Gladstone

Gladstone is a city in the Gladstone Region in Queensland, Australia. It is approximately 550km (340 miles) by road north of Brisbane and 100km (62 miles) south-east of Rockhampton.

There is plenty to see and do in Gladstone, including visiting the Great Barrier Reef, boat trips, scooter tours and self drive experiences.

Visit the Gladstone Regional Gallery and Museum, Gladstone Maritime Museum or the Calliope River Historical Village or explore Isla Gorge National Park.

The East Shores, Gladstone Coal Exporters Maritime Precinct spans along Flinders Parade and includes a water play park, waterfront boardwalk with viewing platform, barbecues and lots of green, open spaces to enjoy.

Gladstone Marina Parklands offers numerous facilities including barbecue areas, playgrounds, public toilets, wheelchair access and extensive grassed areas.

Throughout the year, the Marina hosts activities and celebrations, including the annual Harbour Festival and Multicultural Festival.

Gladstone Marina is also the departure point for charter boats and the Heron Island Ferry.

There are many scenic drives and walks to discover - Kroombit Tops National Park, Tondoon Botanic Gardens and Mount Larcom to name a few.

Heron Island is two hours by boat from Gladstone, and is surrounded coral, teeming with fish life. Beautiful white sandy beaches circle most of Heron, with crystal clear water ideal for swimming and scuba diving. An abundance of wildlife can be found here, including Green and Loggerhead turtles, Reef Herons, Eastern Golden Plovers and Wedge-tail Shearwaters. Humpback whales are also active between June and October.

Wilson Island is allowed only 12 guests at a time and some of the Barrier Reef's best snorkelling is right off the beach.

Other island options and nearer to Gladstone are Facing Island and Curtis Island, which cover the mouth on Gladstone Harbour. A half hour drive south is Boyne Island and Tannum Sands, with beautiful sandy beaches, barbeques, play areas and showers right along the beach.

Fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming and diving are all popular water-based activities in the area.

There is a wide range of retail options on offer throughout the Gladstone Region, from shopping complexes to small boutiques and markets.

Gladstone City Centre is the dining and entertainment hub of the city and is set on either side of a hill in close proximity to the harbour. Gladstone Square is situated at the bottom of the CBD and offers numerous retail stores.

Restaurants offer a good range of cuisine, from classic Australian dishes, steak and fresh seafood, to Thai, Indian and Italian options.

Cruise ships will dock at the Port of Gladstone, which is the largest natural harbour in Australia.

Gladstone Visitor Information Centre can be found at the Marina Ferry Terminal (72 Bryan Jordan Drive). Opening hours are Monday-Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm (weekends and public holidays are subject to volunteer availability). Taxis, car hire and trips can also be arranged here.