Local Events & Attractions

Experience the year-round sights and sounds of Gladstone

Whether you’re staying in Gladstone or just passing through, there’s an incredible wealth of destinations, events and attractions to experience, no matter what time of year you visit.

Gladstone could be best described as a captivating mixture of history, nature and modern industry, with lush bushland, white beaches and equally impressive man-made structures combining to create a truly unique local atmosphere.

Gladstone Visitor Information Centre

For in-depth information on our beautiful local region, feel free to ask one of our staff at the front desk, or take a moment to visit the immensely knowledgeable and helpful Visitor Information Centre just up the road at 72 Bryan Jordan Drive. Their website is located at www.gladstoneregion.info.

Annual events around Gladstone

Agnes Water Blues and Roots Festival

  • What Two full days of blues and roots music featuring local and international artists. A real cultural highlight!
  • When Late February
  • Where Agnes Water SES Grounds
  • Info www.agnesbluesandroots.com.au

Reef 2 Beach Longboard Classic

  • What Longboard surfing festival celebrating competitions and all things surfing
  • When March
  • Where Agnes Water Surf Beach
  • Info http://reef2beachsurf.com/ 

Harbour Festival & Brisbane To Gladstone Yacht Race

  • What The Gladstone Region’s premier festival, featuring fireworks, entertainment, culture, and of course the renowned Brisbane To Gladstone Yacht Race.
  • When Easter
  • Where Gladstone Marina
  • Info http://gladstonefestival.com/

Multicultural Festival

  • What A full week of multicultural activities including film, cuisine, arts and crafts, and workshops.
  • When July-August
  • Where Throughout Gladstone and surrounding region
  • Info http://gmai.org.au/festival-events/ 

Sightseeing and tourism

Spinnaker Park

Expansive parklands with public BBQs, picnic areas, walking tracks and swimming cove, set amongst lush native plants and wetlands.

Tondoon Botanic Gardens

107 hectares of native plants and gardens with great walking tracks through pristine hills, rainforests, lakes, viewing decks, turtles, Japanese Tea Garden and more.

Gecko Valley Winery

Sample this unique winery’s critically acclaimed local wine, al fresco dining and breathtaking hilltop views.

Heron Island

Walk, dive or snorkel. Experience the magnificent local wildlife and ecology of the world-famous Heron Island.

Boyne Island & Tannum Sands

Quiet beachside relaxation, just 20 minutes south of Gladstone. Stroll along Millennium Esplanade, fish the waterways or stretch out on the white, sandy beaches.

Free Industry Tours

Learn more about Gladstone’s role as the nerve centre of Australian industry and production. See the ports and plants that have made Gladstone famous.

Coffee Cruise

Some say the best way to see Gladstone is from the harbour itself. Take a guided tour of our great harbour and port – coffee and wildlife spotting included!

Curtis Island

Just a quick ferry hop out of the harbour will find you at one of Gladstone’s best camping, fishing and four-wheel driving spots.

Maritime Museum

Discover Gladstone’s rich maritime history, dating from Captain Cook to the present day, including the spectacular HMAS Gladstone.

Scenic Walks and Lookouts

Gladstone has 10 times as many parks per capita than the Australian average. This means there’s a lot of greenery to see!

From the captivating Gladstone Heritage Walk and its historical highlights to Spinnaker Park’s lush vegetation, Gladstone is home to countless scenic walks and vistas. Highlights include Auckland Hill, Round Hill and Mount Larcom. For the more adventurous at heart, consider taking the amphibious vehicle tour along 1770’s beaches up to its spectacular lighthouse.

Fishing and Boating

The spiritual home of fishing around Gladstone is Lake Awoonga and its legendary Barramundi. For estuary fishing, try the Calliope and Boyne Rivers, Baffle Creek or the Dawson River. Other renowned spots include the sheltered waters off Curtis and Facing Islands, and Wild Cattle Creek. Easy-access boat ramps are located at Boyne Island, Tannum Sands and Toolooa Bends.