Destinations

Gladstone

Centre of the Southern Reef, the Gladstone region is a unique area of Queensland. This dynamic area basks in a sub-tropical climate with islands, waterways and beaches on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef. It also boasts several impressive national parks which add camping and four wheel driving to the adventures you can experience. So many landscapes, variety and sunshine provide endless opportunities for enjoyment.

Unique Regional Towns

From the City of Gladstone itself, to the spectacular hinterland areas, to amazing reef islands, this region offers many exciting places to visit such as the following:

• At the heart of the region, Gladstone overlooks its natural deep water harbour and has some great fishing spots.
• To the south lie the shires of Calliope and Miriam Vale with scenic national parks and idyllic, secluded beaches.
• The twin towns of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy are unspoilt beach side villages and the first place in Queensland that Captain James Cook stepped ashore.
• Renowned for its beautiful foreshore parks, Boyne Island, and its sister city of Tannum Sands, offers long sandy beaches for safe coastal recreation.

Great Barrier Reef Experiences

Gladstone is where you can get back to nature and connect with your surroundings. The reef islands within the region are true coral cays. Day trips are on offer to Lady Musgrave Island and Fitzroy Lagoon where visitors can enjoy diving, snorkelling, fishing, reef walking or exploring the flora and fauna. Or stay a little longer at Wilston Island, with luxurious tented accommodation or Heron Island which offers accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

Places to Visit

Miriam Vale

Miriam Vale is located at the northern gateway to the Bundaberg Coral Coast and Country Region. The town features a mixture of buildings, including some fine old structures in the timber 'Queenslander' style. The town is the jumping off point to both the coastal attractions with the twin town of Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 and the rural areas of Lowmead, Rosedale, Bororen and Many Peaks. The area's hills and mountains preserve some untouched wilderness for Four Wheel Driving and hiking - like the coastal Eurimbula, Rodds Peninsula and Deepwater National Parks, rugged Mount Colosseum National Park rising 470 metres just south of the town and the isolated rainforests of the Bilburrin State Forest.

The north bank of the Baffle Creek is a fisherman's paradise and the Bustard Heads lighthouse is a sight not to be missed whilst in the area. The waters off Turkey Beach in Rodds Bay are a dugong preservation habitat. Turtles nest of the areas beaches during the summer months.

Town of 1770

The Town Of 1770 is a picturesque seaside village surrounded on three sides by the Coral Sea and Bustard Bay. Historic as the second landing site of Lieutenant James Cook and the crew of the Endeavour in May 1770, the area is rich in wildlife and natural beauty and offers scenic vistas in every direction. The Joseph Banks Environmental Park preserves much of the peninsula with fauna and flora indicative of the area. Rugged granite rocky outcrops, both an outer surf and inner still water beach and holiday accommodation in houses, apartments and two caravan and camping parks cater for visitors. Two restaurants are located here as is a general store and small marina. Agnes Water township and beach is located eight kilometres south.

The Town of 1770 is also a departure point for day reef cruises and fishing charters to the outer Great Barrier Reef and day tours and wilderness camping transfers operate to nearby Lady Musgrave Island. Day tours also operate to Fitzroy Reef, Pancake Creek and the historic Bustard Heads lighthouse. For the camping enthusiast, four National Parks including Deepwater, Eurimbula, Mount Colosseum and Round Hill offer wilderness camping and hiking - all best accessed with a Four Wheel Drive vehicle or guided tour.

Eurimbula National Park

Eurimbula National Park is the site Captain James Cook chose in 1770 for one of his first landings in Queensland. Today it is a paradise for bushwalkers, boaties and anglers. The 360 metre walking track to Ganoonga Noonga lookout offers views along the coast and across swamps and heathlands. Try beach fishing. At high tide, explore Eurimbula Creek by boat or canoe. Pitch a tent at one of Bustard Beach's shady campsites (toilets and limited water) or at Middle Creek (toilets only).