You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you arrive at the Point Nepean Quarantine Station.

With heritage buildings, most still in their original condition, the vast openness sprinkled with majestic old trees, and surrounded by the bay - it is pure tranquility. This was the first home to many new Australians as they arrived here from overseas, starting with the very ill fated Ticonderoga ship arrived with hundreds of passengers needing desperate medical attention in late 1852.

You can walk around and learn about the history here, home to 52 heritage-listed buildings established in 1852, it played a crucial role in protecting Australia from infectious diseases. Here you will see old hospitals, morgues, disinfecting rooms and more. Mamma’s kids felt like they were walking through haunted grounds as we explored the old hospital and living quarters!

Pick up a pamphlet from the information desk which explains a little about each area you visit or you can borrow a set of iPods and listen to the stories as you walk.

Throughout the decades there have been lots of different uses for this station. Wooden ‘influenza huts’ were built during the Spanish flu pandemic; the army was assigned here in World War II; then became a Cadet base and in the 1990’s was home to 400 Kosovar refugees.

You can even camp here now - with on-site tents!

It’s a great spot to immerse yourself in history and enjoy the stunning scenery as well!

the nitty gritty

Coleman Rd, Portsea 3944

Free entry

Free parking - a shuttle bus is available to take you to Fort Nepean (paid ticket required) - onsite cafe - bike hire - beach access (not ideal for swimming)

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