Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Gladstone, Australia

The largest multi-commodity seaport in all of Queensland was scarcely more than a village as recently as the 1960s.

Gladstone is currently recognized as the world’s fourth-largest coal exporting terminal; however, focusing solely on industry would diminish the town’s significance.

This locale is home to one of the finest regional botanic gardens, and national parks, charming coastal villages, as well as the breathtaking islands of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, are conveniently located just a short drive or boat ride away.

Gladstone serves as a tourist hub, particularly by water, and has invested considerable effort into enhancing its oceanfront parks and museums.

1. Tondoon Botanic Gardens

One of the most captivating aspects of visiting subtropical Queensland is the opportunity to appreciate the diverse plant life that thrives at this latitude.

The botanic gardens in Gladstone’s Glen Eden suburb frequently rank among the best in the nation, occupying an expansive 170-hectare site that includes forested areas, abundant water bodies, and artfully arranged botanical displays.

A deck and café beside Lake Tondoon provide a vital habitat for waterfowl, along with a tranquil Japanese Garden and walking trails that descend the slopes of Mount Biondello.

The dry rainforest, along with tropical and subtropical plants, features an impressive collection sourced from various regions of Queensland, extending from the southeast to the northernmost part of the state.

2. East Shores Precinct

This recently redesigned area across from the Marina offers a place to unwind and enjoy outdoor recreational activities in Gladstone.

Located along Flinders Parade, the East Shores Precinct features a waterfront boardwalk enriched with lush greenery, shaded areas, seating options, and a lookout point ideal for dolphin watching and observing passing yachts.

Additionally, if a cruise ship is in port, a market is likely to flourish along the boardwalk.

Children will particularly enjoy the extensive water playground, equipped with various fountains and jets.

3. Spinnaker Park

This renowned waterfront park, inaugurated in 2001, is situated on a peninsula that curves around to safeguard the entrance to Gladstone’s Marina.

While distanced from Gladstone’s industrial areas, it offers stunning views back towards the harbor and provides an attractive environment for leisurely strolls or rides along the ocean.

You may gaze out towards the nearby islands, observe cargo ships loading at the port, witness tugboats in action, enjoy delectable offerings at the café, and explore the native wetlands and ponds.

Moreover, Spinnaker Park features a serene sandy cove, perfect for a refreshing swim, with electric barbecues available throughout the area.

4. Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum

The distinguished Neoclassical structure housing Gladstone’s Regional Art Gallery & Museum was erected in the mid-1930s and served as the town hall until the 1960s.

After its tenure as a performance venue, the building was transformed into a museum in 1985. Here, visitors can explore Gladstone’s historical narrative, including its economic fluctuations and the various waves of settlement that have shaped the city.

The Heritage Collection is notably robust, featuring documents, maps, furniture, photographs, and everyday items that illustrate life in the early days of the city.

The gallery hosts an engaging exhibition program, showcasing works from regional, national, and international artists.

A recent impactful exhibition was the 2019 Indo Pop show, which presented an incredible array of works curated from the “7th Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art” (APT7).

5. Gladstone Maritime Museum

It is no surprise that the ocean and maritime activities have played a pivotal role in Gladstone’s history, and there is much to discover at this maritime museum adjacent to the ferry terminal.

Inside, visitors can examine maps, navigational instruments, figureheads, various small wooden vessels, and model ships, some of which date back to before Captain Cook’s voyage along Australia’s eastern coastline.

Particularly fascinating is a dedicated wall displaying artifacts recovered from shipwrecks in the area.

The Gladstone Maritime Museum also houses a library with an extensive collection of papers and journals and maintains the HMAS Gladstone II patrol boat, which will be discussed later.

6. Mount Larcom

To the west of Gladstone, the prominent feature on the horizon is the 632-metre Mount Larcom, first noted by the esteemed cartographer and navigator Matthew Flinders during his circumnavigation of Australia in 1802-03. He named this volcanic mountain after a navy captain under whom he had served, yet Mount Larcom is often referred to as “The Lion Mountain” due to its profile resembling a lion and lioness facing each other.

A comfortable round trip to the summit can be accomplished in about five hours, taking you through fragrant eucalyptus groves and grass trees.

At the summit, you will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Gladstone, the surrounding countryside, and the islands of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

7. Heron Island

Gladstone is the closest major settlement to the coral cay of Heron Island, renowned as one of the premier ecotourism destinations in the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

The island features a resort and an eco-station operated by the University of Queensland, where visitors can engage with the reef’s natural wonders, particularly the numerous green and loggerhead turtles that nest and hatch here.

The nesting season spans from November to March, with hatchlings making their appearance around January.

The most enriching way to witness this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon is through a guided nature walk conducted by one of the resort’s naturalist guides.

Furthermore, more than 20 recognized dive sites surround Heron Island, or you can opt to snorkel at the beach to observe the spectacular biodiversity in the crystal-clear waters.

