70 things to do in the Gladstone Region

Table Of Contents

Spoilt for choice, our great region offers so many wonderful things to see and do. Here we’ve compiled an ultimate list of 70 things to do in the Gladstone Region for you to tick off one by one.

Agnes Water and the Town of 1770

1. Try your skills at kayak surfing with 1770 Liquid Adventures – keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles and other friendly wildlife.

2. Swap your surfboard for sneakers and enjoy an early morning stroll to the 1770 Headland and Lookout.

3. Immerse yourself in the natural surrounds of Agnes Water and the Town of 1770, with one of these 6 must-do walking trails.

4. Hop aboard the iconic pink amphibious vehicle with 1770 LARC! Tours and visit Queensland’s only operating Lighthouse.

5. Get tickets to the annual Agnes Blues, Roots and Rock Festival to see some of the best Australian artists, held on the 16 -18 of February 2024 . Click Here to get tickets!

6. Jump in your 4WD, pack the swag and discover the magic of Deepwater and Eurimbula National Park.

7. Did you know Agnes Water is home to Queensland’s most northern surf beach? Why not try your luck at surfing the waves or take a refreshing dip at Main Beach.

8. If relaxed waterways are more your style, hire a kayak or SUP and explore the pristine area of 1770.

9. Learn something new about the area with a visit to the local Museum, showcasing Captain Cook memorabilia, aboriginal artefacts and more.

10. Take in the famous 1770 ocean sunset, whilst enjoying a nice cold bevvy on the beach.

11. Browse the many food and handicraft stalls at the Discovery Coast Markets, held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

12. Glamping you say? Spend a night (or three) at Agnes Water Beach Holidays for the ultimate glamping experience.

Boyne Island and Tannum Sands

13. Get active on over 15kms of pathway, known as the ‘Turtleway Bikeway’, which winds along the Tannum Sands coastline.

14. While you’re already there, be sure to appreciate the Boyne Tannum Turtleway Artscape with artwork such as sculptures, mosaic and functional art among other things.

15. Enjoy a day of sun, sand and salt at Tannum Sands’ patrolled surf beach.

16. Throw down a rug and have a picnic at Canoe Point Beach and Parklands (pooch approved).

17. Visit the local Beach Arts Music (BAM) Markets held on the first Saturday of every month from March to December.

18. Munch on a serve of fish and chips from the local shop.

19. Stand up paddle board on the peaceful waters at Wild Cattle Creek.

20. Getaway for a weekend and go camping at Lilley’s Beach (permit required).

21. Get involved in the action at Australia’s biggest family fishing competition, the Boyne Tannum HookUp. Held from the 3 May 2024 – 5 May 2024!

22. Learn to kiteboard, kitesurf and stand up paddle board at Tannum Sands Main Beach.

23. If you like your festivals cheap, don’t miss the annual Under The Trees, literally located ‘Under The Trees’ at Boyne Island. Dates TBC for 2024.

Boyne Valley

24. Take a trip out to Kroombit Tops National Park and visit the remains of a World War II Liberator Bomber aircraft ‘Beautiful Betsy’.

25. Put on your dancing shoes and attend the annual Boyne Valley Country Music Campout.

26. Pack the esky, fishing rod and go on an adventure to Boynedale Bush Camp. This camp is provided free and there’s even the possibility of spotting a platypus!

27. Visit the Glassford Creek Smelter Site, where you can almost hear the sounds of mining happening.

28. Test your 4WD skills with a self-guided tour through the Boyne Valley.

29. Stop in for lunch at  Kirsten’s Cottage for a delicious homestyle meal.

Calliope

30. Step back in time and relive the history of Calliope at the Historical Village.

31. Stock up on local produce and handmade homewares at the local Calliope River Historical Village markets.

32. Get fired up at the Calliope Rodeo and Ute Muster, with bull rides and wood chopping competitions. Held on the 29 – 30. September 2023

33. Fish off the bank of the Calliope River rest area – perfect for the youngsters to learn how to throw in a line.

34. If you’ve got fresh bait, throw in the crab pots at Calliope River in the hope that you can have dinner sorted before dark.

