Abbotsford Animal Quarantine Station

The Quarantine Reserve was attached to the Hexham Estate (originally known as Cluthaville) located between the Hexham (The House) and Parramatta River's Chicken and Hen Bay. Giving the house sweeping views of its gardens and down to the river. There is no known evidence how the land was originally added to the grounds of Hexham.

Taronga Zoological Park outgrew its Moore Park site in 1912, and the Quarantine Station at Bradley's Head had to be relocated to make way for the Zoo Site. Hexham/Cluthaville's added ground was short-lived. Since it was a water front property with road access, the Commonwealth Government seen it fit to acquire the land for the displaced Quarantine Station.

The Quarantine Station occupied the site between 1917 and 1980 to house and clear disease-free imported animals before they were handed over to their owners.

The Quarantine Station was developed between 1917 and 1930. The station consisted of

Cattle stalls
Horse Stalls
Dog Kennels,
A piggery (now refurbished as public toilets),
Dogs kitchen for preparation of dog food,
Food Store,
A caretaker's cottage
An incinerator
A cattery but later demolished.

In 1980 the Abbotsford Quarantine Station was closed and moved out to Wallgrove. The public have been allowed access to this beautifully landscaped and positioned reserve since 1981 when it was handed over to Council.