Gladstone City

Gateway to the best of the Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone is a marvellous locale from which to launch your exploration of the Capricornia Bunker Group which includes the majestic Heron Island, Wilson Island and Lady Elliot Island.

Gladstone’s natural deepwater harbour beckoned Lieutenant Matthew Flinders to our shores in 1802. Originally called Port Curtis, the city’s name was later changed to honour British Statesman, William Gladstone. A meatworks was established and in the west, gold rushes added to the pace of development. Gladstone's transformation came in the Sixties with the start of major industrial and community expansion, which has continued over the past three decades to be at the forefront of the community and industry development in Australia.

Port City to the World, Gladstone boasts several of the nation’s most significant industries in a region of thriving trade, commerce and investment. The catchphrase, ‘Engine Room of Industry’, highlights the area’s strong industrial facilities and economy.

Gladstone is truly a city where industry and tourism work together to form an exciting holiday destination. Local residents and decision makers alike have a passion for the environment and keeping our city beautiful, which is recognised through the many Queensland’s Tidiest Town awards. The community ensures the impact of industry on our city’s natural attractions is kept to a bare minimum.

The population of Gladstone loves marine activity. In fact, our city has one of the highest boat ownerships of any community in Australia. The boating and marine lifestyle of the city is celebrated each Easter with the Gladstone Harbour Festival, one of the region’s largest events that coincide with the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

Waterfront and foreshore recreation areas dot the city. The Gladstone Marina, Spinnaker Park and Barney Point Beach provide a seemingly endless area of landscaped parklands perfect for leisure activities, barbeques and get togethers by the ocean. Why not enjoy coffee and cake while you explore the Gladstone Harbour during one of the popular Coffee Cruises.

Several prominent lookouts such as Auckland Hill and Round Hill offer spectacular, bird’s-eye views of the city, harbour and islands. They are an ideal place to start your city adventure.

The many tourist attractions around the city cater for just about everyone. Explore the 83 hectares of Tondoon Botanic Gardens. From there take a short stroll over to Gecko Valley Winery. On the other hand, visit an exhibition at the Art Gallery or Maritime Museum.

Award winning Spinnaker Park was officially opened in 2001. Created by the Central Queensland Ports Authority, the park has become the premier recreation area of our city. 2.5 kilometres of educational walking tracks along the ocean wall, through native wetlands and ponds makes the park excellent for walking, riding or rollerblading. The beached cove is wonderful for a dip on a warm day while the barbeque and picnic areas make it a great place to entertain.

Just down the road, is the world-class Gladstone Marina. Landscaped foreshores with barbeque and picnic shelters make the Marina a beautiful day out. Wander along the walking paths to the mouth of Auckland Creek and if you’re lucky watch the dolphins play on the incoming tide.

Located at the Marina is the Gladstone Visitor Information Centre and launch station for Heron Island. There is also a selection of shops including a restaurant and café.

On the southern outskirts of Gladstone is one of Australia’s few totally native gardens. Tondoon Botanic Gardens maintains a scientific collection from two main areas, the Port Curtis Region and North Queensland. The 83 hectares abounds with an appealing range of sites and ecosystems including a lake with forest surroundings and the Mt Biondello bush walk. A recent edition to the Gardens is the Japanese Teahouse built in 2000 by Shiggeru Shimatzu, using traditional construction methods. It is the first stage of an ongoing project to construct a Japanese garden.

Colourful birdlife, wallabies, turtles, butterflies and native fauna accentuate the Gardens’ striking display of flora. Picnic areas and barbeques are available, as well as a visitor centre and café with wide viewing deck. Entry to the Gardens is free and at no cost guided tours are available by arrangement on weekdays.

The distinct coastal dry winter and summer climate in combination with prevailing sea breezes has created excellent wine making conditions at Gecko Valley Winery, 15 minutes drive from the Gladstone CBD.

Situated on 100 hectares, this exciting multi-award winning, viticultural experiment has met with enormous success. The tranquil bush setting surrounded by fountains, waterfalls and over 150 rose bushes are the perfect surroundings to sample locally made wine and produce. At the Rose Garden Café diners can treat themselves to an alfresco meal before retreating to the Lazy Lizard Gallery where works by local artists and hand-crafted jewellery can be purchased. A visit to Gecko Valley Winery will leave your senses tingling.

The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery houses one of the finest collections in provincial Queensland. Housed in the heritage-listed Town Hall, built in 1934, the building has seen many changes in its time. For 50 years it has had many facades including council chambers, cinema and library.