Heron Island is accessible from Gladstone via boat, seaplane, or helicopter.

8. Boyne Island and Tannum Sands

Traveling south from Gladstone, within a few minutes, you will reach the small coastal communities of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands, which are adjacent to each other and linked by a bridge.

Within these tranquil, primarily residential communities, you can indulge in swimming year-round at beautiful beaches such as the patrolled Tannum Sands Beach or enjoy a scenic stroll along the Boyne River and coastline via the Turtle Way.

The Millennium Esplanade courses along the foreshore at Tannum Sands, merging ocean vistas with verdant lawns shaded by palms and gum trees.

Amidst this subtropical beauty stands an unexpected industrial giant, Australia’s largest aluminium smelter.

This facility produces approximately 660,000 tonnes of aluminium annually and welcomes curious visitors at the Smelter Visitor Centre.

9. Agnes Water and 1770

Located along the 300 kilometers of stunning coastline between Gladstone and Bundaberg are the charming seaside towns of Agnes Water and 1770. While in Gladstone, there are numerous incentives to embark on this journey.

Visitors can explore unspoiled coastal forests, surf, and swim at secluded beaches, while also encountering diverse wildlife both on land and at the Great Barrier Reef.

Deepwater National Park boasts Australia’s second-largest nesting site for loggerhead turtles, and the towns are a mere ferry ride away from the idyllic Lady Musgrave Island.

The waters surrounding the Southern Great Barrier Reef are remarkably clear, teeming with vibrant tropical fish, manta rays, sea turtles, and sharks.

10. Lake Awoonga

A majority of the water supply for the Gladstone area is sourced from this reservoir on the Boyne River, located approximately half an hour from the city.

Notably, despite being a manmade lake, it is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, which includes over 220 different bird species as well as mammals such as kangaroos, wallabies, platypuses, bandicoots, and brushtail possums. Each year, around 200,000 fish are released into the reservoir.

Visitors flock to Lake Awoonga’s shores to catch sea mullet, saratoga, barramundi, and the occasional mangrove jack. However, it is equally viable to relish the mountain vistas along the shoreline and seek out waterfalls and birds such as the red goshawk and southern squatter pigeon.

11. Gladstone Harbour Cruise

Gladstone’s development as a prominent port since the 1960s is a remarkable success story that can be experienced firsthand through this bi-weekly cruise.

Departing at 11:00 every Wednesday and Saturday from April to November, the Curtis Endeavour II navigates industrial sites such as the Curtis Islands LNG plants, along with Auckland Inlet, Auckland Point, the tug berth, and the visually appealing harbor islands.

During the two-hour journey, insightful commentary is provided, and refreshments can be purchased from the licensed bar onboard.

12. Round Hill Lookout

At sunset, be sure to visit this hilltop lookout, which is a short drive from the city center.

During this time, you will be treated to an uplifting 360-degree view of the Gladstone Region, illuminated by the low sunlight.

The mountain range west of the city, Gladstone’s industrial sites, the harbor, and the islands of the Southern Great Barrier Reef are all easily identifiable.

Additionally, there are informative boards detailing the expansive cement production facility, which is Australia’s largest, capable of producing over 1.7 million tonnes of cement powder annually.

13. HMAS Gladstone II

This Fremantle-class patrol boat can be observed off the Gladstone East Shores precinct by the Marina.

This vessel was commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy in 1984 and spent the following two decades intercepting illegal fishing vessels, engaging in special forces operations, and providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

A comprehensive restoration was performed in the 2010s, and HMAS Gladstone II is now part of the Gladstone Maritime Museum.

Visitors can tour the ship on weekends outside of the peak summer season when the deck becomes excessively hot.

You will learn about the vessel’s satellite navigation and communication equipment, which was cutting-edge for its time, along with its various operational contributions.

14. William Golding Memorial Lookout

For an encompassing view of Gladstone, ascend to this lookout situated at the harbor entrance just above HMAS Gladstone II.

From this vantage point, you can observe the RAN vessel, the Marina, the harbor wharves at Auckland Point exporting coal, cement powder, and alumina, while also enjoying the picturesque outline of the Southern Barrier Reef islands.

The lookout is dedicated to William Golding (1890-1985), who served as Gladstone’s mayor from 1967 to 1973. He played a significant role in overseeing the town’s remarkable infrastructural and industrial advancement during that period.

There are information boards nearby, where visitors can take a break at the Outlook Cafe.

15. Gladstone Visitor Information Centre

For visitors seeking local insights, there is an award-winning visitor information center located at the Marina Ferry Terminal.

Richly equipped with maps and brochures, this center is the primary resource for firsthand information on attractions, events, and travel necessities.

Additionally, visitors can acquire souvenirs, stock up on essential travel items, and enjoy a cold beverage, while benefiting from complimentary Wi-Fi to assist in planning their next steps.