News & Stories
Celebrating the operators, partnerships and initiatives growing the Gladstone Region’s visitor economy
Latest News
Dive Spear and Sport 1770 Achieves Advanced
One of the Gladstone Region’s leading reef tourism operators has reached a significant sustainability milestone, with Dive Spear and Sport 1770 achieving Advanced Ecotourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia. The achievement recognises the Agnes Water and Town of 1770-based operator’s ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful, conservation-focused experiences on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Having first achieved…
Gladstone’s Ward’s Brewery recognised on the international stage at major beer awards
Gladstone’s Ward’s Brewery recognised on the international stage at major beer awards Gladstone’s craft brewing scene is celebrating a major achievement, with Ward’s Brewery taking out Best International-Style Pale Ale at the prestigious 2026 Australian International Beer Awards. The award-winning Pale Ale was recognised at the internationally renowned competition run by Melbourne Royal, which attracts…
Agnes Water and Town of 1770 named among Australia’s Top 100 Best Towns to Visit
Agnes Water and Town of 1770 named among Australia’s Top 100 Best Towns to Visit The Gladstone Region is celebrating national recognition, with Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 officially named among the Top 100 Best Towns in Australia to visit by Australian Traveller. Recognised for their stunning coastal scenery, laid-back atmosphere and access…
Lights, camera… Gladstone Region
Something pretty special has been unfolding across the Gladstone Region, with a national television crew spending five days capturing the very best of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Led by host David Whitehill and cameraman Roger Price, filming for a one-hour Channel 9 special, Journey to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, followed an unforgettable itinerary showcasing…
Strengthening Connections at April GCCI Networking Event
It was a pleasure to host the April networking event for the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce & Industry at the Gladstone Visitor Information Centre, bringing together members of the local business community for an evening of connection, collaboration and shared insight. The event provided a valuable opportunity to welcome both new and familiar faces into our space,…
Local coffee brewing at Gladstone Visitor Information Centre
Visitors to the Gladstone Region can now take home a taste of the Discovery Coast, with the Gladstone Visitor Information Centre beginning to stock locally roasted beans from 1770 Coffee Co. The move is the first step in a refreshed approach by Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd (GAPDL) to showcase locally made products through…
Media releases
GAPDL Strengthens Leadership as Organisation Enters Next Phase of Growth
Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited (GAPDL) has entered a new chapter, with the Board confirming a strengthened leadership team to guide the organisation through its next phase of growth and the delivery of the Gladstone Region’s long-term visitor economy vision. Following a successful period as Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dee Dalton has been appointed…
Gladstone Region Visitor Economy Generates More Than $540 Million as Strategic Plans Set Course for Growth
The Gladstone Region visitor economy generated more than $421.4 million in visitor expenditure during the year ending March 2026, according to the latest Tourism Research Australia National and International Visitor Survey data. The results show the region welcomed 534,000 domestic overnight visitors, contributing $405.7 million to the local economy, alongside 23,133 international visitors, who generated a…
Gladstone Region celebrates 41 Best of Queensland Experiences for 2026
Gladstone Region celebrates 41 Best of Queensland Experiences for 2026 The Gladstone Region is celebrating a strong result in the 2026 Best of Queensland Experiences Program, with 41 local tourism operators and experiences recognised among the state’s best. Delivered by Tourism and Events Queensland, the program identifies experiences that consistently deliver a high-quality visitor experience,…
Chloe Sydes recognised as Gladstone Region Young Tourism Leader
We are incredibly proud to congratulate our Senior Trade Marketing & Partnerships Officer, Chloe Sydes, on being selected as the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s (QTIC) Young Tourism Leader for the Gladstone Region. Chloe’s journey with our organisation is one that truly reflects the strength of the local tourism industry and the opportunities it creates. Beginning…
GLADSTONE REGION SETS DIRECTION FOR NEXT DECADE OF TOURISM
