Gladstone
Region
Centre of the Southern
Reef - The Gladstone Region is a unique area of Queensland - a
region where opportunity awaits. This dynamic, modern city basks
in a sub-tropical climate with islands, waterways and beaches
on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef. So many landscapes,
so much variety, so much sunshine - endless opportunities are
just a jump away.
At the heart of the region,
the city of Gladstone overlooks its natural deep water harbour.
To the south lie the shires of Calliope and Miriam Vale with
idyllic, secluded beaches and scenic National Parks. The Town
of 1770 is the first place in Queensland that Captain James Cook
stepped ashore. Boyne Island is renowned for its beautiful foreshore
parks, while its sister city of Tannum Sands offers long sandy
beaches for safe coastal recreation.
On the Reef:
The reef islands within the Gladstone Region are true coral cays.
On the islands guests can enjoy diving, snorkelling, fishing,
reef walking or exploring the flora and fauna. Heron Island is
a sanctuary for an extraordinary array of birds and offers quality
accommodation, but is not open to day trippers. For a day trip,
Lady Musgrave Island can be visited by luxury catamaran. Visitors
can also charter a boat and explore over 20 different reefs off
the region’s coastline.
Talk
to the animals:
Year round there is a festival of nature’s delights. From
October through to March, turtles lay their eggs
and the hatchlings scamper their way to the water. Throughout
the year several species of seabirds make
their rookeries. The magnificent sight of the humpback whales
breaching can be seen playing close to the
fringing reef during August and September.
National
Parks:
The region has several impressive National Parks which add camping
and 4 wheel driving to the adventures you can experience in the
area. The spectacular cliffs of the Kroombit Tops are cloaked
in diverse flora and fauna. Mt. Castletower National Park lies
at the base of Lake Awoonga with its impressive, yet rugged terrain.
Deepwater and Eurimbula National Parks provide the contrast of
open eucalypt and paperback forests with lush rainforests and
quiet beaches.
Arts
and Gardens:
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. Gladstone entertainment Centre, a modern Performing
Arts Complex, forms the focal point of the city’s cultural
activities. The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum is a
handsome colonial Georgian structure which houses three exhibition
areas.
Gladstone Harbour:
The port of Gladstone is impressive - even by world standards.
Barbecue facilities, restaurants and broadwater shops make the
Gladstone Marina an ideal family recreational facility. Sample
the best of fresh local seafood with Australian, Mexican and Italian
style foods on offer. Or if you prefer to catch your own lunch,
estuary and reef fishing is available from one of the many local
operators. Every Easter the Marina takes on all the fun of the
annual Harbour Festival. Timed to coincide with the finish of
the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Classic, the festival spans ten
action packed days.
Planning to visit
the Gladstone Region?