Gladstone

35. If fresh prawns, scallops, oysters and reef fish take your fancy, visit the local Gladstone Fish Market for your daily seafood dose.

36. Experience Gladstone’s enormous and bustling harbour onboard the Curtis Ferry Services Port of Gladstone Harbour Tour that runs April to November.

37. Wine and dine with friends at one of the local cafes or restaurants in the CBD.

38. Take the 111 steps up to Auckland Point Lookout and gaze over the beautiful panoramic view of Gladstone’s Harbour. (This isn’t currently accessible)

39. Escape to the Toondoon Botanic Gardens and immerse yourself in a serene oasis of natural beauty—a perfect retreat for nature lovers of all ages!

40. Cool off in the splash zone or relax in the parklands at East Shores Precinct.

41. Put your feet up, relax and enjoy a new release on the big screen at Gladstone Cinemas Gold Room.

42. Find your festival fun at the annual Gladstone Harbour Festival, marked by the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

43. Cast a line at one of Gladstone’s best inland fishing spots. We’ve got a guide to help you out.

44. For the art lover, pop into the Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum for all the latest exhibitions and events.

44. Treat yourself to a theatre or show performance at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

45. Take a tour on the HMAS Gladstone II that lies at anchor in the marina alongside Auckland Inlet

46. Have dinner with a view under the magical fig tree at Spinnaker Park. Trust us, it looks like something out of a fairy-tale book.

47. Be entertained and informed as you discover the Gladstone Region on board a tour with Gladstone Region Tours.

Islands and Reef

48. Watch turtle hatchlings erupt from their nest and wiggle their way to the water at Heron Island.

49. Camp on top of Lady Musgrave Island’s 400 acres of living reef with seabirds and turtles as your only neighbours.

50. Take a day trip to Lady Musgrave Island and discover its unique inner lagoon – it’s like swimming in a giant aquarium.

51. Dive your way around the 20 spectacular dive sites surrounding Heron Island and have an up-close encounter with your favourite marine life.

52. Snap a turtle selfie in the crystal-clear waters of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

53. Camp like a local under the stars at North West Island, one of the largest coral cays in the region.

54. Join a week long liveaboard fishing charter on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, departing from Gladstone or the Town of 1770.

55. Learn how to help preserve the Great Barrier Reef, with a tour of the Heron Island Research Station.

56 Take to the skies and discover the Great Barrier Reef on a personalised scenic flight.

57. Strapped for cash? Check out our top island and beach camp spots that won’t break the bank.

58. Depart the Marina with the local ferry service and spend the day at one of the tropical islands that wait patiently off the Gladstone coastline.

59. Experience flat back turtles nesting and hatching between October and March every year, at the south end of Curtis Island.

60. Take a scenic island transfer with Great Barrier Reef views with Australia by Seaplane or Marine Helicopter Australia.

61. Visit Wilson Island… An adult-only private hideaway on the Great Barrier Reef to experience the tranquil life of a castaway in style.

Lake Awoonga

62. Calling all fishing enthusiasts! Try your luck at catching the famed Barramundi, Mullet or Mangrove Jack.

63. Slip into the cool waters for a relaxing dip, leisurely kayak or try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding.

64. Kayak through the clear, calm waters at Pikes Crossing – keep an eye out for BIG barra here.

65. Take a walk and snap a few shots of the beautiful birdlife around the recreational area.

Miriam Vale

66. Tuck into one of the best crab sandwiches and snap a selfie with the Big Crab.

67. Alf Larson/Lions Park is a must do and will keep the children (and children at heart) entertained for hours.

Mount Larcom

68. Grab your hiking gear, climb Mount Larcom and be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the Gladstone Region.

69. Meet some furry wombat friends at Safe Haven (bookings are essential).

70. Motorcycle stunt shows, chainsaw sculpting competitions and show rides are all on offer at the annual Mt Larcom Show. Held from June 22 & 23 in 2024!