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Gladstone is home to the largest commodity port in Queensland and one of the biggest coal export terminals on the planet.
There’s no hiding the refinery towers and transport vessels laden with coal, alumina, and aluminium that are the lifeblood of the region and support much of the working population. However, holidaymakers that dig a little deeper will discover a softer side to this proud regional hub. A rich maritime history is celebrated, delicate coastal eco-systems are fiercely protected, beach retreats bustle, and myriad national parks offer cool sanctuary from the heat and humidity of summer. There’s even a network of volunteer ‘turtle taxis’ that transport any animals injured by ships and boats to the Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre for treatment. You’ll find surprises at every turn and plenty of ways to fill a stay of at least four days.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Gladstone.
1. Explore the East Shores parklands
Transformed from a degraded industrial site into a recreational asset by the Gladstone Ports Corporation, East Shores wraps around Auckland Hill at the northern end of the CBD and is a textbook case of urban renewal. Stage one was completed in 2014, while stage two came to fruition in 2021. Together they encompass a boardwalk and promenade overlooking Gladstone Marina, lush parklands and gardens, a popular free water park, an array of public artworks, and BBQ and picnic areas. This is likely to be a focal point of your visit to the city, particularly if you’re travelling with tin lids. Do the climb up to Auckland Point Lookout for a fabulous vista of the harbour, new ferry terminal, and comings and goings at the port itself.
2. Learn the city’s maritime history
Shipping has long been a part of the Gladstone psyche, and you’ll no doubt clock the ex-Australian Navy patrol boat HMAS Gladstone II berthed at East Shores; in fact, there are maritime artefacts on display throughout the precinct — including the jaunty and much photographed Sea Hill Lighthouse. Tie all the threads together at the Gladstone Maritime Museum, which has a brand new home on the northern tip of the parklands. The museum administers a vast collection of intricate model ships, colonial seafaring relics, charts, journals, and photographs, and runs tours of the Gladstone on weekends. Closed-toe footwear is required if you intend to climb aboard.
3. Visit the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum
From East Shores, stroll up Goondoon Street and into the heart of town. These days Gladstone is a fairly decentralised place, but this strip’s importance in days gone by is illustrated by its surviving period architecture — including the heritage-listed former Gladstone Post Office (which dates back to 1932) and gorgeous Kullaroo House — originally a bank (circa 1911), and now home to part of the Gladstone Ports Corporation. If you need a coffee en route, call into super popular Lightbox Espresso and Wine Bar in the forecourt of the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.
Keep walking until you come to Old Town Hall, which has been occupied by the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum since 1985. Built during the Great Depression in Free Classical style, and with a modern contrasting extension added in 2003, the building is a stunner. Inside, the gallery hosts a mix of touring and community-based exhibitions, while the museum charts the booms and busts that have characterised Gladstone’s backstory. Prepare to spend a good couple of hours here.
4. Step back in time at Calliope River Historical Village
The region’s pioneering past comes alive at the Calliope River Historical Village — situated on the banks of the Calliope River, 20 minutes’ drive south of central Gladstone. The village is made up of a collection of relocated heritage buildings from across the region, including the Raglan Memorial Hall, Yarwun Railway Station, Clyde Hotel, and Hazeldean Presbyterian Church. A popular country market is held at the Village on selected Sundays and offers fresh produce, artisanal foodstuffs, handcrafted décor items, and arts and crafts. Check their Facebook page for upcoming dates.
5. Wiggle your toes in the sand at Tannum
Tannum Sands is Gladstone’s closest beach retreat and together with neighbouring Boyne Island, makes an easy day trip from the city. The drive south will take you about 30 minutes. Cruise over the John Oxley Bridge that joins the two communities and stake your claim on a patch of sand at Tannum Beach. Palm-fringed Millennium Esplanade hugs the beachfront and hosts the monthly BAM (Beach Art Music) Markets. Head up to Ocean Street to check out the very cute, community-run Ocean Breeze Gallery, which showcases the work of local creatives and is a fabulous spot to pick up a souvenir of your Gladstone getaway. You may also want to follow the Boyne Tannum Turtleway Art Trail along both sides of the Boyne River.