The structure was converted to the Art Gallery and Museum in 1985. Recently it has undergone extension and redesign. It is now one of the most visually impressive landmarks in Gladstone. The Gallery and Museum holds permanent collections of Australian art, craft and local history. It also regularly features exhibitions by local and distinguished artists.With free admission, the chance to check out the authentic Gladstone Bag and view the 2.3 metre tall, 19^th century marble statue of the city’s namesake William Ewart Gladstone, is an opportunity too good to miss.

Take a trip back to the past at the Gladstone Maritime Museum. It has a fascinating collection of artefacts, memorabilia and photos recalling the pioneering days of sail and steam adventure and exploration. Contact our Visitor Information Centres for opening times and directions to the Museum.

Gladstone's industrial growth was launched in the sixties, with recognition of the excellent harbour combined with the availability of services, transport systems and raw materials. Gladstone industries operate round the clock and employ several thousand people providing a sound economic base for the region.

Some of our region's industries offer free guided tours. Click here to find out more.

Shop-a-holics and visitors alike with be impressed with the wide range of retail options on offer in Gladstone. With a variety of shopping centres, boutique stores and weekend markets finding something to suit any budget or requirement is a breeze. There are five main shopping precincts in the city, all with good off street parking.

The Stockland Kin Kora Centre is Gladstone’s major shopping centre with supermarkets, discount department stores, a mix of national and retail specialty shops, major financial institutions and services conveniently located under the one roof.

The Gladstone City Heart, located in the Central Business District is an open retail and commerce space currently undergoing an exciting face-lift. The CBD and Waterfront Redevelopment will see innovative changes to the precinct; making it the retail, commercial, social and cultural hub of the region. The first stage, Library Square, is due for completion in April 2006.

The Valley Precinct found at the end of Goondoon Street, is a commercial and retail area with interesting specialty stores, services and a supermarket. The Valley Shopping Centre and Palms Shopping Centre offer ample parking to make your shopping experience effortless.

Gladstone Central on the Dawson Highway is our city’s newest shopping hub. A selection of eateries and retail stores including sporting goods, fashion, florist and home wares is available. All the necessities can be found at the supermarket, green grocer and newsagent. A cinema complex including luxury viewing area, coffee shop, restaurant and pub are due for completion in the second half of 2006.

Throughout the region, you will find quality specialty shops which offer high quality, hand crafted pottery, art, woodwork, ceramics, glass and jewellery. For a true local experience, why not head to one of the many markets held throughout the region. Pick up a selection of local arts and craft, woodwork, jewellery or produce at one of the many local markets. Contact our Visitor Information Centres for details, dates and locations.

DINING

The Gladstone Region is a seafood lover’s paradise. The selection of quality reef fish, huge prawns and succulent sea scallops, bugs and oysters plucked fresh from the ocean and rivers makes the region the only home to Queensland’s Best Seafood.

Your taste buds will dance when you experience the regional delicacy, Gladstone Mud Crab. This tasty crustacean sensation is a feature on many a menu. Sit back and relax in style at one of Gladstone’s finest restaurants or create your own seafood banquet with produce available from one of the many wholesalers.

Indulge in Gladstone’s love for ocean cuisine at the annual Gladstone Seafood Festival held at the Gladstone Marina. Laze the afternoon away while feasting on morsels of the region’s top seafood produce with a glass of wine and enjoy the on-stage entertainment.

Discover a world of tastes and dine out in superior style at restaurants, eateries, clubs and cafes. Savour the culinary creations of our local chefs as they produce dishes from Australia and aboard. Local produce like mouth-watering seafood, Central Queensland beef, squab and freshwater crayfish from the Banana Shire make an appearance on menus.

Visit the Gladstone Information Centre for your copy of the Dining Guide to discover the region’s delectable dining experiences.

As the sun sets, Gladstone truly comes alive. There are a myriad of nightspots and entertainment venues that will appeal to everyone.

One of the many local sports and social clubs offer patrons a range of musical acts and gaming options in a relaxed social atmosphere. They are a great place to catch up with friends after an action-packed day. Those who want to groove into the wee hours will find one of the local night clubs and pubs provide a range of live entertainment to cure the boogie fever. They are fantastic places to make new friends and get down with the locals. For an auditorium experience, head to the Gladstone Entertainment Centre. The700 seat theatre is the perfect place to see performances by local and visiting artists, stage shows and concerts in comfort.

Gladstone City has a full range of accommodation options, including backpacker lodgings, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks with sites and villas, hotels, motels and self contained units. Visit the Gladstone Information Centre for your copy of the Accommodation Guide.

Gladstone City

Gladstone is a city that demystifies stereotypes.

Natural beauty and tourism are successfully juxtaposed with prosperous industry.

Home to almost 28,000 residents, Gladstone is a city full of surprises just waiting to be explored.