Gadigal land.  It was the first house in Darling Point and the first in Australia to be designed in the Gothic Revival style.

We will take a guided tour and discover the fascinating history of this elegant mansion. The tour will explore the house's original rooms decorated with English and colonial furniture, the statue-filled parterre garden, and the downstairs servants’ quarters with stone kitchen and freshwater well.

The tour allows for strolling through the gardens with its magnificent views of Sydney Harbour.

The guided tour duration is for up to one hour, with the opportunity to wander through the gardens afterwards. Up to three guides will be available.

The entrance is at the Lindsay Ave Gate.  The gate opens at 10.00 am. Please aim to be there at 9.50am. 

Getting there:

If using public transport:

Local buses service the Darling Point area.  The 328 bus travels from Edgecliff Station to Thornton St opp Bennett Ave, Darling Point, from where there is a short 5 minute stroll down Darling Point Rd to the entrance on Lindsay Ave.

The closest ferry wharf is Darling Point, which is a 15-minute walk to Lindesay.

By car: There is no on-site parking, however surrounding street parking is available, and generally not difficult to find.

The cost is $25 per person.

Contact person on the day:  Bob Eckstein 

           Christmas Lunch with a water view

Our 2025 Christmas Lunch is on Monday 8 December at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron.

The Squadron is one of the Australia’s most prestigious clubs nestled along the picturesque shores of Sydney Harbour and steeped in sailing history, providing a welcoming atmosphere for all.

After pre-luncheon drinks on the front lawn overlooking the Harbour we will move to the Carabella room for an extensive buffet, including the Squadron’s famous freshly shucked oysters. Wines and coffee are included as well as lucky door prize and our traditional Christmas quiz.

Parking is limited at the Squadron as members have priority. It is a 12–15-minute walk from Milson’s point station and bus stop. The ferry to Kirribilli wharf is one block from the Squadron. If coming by Taxi or Uber, ask the driver to go into the underground car park dropped you off at the internal stairs. Otherwise, the pedestrian gate is on Peel St, buzz the intercom to gain entry.

All inclusive cost $145pp.