6. Taste the wares of Gecko Valley Winery
Sub-tropical Queensland isn’t normally associated with winemaking, but hey, rules were made to broken. So, drop by the fabulous Gecko Valley Winery at Glen Eden as you cruise back towards Gladstone from Tannum. The 100-hectare estate has undergone significant upgrades of late and incorporates a cellar door (book ahead for tastings during COVID), Mediterranean-style café, and arts and crafts gallery (with a focus on handmade jewellery). The characterful chardonnay, shiraz, and verdelho vintages are all well worth trying, and you’ll likely walk away with a purchase or two.
7. Take a stroll in Tondoon Botanic Gardens
Immediately adjacent to Gecko Valley is the dreamy expanse of Tondoon Botanic Gardens — one of the region’s absolute gems. Lose yourself in the verdant setting and fill your nostrils with the cleansing scents of the bush. The gardens incorporate native woodlands, stretches of tropical and sub-tropical rainforest, a central lake, an orchid house, and a smattering of public art. Tondoon is home to Gladstone’s effervescent floral emblem — the Crown of Gold (barklya syringifolia). Growing to a height of 20 metres, this native tree is characterised by long sprays of bright yellow blooms and heart-shaped leaves; seeing one will make your heart sing!
8. Pay your respects to the Beautiful Betsy
The final flight of WWII bomber Beautiful Betsy on 26 February 1945 from Darwin to Brisbane resulted in the loss of eight lives — two Australian and six US servicemen — when the four-engine Liberator crashed in a remote corner of Kroombit Tops National Park just before dawn. A mystery for half a century, solved by the discovery of the plane’s wreckage in 1994, the beauty of the blue gum and blackbutt forests that carpet this ancient volcanic caldera bely the tragedy of that day.
Today, visitors to the park can trek to the wreck site, which has been preserved by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Access is by 4WD only, and only during good weather. Take the sealed single lane Tablelands Road from Calliope and prepare to take it easy when the tar ends. The trip from Gladstone takes roughly 2.5 hours each way, so head off early. Detour to the Kroombit Tops Lookout for a sweeping view of the park and coast.
9. Enjoy a splash in Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy
Beach lovers will want to do the 1.5-hour drive south to the coastal enclaves of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy (also known as 1770 or The Town of 1770). The beaches that line much of the Seventeen Seventy peninsula are unspoilt and uncrowded, and the water is impossibly blue. Go kayaking, SU-paddle boarding, or conquer both land and sea in 1770 Larc Tours’ hot pink amphibious vehicle.
In all probability, Lieutenant James Cook would have commented on the area’s beauty when he came ashore here in 1770 while charting Australia’s east coast. A cairn commemorates the historic landing, which is re-enacted each year during the Town of 1770 Festival.
10. Escape to Heron Island
Heron Island is one of those places you’ve probably heard of, know is in Queensland, but may not be too sure exactly where. And Gladstone locals would probably like to keep it that way. This pristine coral cay is located 80 kilometres off the coast in the southern Great Barrer Reef and packs a powerful punch in terms of its eco-credentials. Hundreds of fish and coral species inhabit the fringing reef; while onshore, seabirds and endangered marine turtles make use of the cay for nesting purposes.
The uber-relaxed Heron Island Resort occupies the north-west side of the island and imparts sweet relief from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Choose from a range of room types, all of which offer easy access to the glittering beach and reef beyond. Snorkel straight off the sand or head out to one of twenty dive sites in the surrounding waters. The Heron Islander boat transfer departs from Gladstone Marina five days a week.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.gladstoneregion.info.
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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of top things to do in Gladstone? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
