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Quarantine Station
Point Nepean Quarantine Station offers a glimpse into the early European history of Victoria. The Quarantine Station was established in 1852 as a response to the growing concern about the potential spread of diseases among the population, particularly with the influx of new settlers during the Victorian gold rush. The Station comprises nearly 50 heritage-listed buildings, including hospitals, disinfecting complexes, a morgue, a cemetery and other facilities, providing a unique opportunity to explore the history and learn about life at this once-remote location.
The Quarantine Station began as a desolate, windy, and unwelcoming stretch of land with only a few houses left by a community of lime burners who had vacated the area. But over the years, several building phases have occurred. In the late 1850s, a jetty and five two-storey hospital blocks were erected to accommodate the influx of new settlers and prevent disease spread.
The facilities were also expanded in the 1860s, with the construction of a communal bathhouse and a washhouse outfitted with dedicated facilities to deal with infected clothing. In the late 19th century, as the Quarantine Station began receiving animals and people, a jetty was built at Observatory Point. Other infrastructure was added, such as a school for residents and a crematorium.
The crematorium was particularly important as it serviced the leprosy patients housed well away from the main Quarantine Station. In 1901, with the Federation of Australia, quarantine moved from state to Commonwealth control, resulting in several new processing policies. A Foul Luggage Receiving Store, Disinfection and Boiler building were among the new structures added to the Station.
Today, the remains of many of these historic installations can still be seen at the Point Nepean Quarantine Station, providing a unique and educational experience for visitors. The Station's critical role in protecting Australia from introduced diseases and its impact on the lives of those who pass through its gates can be explored through guided tours and exhibitions at the Fort Queenscliff Museum.
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By Searoad FerriesPoint Nepean Quarantine Station offers a glimpse into the early European history of Victoria. The Quarantine Station was established in 1852 as a response to the growing concern about the potential spread of diseases among the population, particularly with the influx of new settlers during the Victorian gold rush. The Station comprises nearly 50 heritage-listed buildings, including hospitals, disinfecting complexes, a morgue, a cemetery and other facilities, providing a unique opportunity to explore the history and learn about life at this once-remote location.
The Quarantine Station began as a desolate, windy, and unwelcoming stretch of land with only a few houses left by a community of lime burners who had vacated the area. But over the years, several building phases have occurred. In the late 1850s, a jetty and five two-storey hospital blocks were erected to accommodate the influx of new settlers and prevent disease spread.
The facilities were also expanded in the 1860s, with the construction of a communal bathhouse and a washhouse outfitted with dedicated facilities to deal with infected clothing. In the late 19th century, as the Quarantine Station began receiving animals and people, a jetty was built at Observatory Point. Other infrastructure was added, such as a school for residents and a crematorium.
The crematorium was particularly important as it serviced the leprosy patients housed well away from the main Quarantine Station. In 1901, with the Federation of Australia, quarantine moved from state to Commonwealth control, resulting in several new processing policies. A Foul Luggage Receiving Store, Disinfection and Boiler building were among the new structures added to the Station.
Today, the remains of many of these historic installations can still be seen at the Point Nepean Quarantine Station, providing a unique and educational experience for visitors. The Station's critical role in protecting Australia from introduced diseases and its impact on the lives of those who pass through its gates can be explored through guided tours and exhibitions at the Fort Queenscliff Museum.