Destination Info
Welcome to Gladstone
The beautiful central coast town of Gladstone is your ultimate Southern Great Barrer Reef holiday destination. Access idyllic island paradises just offshore, splash about in the Queensland sunshine with an array of water sports activities, explore the nearby rainforest and unique town itself, Gladstone is a natural oasis in the middle of the Queensland coast.
Get set for endless days on beautiful beaches and moments among nature you will treasure forever. Wander up to Auckland and Round Hill lookouts for 360-degree views of the surrounding district. Indulge in local food straight from fresh seafood markets, beer from local breweries, great steaks right from the beef capital Rockhampton to the north and produce from the Bundaberg salad bowl to the south. With the highest boat ownership per capita in Australia, it goes without saying that a tour on a yacht or fishing for your own dinner off the back of a boat is a must here.
The Gladstone Marina is a playground for boaties, families, friends and couples alike. A destination within itself, here you can enjoy the Gladstone Marina Parklands often used for popular music and events including the annual Harbour Festival. Home to the finishing line of the acclaimed Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, this area is alive with activity. Your jumping-off point to explore Heron Island and Lady Musgrave Island, get set to snorkel and dive these dreamy islands, bursting with pristine, natural beauty.
Time your trip right and you’ll witness turtles hatching on Heron Island, just a two-hour boat ride from Gladstone. Considered one of the best snorkelling spots on the greater reef, visit Lady Musgrave Island from Gladstone or the town of 1770. A significant nesting site for seabirds and turtles, it’s also an idyllic place to witness humpback whales migrating from July to November. Explore the coral cay of Lady Elliot Island, a successful conservation story, the lush rainforest has been revegetated and plays host to 3,000 iconic coral cay species. Visit these islands to swim with reef sharks, manta rays and stingrays and rejoice in natures wonders.
Visit unique towns along the coastline including Agnes Water the town of 1770 (Seventeen Seventy). Just an hour and a half south of Gladstone you’ll find secluded beaches, calm inlets and abundant forests. Known for their rolling surf breaks, these laid-back towns and those surrounding them are full of characters ready for a yarn at the local pub.
Explore and go fishing at Chinaman’s Beach, swim at the patrolled Agnes Beach and paddle out to watch the sunset over the ocean at Captain Cook Landing Place. Head further toward Turkey Beach to spot dolphins and dugongs at Rodd’s Bay, be sure to see the giant fig tree at Miriam Vale and explore the beautiful bushwalking trails at Baffle Creek. A holiday in Gladstone offers so much to do across an array of beautiful destinations.