On the shores of Barnes Bay lies the historic Quarantine State Reserve, a treasure trove of history dating back to the traditional owners of Bruny Island, The Nuenonne Aboriginal tribe.

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From the mid-1850s, European free settlers occupied the site for almost 30 years.  The Tasmanian government took control of the site in the mid-1880s and developed the site as a quarantine facility. 

 

Seven years after the Federation, the Commonwealth took possession of the site. It continued operating the site as a quarantine facility, except for a period of time at the beginning of World War 1 when the site was used as an internment camp for German nationals.  After the war, the facility housed returning soldiers who were quarantined due to the Spanish Flu pandemic.  

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From the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s, the site operated primarily as a plant quarantine and plant research facility.

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The Parks and Wildlife Service manages the site; however, the Friends of Bruny Island Quarantine Station supports the management and conservation of the Quarantine Station.  The Friends of Bruny Island Quarantine Station also promotes the site to visitors.

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The Quarantine Station is open from Thursday to Monday between 10:00 and 4:00, and visitors can take a self-guided tour of the buildings and the property (Please check the opening times in winter as they may change).  In addition, the Friends of Bruny Island Quarantine Station provides information to aid your self-exploration of the Station precincts.

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Visitors should allow plenty of time at the Quarantine Station to gain the most from the site as there are information displays in some of the buildings, and the site covers a 320-acre area.  Walking around the site is via well-formed pathways, which are easy to walk.

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The reach the Quarantine Station Reserve take the road to Dennes Point from the main Bruny Island road and turn into Killora Road.  At the Killora Road intersection, signs will direct you to the Quarantine Station.

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Visitors can help maintain the Quarantine Station by making a donation to the Friends of Bruny Island Quarantine Station.