Lights, camera… Gladstone Region

From the air to the reef

The journey began with a scenic helicopter transfer from Gladstone to Heron Island with Marine Helicopters Australia, offering a spectacular aerial perspective over the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, pilot Chase Moloney stepped into the role of tour guide, sharing insights into the industry and the inner workings of the Gladstone Harbour and surrounding islands.

While on island, David had the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the Heron Island experience, exploring both the natural environment and the world-class research taking place on the reef.

Guided by Master Reef Guide Elliot Peters, filming included a low tide reef walk, providing a rare, up-close look at the reef’s marine life and ecosystems. The experience extended beyond the water, with a walk through the island’s national park rainforest, where the team captured insights into the migratory birdlife that calls Heron Island home throughout the year.

The crew also spent time with Dr. Caitlin Lawson, Station Manager at the Heron Island Research Station, operated by the University of Queensland, highlighting the important research and conservation work being undertaken on the island and its role in protecting the future of the Great Barrier Reef.

After two incredible nights on Heron Island, it was time to take to the skies once again, departing the island by helicopter and returning to the mainland to continue the journey south to Agnes Water and the Town of 1770.

Coastline, culture and connection

Once in Agnes Water and the Town of 1770, the team caught up with James Spicer, owner and guide of 1770 SUP Stand Up Paddle Tours & Hire, and Torine, a Gooreng Gooreng guide, to experience the region from a cultural perspective.

On the water, filming captured elements of the 1770 SUP and Hunt cultural tour, an immersive experience that connects visitors to the waterways and surrounding landscape through traditional knowledge and storytelling. Guided by Torine, the experience explored tidal rhythms, marine life and traditional fishing practices, with time spent navigating the shallows and learning to identify and track fish.

Set against the calm, sheltered waters of the Discovery Coast, the tour offers a hands-on and authentic way to engage with the environment, while gaining a deeper understanding of the Gooreng Gooreng people’s connection to sea Country.

Adventure in every direction

After an overnight stay at 1770 Lagoons Central Apartment Resort, the team set out the next morning for one of the region’s most iconic experiences, the Paradise Tour with 1770 LARC! Tours.

Travelling along the edge of Eurimbula National Park, the journey combined beach, bush and waterways, with the distinctive amphibious LARC vehicle navigating vast sandy stretches and crossing tidal creeks along the way. With owner Neil Mergard at the helm of the LARC and Paul “Whitey” White leading the experience as guide, the crew shared stories of the region and the history of the surrounding area, setting the scene for what was to come.

The experience continued with a scenic journey to Bustard Head, home to the historic Bustard Head Lightstation. Here, filming captured the stories of the lighthouse and its past, with a guided walk through the lightkeepers’ cottage and up the spiral staircase to the top of the tower, revealing uninterrupted 360° views across the coastline.

From history to high-energy adventure, the tour then made its way to Middle Island, where the towering sand dunes offered a chance to experience sandboarding, followed by time to cool off in the surrounding waters.

With wildlife sightings, coastal scenery and a few light-hearted local stories along the way, the Paradise Tour showcased the diversity of landscapes and experiences that define the Discovery Coast.

Slowing it down in nature

The following morning, the team spent time with Michael Oliver from Traveller’s Rest 1770, stepping into a completely different pace of experience.

Set on a peaceful, eco-certified property on the edge of Eurimbula National Park, the BushTracks Eco Tour offers a guided journey through native bushland, where storytelling, sustainability and a deep connection to the environment take centre stage.

With over 27 years of guiding experience, Michael shared his extensive knowledge of native plants, bush tucker and bush medicine, bringing the landscape to life through practical insights and stories shaped by years spent working in some of Australia’s most iconic natural environments.

Winding along an all-access, accessible-friendly boardwalk, the experience offers a deeper understanding of the region’s flora and fauna, as well as the importance of conservation and sustainable land management. Guests are invited to slow down, observe and engage with the natural surroundings in a way that is both educational and immersive.

From native bees and birdlife to the uses of plants for food, medicine and shelter, the BushTracks Eco Tour provides a meaningful connection to the landscape, reinforcing the region’s strong focus on eco and nature-based experiences.

The perfect way to wrap

Hitting the road once again, the journey continued north to Gladstone, where filming wrapped at Wards Brewery.

Here, owner and host Michael Comley welcomed the team into the brewery, sharing the story behind Ward’s and its deep connection to the Gladstone Region. Originally established as a local cordial factory in 1922, the site has been reimagined into a modern brewpub, bringing new life to a much-loved piece of the region’s history.

Filming captured the unique atmosphere of the space, where heritage and contemporary design come together. Set within the original factory on Auckland Street, the brewery now produces fresh craft beers on site, with a rotating selection of lagers, pale ales and seasonal brews inspired by Queensland’s climate and flavours.

As the journey came to a close, the team sampled a tasting paddle of the brewery’s signature beers, rounding out the experience in a relaxed and social setting. More than just a place to grab a drink, Wards Brewery reflects the region’s evolving food and beverage scene, offering a space where locals and visitors can come together, connect and celebrate the Southern Great Barrier Reef lifestyle.

A fitting end to a journey that captured the very best of the Gladstone Region.