Getting to know Gladstone

Recognised as the heart of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the Gladstone region also stands on its own two feet as a leisure destination in its own right, famous for sailing, fishing and diving. With activities that take you from the sand and surf to coral cays and mountain tops all in a day’s travels, there’s something to appeal to everyone, from nature lovers, to turtle enthusiasts and adventurers.. Consider adding these fab four travel experiences to your itinerary on your next visit to Gladstone!

Island adventures
If you’re looking to discover your own piece of paradise, a number of islands sit just off the Gladstone coast, including Curtis Island and Facing Island just minutes from the mainland. Perfect for day trips, families can load up their four-wheel-drives for endless sand adventures, or explore the island on foot. Further afield venture out to the world-famous Heron Island, exclusive Wilson Island or the stunning coral cay of Lady Musgrave Island with private bays and sandbars just waiting to be discovered, with sparkling turquoise waters presenting as the perfect spot for swimming, fishing and boating. For those making their way to Gladstone during September through to December, you can also catch a glimpse of mother turtles nesting among the dunes, or hatchlings beginning their mighty trek towards the ocean. Curtis Island is accessible via the Curtis Ferry, which operates Monday, Wednesday, Friday and weekends.

Wind down
A little slice of seaside heaven, Agnes Waters is a small tourist town within the Gladstone region that boasts spectacular swimming and surfing beaches (stinger suits are not required), legendary fishing hot spots, an enviable laidback lifestyle and of course, plenty of opportunities to sight a turtle! An easy 1.5 hour drive from the Gladstone CBD, it’s the quintessential destination for a day of sun, sand and leisure pursuits. Brave the waves at Queensland’s most northern surfing beach, with board hire and surf lessons available, duck around the headland to the sheltered waters of the Town of 1770 and take a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) out for only $20, or set off on a fully guided kayak tour for a thrilling ocean adventure. Loggerhead turtles are also often spotted at Springs Beach and Deepwater National Park, so time your visit to coincide with turtle season.

Go hiking
After a day of seaside turtle sighting, nature enthusiasts can head for the hills with a trip to see the rugged sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, colourful wildflowers and abundant wildlife that call Expedition National Park home. Not only will you experience breathtaking views of the Carnarvon ranges and walking tracks that journey through the eucalypt forest, you’ll also get the chance to become acquainted with several species of birdlife, wallabies, wallaroos, platypus and turtles that inhabit this incredible natural spectacle.

Get hooked
Equally famous for it's fishing, the region offers the ultimate experience with a mix of deep sea fishing in the Southern Great Barrier Reef where the coral trout, red emperor and sweet lip are aplenty, to some of the best in-land barramundi hotspots such as Lake Awoonga where barra can be caught year round. Over 3 million barramundi have been released here over 12 years which has created a truly incredible barramundi fishing area. The region is also home to the 'Boyne-Tannum Hook-Up',  Australia's biggest family fishing competition that is a three day event, typically held over the Easter long weekend with a prize pool of over $300,000. See more info here.

Positioned in the main street of Gladstone Oaks Grand Gladstone is the hotel of choice in the region, with rooms starting from as little as $119 a night.