Adventure brief
Ghost Trackers Kids Tour
Step into Sydney’s haunted Quarantine Station with the Ghost Trackers Kids Tour—an immersive 2-hour adventure combining spine-tingling ghost stories with historic exploration perfect for families.
The Ghost Trackers Kids Tour delivers a uniquely chilling adventure for families willing to walk Sydney’s dark past at the Quarantine Station, located on North Head in Manly, New South Wales. This 2-hour experience invites children aged 8 and above—and their accompanying adults—to step beyond ordinary family outings and step into a place steeped in history and whispers of the paranormal. Sydney’s Quarantine Station, established in the 19th century, served as a critical gateway for disease control, containing those arriving by sea.
The grounds are dotted with historic buildings, old pathways, and a burial ground that shadows the memories of those who endured quarantine or never left alive. This somber history merges with eerie tales of ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena, making it one of Australia’s most haunted spots. The Ghost Trackers Kids Tour combines storytelling with active ghost hunting, offering kids and parents alike a hands-on encounter with the spooky lore of the area.
Guests gain exclusive access to buildings normally closed to the public, where guides share stories of the souls believed to linger. The terrain requires moderate mobility over pathways with inclines and steps, making comfortable walking shoes a must. This tour is a standout offering in Sydney’s roster of outdoor activities because it fuses history, nature, and paranormal adventure in a family-friendly format.
Executed by Quarantine Station, a trusted local operator, the experience highlights the grounds’ natural bushland setting and historical architecture while introducing young adventurers to ethical ghost hunting. Open mainly on weekends and during school holidays, this experience also serves as a memorable birthday or school group outing. Visitors finish the evening with a chance to dine at the onsite Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar, where a special discount awaits tour participants.
For families seeking a blend of outdoor discovery, historic insight, and thrilling atmosphere, this tour is a rare find in the Sydney region’s outdoor scene.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Wear sturdy, enclosed walking shoesessential
The tour covers uneven paths with steps and inclines; avoid sandals or open-toed shoes.
- 02Arrive 30 minutes earlyinfo
Allow ample time to park and catch the shuttle from the Q Station Hotel Reception to the wharf.
- 03No personal recording deviceswarning
Photography is allowed, but no audio or video recording equipment during the tour.
- 04Bring weather appropriate gearessential
Tours proceed rain or shine—pack a rain jacket or sun protection depending on forecast.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Enclosed walking shoes
Protect feet and provide support for uneven, sometimes steep pathways.
EssentialRain jacket or umbrella
Weather can turn quickly; stay dry without interrupting the tour.
spring|summer|fall|winterHeadlamp or flashlight
Useful if tours extend into dusk or dimly-lit areas.
Warm layers
Evenings can get cold, so bring extra warmth for comfort.
fall|winterLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Secluded walking trails along North Head with scenic harbor views, Historic military gun emplacements near the Quarantine Station
Local fauna
Australian magpies that frequent the parkland, Occasional sightings of swamp wallabies in the nearby bush
Historic heritage
Established in 1832, Sydney’s Quarantine Station was used to isolate potentially infectious arrivals and is known for its layered history of immigration and disease control.
Mindful exploration
The site is part of a national park heritage reserve where efforts focus on preserving native bushland and maintaining historical structures to minimize environmental impact.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- The wharf precinct with harbor views, Overlooking the burial ground, From the ridge trails above North Head
- Subjects
- Historic quarantine buildings, Ghostly mist and shadows, Native flora against weathered stone
- Best times
- Golden hour before sunset, Early evening as shadows lengthen, Morning light for historic buildings
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Where do we meet for the tour?
Meet your guide at the visitor centre/museum located at the Q Station Hotel Wharf Precinct.
Is there parking available onsite?
Yes, there is free, untimed parking at the top of the site near the Q Station Hotel Reception.
Can we bring recording devices on the tour?
No, audio and video recording devices are not permitted, but still photography is allowed.
Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
The tours require moderate mobility with walking over uneven terrain and steps, so they are not suitable for wheelchairs.
Can adults participate without children?
Adult-only groups are not allowed; each booking must include at least one child aged 8 to 14 accompanied by an adult.
Are there any age restrictions for the tour?
Yes, the tour is recommended for children aged 8 and up, and all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.