Gladstone

Central Queensland industrial port and main departure point for Heron Island and the southern Great Barrier Reef.

Gladstone is an industrial port city on the central Queensland coast, about six hours north of Brisbane. It is not a tourist town — alumina refineries and coal terminals dominate the harbour — but it serves as the main departure point for Heron Island and the southern Great Barrier Reef.

Heron Island, about 80 kilometres offshore, is one of the best reef experiences in Australia: you can snorkel directly off the beach onto pristine coral. Ferries and helicopter transfers leave from Gladstone Marina. Lady Musgrave Island, a coral cay further south within an enclosed lagoon, is also accessible from here.

If you are driving north along the coast, Gladstone makes a practical overnight stop. The marina area has a few decent restaurants, and the views across the harbour at sunset are better than the town's industrial reputation would suggest.

Guide

Getting There

Gladstone Airport has regular flights from Brisbane with QantasLink (about one hour). By road from Brisbane it is 550 kilometres north via the Bruce Highway — roughly six hours. If you are driving the coastal route, Gladstone makes a logical overnight stop between Brisbane and Rockhampton or Cairns.

The Queensland Rail Tilt Train connects Brisbane to Gladstone several times a week (journey time around five hours). Buses via Greyhound or Premier Motor Service also run the Bruce Highway corridor and stop in Gladstone.

Heron Island and Lady Musgrave Island are reached by ferry from Gladstone Marina; bookings are essential and should be made well in advance.

Guide

Things to Do

Gladstone's main attraction is its role as a launch point for the southern Great Barrier Reef. Heron Island, 80 kilometres offshore, offers world-class diving and snorkelling directly from the beach. Lady Musgrave Island, a coral cay within a true lagoon, is another exceptional option. Both are accessible via ferry or helicopter from Gladstone Marina.

In town, the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum occupies the restored former town hall on Goondoon Street — a handsome 1894 timber building — and has a decent collection of Queensland art and regional history displays. The harbour at sunset, with the industrial skyline silhouetted against the water, is unexpectedly atmospheric. The Auckland Hill Lookout provides the best elevated view over the port and the Coral Sea beyond.