LOCATION
North Head at Manly. 30 minutes drive from the city. Accessible by water taxi.
PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIA
Take a trip into Sydney's past and dine with a difference upon the shores of North Head's Quarantine Station. The Boilerhouse restaurant takes its name from the adjoining boilers which were used to create steam in order to disinfect the luggage of potentially disease-ridden immigrants in the 1830's. But don't let that put you off your food. Chef Reinhard Roithner has created a menu which dips its fingers into many flavoursome pies, merging the classic favourites of yesteryear with a touch of today.
Unusually, but rather stylishly, the kitchen is on the ground floor with the restaurant taking up the mezzanine space above. Exposed pipelines run the length of the wall however there is nothing industrial about this elegant dining floor. When the sun is shining, the spot to be is outside overlooking the magnificent view of the harbour. Begin with a steaming bowl of Tuscan sausage and cannellini bean soup to warm you up on a crisp winter's day. The dry-aged beef strip-loin with onion, potatoes, blue cheese and sherry butter, and the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with parsnips, carrots, baby turnips and sauce revigotte are evidence of old-school influences. Meanwhile, crab and potato cakes with a green papaya and mango salad indicate a sway towards Asian flavours. While the menu takes care of pleasing every sense, this location taps into the sixth sense. The Quarantine Station is a top spot for ghost spotting so don't be alarmed if you have unexpected dinner guests.
Annabel Wise, July 2008
DETAILS
Leave the hectic behind. and take some time to reconnect. Come and stay at Q Station. Awake to the magic of Sydney Harbour, to the tranquility of the Australian bush, to the richness of Australia's history, or to a symphony of bush sounds in your own secluded cottage.
ACCOMMODATION
Q Station's accommodation options all offer privacy, contemporary comfort and a truly unique setting to facilitate your complete experience of relaxation and rejuvenation. Choose from rooms with panoramic views of Sydney's incredible harbour, the beautiful Sydney Harbour National Park or the historic buildings of Q Station.
FUNCTIONS
Host a meeting surrounded by serene bush land, beside beautiful Sydney Harbour or in a heritage listed building. Q station's venues are unique and supported by state-of-the-art communication technology. Each Q Station venue has its own distinct character and features cutting edge audio visual equipment, air conditioning and modern conveniences.Q Station's conference and meeting rooms cater for up to 150 people and offer every convenience for the modern meeting. Each venue includes:
State-of-the-art audio visual equipment
- High-speed internet access
- Whiteboards & projector screens
-All audio visual needs arranged on request
WEDDINGS
Come ashore by boat. Be married on idyllic Quarantine Beach, or on the picturesque grassy slopes of North Head. Have timeless Sydney Harbour as your backdrop. Then stay overnight and breakfast by the beach with your guests. From something small and intimate to a banquet for up to 150 people, Q Station's all-inclusive wedding packages includes venue, wedding ceremony, photos and reception.
