The city of Gladstone lies just south of the Tropic of Capricorn. The port city is Queensland’s major centre for industry including light metals with its aluminium refineries and smelter, LNG plants and coal export terminals. But Gladstone offers more than just industry and for visitors there are plenty of options for sightseeing and relaxation, both in the environs of the city and its neighbouring beaches and further afield in the region.
The picturesque Gladstone Marina is the mooring for the region’s pleasure craft and the embarkation point for the launch to Heron Island. Diving and deep sea fishing charters leave from here and the marina includes the region’s visitor information centre. The popular marina’s Spinnaker Park includes a beach with picnic area, barbecues, walking tracks and native wetlands.
Local attractions include the appealing Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum with displays that mix history with contemporary art exhibitions. Visit the Gladstone Maritime Museum and the interesting Tondoon Botanical Gardens to the south of the city or take a free Industry Tour of Gladstone’s industrial giants.
Gladstone is a gateway for the Southern Great Barrier Reef including the coral cay of Heron Island, home to a resort and a reef research centre. The island, which is a popular seabird rookery, is encircled by pristine reef that visitors can experience on reef walks, diving, snorkelling or on glass-bottom boat tours. South of Gladstone, Lake Awoonga offers recreational fishing and water activities while further south is the Discovery Coast with the twin holiday hideaways of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy and the last surfing beach before the start of the Great Barrier Reef.
Find out more about the Capricorn Region
Begin your Journey with Queensland Explore Centres
There are a number Queensland Explore Centres throughout the Capricorn Region who are the experts in their region.
Agnes Water
Gladstone