Gladstone Destination-Information Listings

Gladstone

The city of Gladstone is developed on hills overlooking the focal point of its economic development - the natural deepwater harbour. This dynamic, modern city basks in a sub-tropical climate with islands, waterways and beaches providing year-round boating, fishing, swimming and surfing. At the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone offers access to Heron Island, Wilson Island and uninhabited coral cays. A large charter boat fleet operates from the world class Marina. A wide variety of restaurants and eateries cater to all tastes - from Australian tucker to Gladstone's famous mud crab and fresh seafood. All types of accommodation are available including four-star properties, comfortable and affordable motels and caravan parks. Gladstone's Tondoon Botanic Gardens are one of Australia's few totally native botanic gardens. The display areas specialise in the plants of the surrounding and Tropical North Queensland regions. The Gladstone Entertainment Centre, at the heart of the newly renovated 'Library Square', forms the focal point of the city's cultural activities. The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum is a colonial Georgian structure which houses three exhibition areas and hosts the Region's annual Rio Tinto Martin Hanson Art Awards which draws entrants from all over Queensland.

Gladstone

Grab a map from the caravan park and get walking to discover Gladstone's fine old sandstone homes and commercial buildings. A town highlight is the Southern Flinders Discovery Centre, offering insights into the region, local produce tastings and guided town walks. Don't miss the Gladstone Gaol, a heritage-listed building that has also served as an internment camp, a barracks and even a film set. The gaol was in official use until 1975. Day tours are available. Gladstone High School hosts wine tastings and tours as part of the students' viticulture program. And active visitors can hire a mountain bike from the Gladstone Caravan Park to explore the back roads. The early pastoral lease 'Booyoolie Run' purchased in 1851 established the pastoral and grazing pursuits of the district, which still form the backbone of the area today. The enormous grain storage silos holding 82,500 tonnes are the largest inland grain storage facilities in South Australia. An important railway centre for many years, the Gladstone railway yards will hold the train enthusiast's attention as one of the world's few junction points of the three different gauges - narrow, standard and broad, all laid together in one siding.

Gladstone

Founded in the 1870s as part of the tin mining boom in northeast Tasmania. On the road to the northern entrance to Mt William National Park, Gladstone is today the service centre for the Far North East and a good base from which to explore the magnificent coastline and heath lands of Mount William National Park. Make Gladstone your base – a range of accommodation is available, from pub and hostel-style to powered sites and self-contained accommodation.

Gladstone Region

The Gladstone Region - Australia's best kept holiday secret - begins approximately 450 kilometres north of Brisbane. It's the gateway to the majestic Southern Great Barrier, fantastic fishing hotspots, amazing country adventures and pure national parks. Whatever you are after, you'll find it here. The region's hub is the city of Gladstone. Full of surprising and interesting experiences, this energetic regional city known for being the 'engine room of Queensland' is also the access points for Southern Great Barrier Reef icons, Heron and Wilson Islands. Surrounding Gladstone are townships of Mount Larcom, Calliope, Benaraby, Boyne Island and Tannum Sands. This part of the region is home to one of Australia's premier freshwater fishing locations, Awoonga Dam. To the south, the natural surrounds of the Discovery Coast will beckon you to discover the burgeoning township Miriam Vale, the white secluded beaches of Agnes Water and the township of Seventeen Seventy will entice, as will the breathtaking reef adventures at Lady Musgrave Island and Fitzroy Reef Lagoon. To the southwest you will find the spectacular Boyne Valley. Travel further west to the Banana Shire area which abounds with opportunities for intrepid travellers to experience a bush adventure holiday or enjoy a genuine farmstay experience.

North West

Situated approximately 75 kilometres from Gladstone, North West Island is the largest Coral Cay in the area and forms part of the Capricorn Cays National Park. North West Island offers opportunities for bushwalking, nature study, reef walking, diving and snorkelling. Being a large coral cay it has longer walking opportunities through the island and around its beaches. Fishing is also quite popular on the island. Visitors are requested to limit their fishing and you must only fish in the authorised zones. Please obtain zoning maps from QPWS Gladstone or a Visitor Information Centre. Bookings are necessary before camping on the Island and permits apply. To obtain a permit, or for further information contact the Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM). Composting toilets are available on the Island for the convenience of campers only. Self-sufficient camping is available however, visitors are required to take their own water and a fuel stove. Also be sure to pack sturdy bags to take rubbish away with you.

Rosedale

Part of the Discovery Coast, Rosedale is a quaint country town located off the Lowmead Road. The short one kilometre detour into this historic town (which dates back to 1892) is certainly worthwhile. The township has a friendly country hotel and a general store which boasts a garden model railway. In the park there is an excellent amenities block with wheelchair access. By the electric rail line is a large water tower, a reminder of the steam era.