Gladstone Qld 4680 (Pop 43 000)

Gladstone is Qld's leading and largest seaport city. It is located 514 km north of Brisbane on Port Curtis, its deep water natural harbour. Initially settled as a penal colony in 1847 and named after the British Colonial Secretary who later became Britain’s Prime Minister, development only started properly in 1960s with the shipping of coal mined nearby. Today Gladstone's major industries include the world’s largest alumina plant, shipping coal & grain and a large cement and lime works. Harbour Festival (Easter), Multicultural Festival (Aug), Seafood Festival (Sept).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Gladstone Art Gallery & Museum, Bramston St hosts local and travelling art exhibitions and historical displays. Tondoon Botanic Gardens, Glenlyon Rd 55 ha area of lakes, cascades, native species and an arboretum. Maritime Museum, Auckland Point documenting the port’s history with interesting artifacts and memorabilia. Waterfall, Flinders Pde particularly impressive when floodlit at night.

Nearby:
Lake Awoonga (30 km south) popular recreation area with good walking paths, a waterfall, excellent barramundi fishing and lovely lake and mountain views. The lake is also home to 25% of Australia’s bird species as well as many fauna varieties. Islands include Quoin (only 4 km away with pristine beaches, bushwalking and good sporting facilities); Curtin comprising Curtin Island NP (a large island 40 x 20 km); Boyne (25 km s-e) linked by bridge to its twin town, Tannum Sands, boasts beautiful beaches and parks and also Australia’s largest aluminium smelter. Castle Tower NP (40 km south) rugged park of woodlands, rainforests and granite cliffs and outcrops. Panoramic views reward experienced walkers who make the strenuous climb to Mt Castle Tower’s summit. Kroombit Tops NP (75 km s-w) 4 wheel drive is recommended for visiting this mountain park with its beautiful sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and gorges.  There is also a walk to a WWII bomber crash site.

Accommodation:
Gladstone has 16 motels, half a dozen caravan parks & many holiday apartments. Visitor Information Centre: Marian Ferry Terminal, Bryan Jordan Dr. Tel (07) 4972 4000.