The Gladstone Region has taken an important step toward strengthening its visitor economy with the launch of the Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited (GAPDL) Tourism Strategic Plan 2026-2036. Unveiled at Pavilion, Auckland Hill, the Plan sets out a clear direction for tourism development across the region over the next decade, focusing on stronger visitor…
Gladstone Region Shines with 37 Operators Named in 2025 Best of Queensland Experience Program
The Gladstone Region has proudly cemented its place as a leading destination in Queensland, with 37 local tourism operators recognised in the 2025 Best of Queensland Experience Program (BOQEP). The BOQEP is Tourism and Events Queensland’s official stamp of excellence, identifying high-performing tourism businesses that consistently deliver exceptional customer experiences. Each year, businesses across Queensland…
operator stories
Dive Spear and Sport 1770 Achieves Advanced
One of the Gladstone Region’s leading reef tourism operators has reached a significant sustainability milestone, with Dive Spear and Sport 1770 achieving Advanced Ecotourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia. The achievement recognises the Agnes Water and Town of 1770-based operator’s ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful, conservation-focused experiences on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Having first achieved…
Gladstone’s Ward’s Brewery recognised on the international stage at major beer awards
Gladstone’s Ward’s Brewery recognised on the international stage at major beer awards Gladstone’s craft brewing scene is celebrating a major achievement, with Ward’s Brewery taking out Best International-Style Pale Ale at the prestigious 2026 Australian International Beer Awards. The award-winning Pale Ale was recognised at the internationally renowned competition run by Melbourne Royal, which attracts…
Historic Grand Hotel Many Peaks to Reopen Under New Ownership
The Grand Hotel Many Peaks, a beloved icon of the Boyne Valley, is set to reopen its doors after being closed for nearly five years. New owners Craig and Desley O’Grady are thrilled to bring this historic treasure back to life. For Desley, acquiring the Grand Hotel has long been a dream. Backing onto the…
Dive Spear and Sport 1770 Welcomes Two Master Reef Guides to the Team
Dive Spear and Sport 1770 is thrilled to announce that two of our exceptional team members have officially been recognised as Master Reef Guides, solidifyingour position as leaders in reef tourism and education. The Master Reef Guide program, facilitated by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of reef…
Industry Updates
Tourism Insights
Blogs
Winter School Holidays in the Gladstone Region: Your 7-Day Escape
Gladstone + Agnes Water & Town of 1770 + Lady Musgrave Island + Boyne Valley Trade winter jackets for reef adventures and coastal road trips these winter school holidays. From island escapes and waterfront dining to national parks, wildlife encounters and unforgettable Southern Great Barrier Reef experiences, here’s how to spend seven days exploring the…
The Ultimate 5-Day Winter Escape in the Gladstone Region
Gladstone + Heron Island Turn the winter school holidays into a true Southern Great Barrier Reef escape with a slower Gladstone stay and a couple of unforgettable nights on Heron Island. Why choose this one? Day 1: Slow down in Gladstone Ease into your winter school holiday escape with a relaxed day exploring Gladstone’s waterfront.…
3 Days of Winter Adventure in the Gladstone Region
Gladstone + Agnes Water & Town of 1770 + the Paradise Tour Looking for a winter school holiday getaway that’s packed with outdoor adventures, family-friendly experiences and coastal sunshine? This three-day itinerary makes the most of a long weekend in the Gladstone Region. Day 1: WATERFRONT WANDERS & COASTAL ROAD TRIPS Start your winter school…
Agnes Water & Town of 1770 Pole Art Trail
The story of a series of individually PAINTED POWER POLES The Agnes Water Cultural Art Trail Group came together early in 2019 after local Tracey Lee put it out to the community that she personally got so much enjoyment from seeing accessible art installations on her bicycle tours around Australia. The community overwhelmingly agreed that…
8 stops on a Gladstone to Agnes Water/1770 Food Adventure
Put on your stretchy pants and pack up the car with hungry people! You’ll be surprised by how much tasty locally-made food championing the flavours of the region can be found on a road trip between Gladstone to Agnes Water/1770. Familia Restaurant Café Gelati Head to East Shores Parklands for the beautiful sea views and…
Honeymoon in Paradise on the Southern Great Barrier Reef
Honeymoon in Paradise on the Southern Great Barrier Reef Just a short drive, flight, or train ride from Brisbane. This idyllic tropical location is right in your own backyard. We’ve discovered our top picks for your perfect romantic honeymoon getaway in the Gladstone Region. Wake up in the morning to the sounds of the ocean from…
