9 Things To Do In Gladstone

Located on the picturesque central Queensland coast, Gladstone is a hidden gem full of natural beauty, cultural attractions and outdoor adventures. Whether you are a local looking for a fun way to spend the weekend or a visitor planning their trip to the region, discover our top local recommendations on things to do in Gladstone!

Image from @laurenwickings

Heron Island

Just off the coast of Gladstone, Heron Island is known for its clear waters, white sandy shores and spectacular coral reef. Less than two hours by boat from the Gladstone Marina, you can snorkel, scuba and explore the reef for a fun day trip or spend the night at onsite accommodation to extend your stay.

With a range of ways to explore the island to suit your style, swim off the shore to snorkel over the reefs or head out on a short boat ride to popular dive spots. Heron Island also has a variety of tours, programs and activities to choose from based on seasonality which allow you to get up close and personal with some of Australias beautiful turtles and local wildlife. Perfect for friends, families, couples and an individual experience, Heron Island is not to be missed when visiting Gladstone!

Image from @ladymusgrave_experience

Lady Musgrave Island

Sail away from 1770 or Bundaberg to the stunning Lady Musgrave Island. A living coral reef surrounded by clear blue waters, this island is home to over 1500 species of fish as well as local sea creatures like manta rays, reef sharks and turtles. From Lady Musgraves pontoon, snorkel around one of the regions most colourful coral reefs and bring an underwater camera to capture some scaly friends! With options to camp on the island overnight, enhance your stay with a remote and eco-friendly experience.

Image from @1770larc

LARC Tour in 1770

After an adventure? Hop on board an amphibious vehicle with LARC Tours in the quaint town of 1770, just a short drive from Gladstone! These pink vehicles can travel across both land and water making this experience truly one-of-a-kind and perfect for kids of all ages. With a range of options from full-day tours to afternoon tours and even an overnight tour, choose your own adventure with this unique activity.

On the tour, explore Bustard Head Light station which is Australias only operating lighthouse open to the public and take in the local history as well as some panoramic coastal views. Other sightseeing stops include a thrilling sandboard adventure sliding down sand dunes and wildlife spotting opportunities on-board from dolphins to turtles, stingrays and birdlife!

Image from @hike_australia

Mount Larcom

A Gladstone landmark and one of the best hiking trails in the area, Mount Larcom is the perfect experience for hiking enthusiasts or those looking to take in some of the local sights! Standing at 632m above sea level, its known for its panoramic views of Gladstone, The Coral Sea, the local coastline and surrounding hinterland.

It is a 6km roundtrip ranging from moderate to challenging in difficulty and typically takes around 3-5 hours to complete the entire trail, depending on fitness levels and the time you spend at the top! It is best to start your trek earlier in the morning to avoid the heat for the most comfortable conditions. There is also ample parking available at the base of the mountain.

Fishing Charter

For the fishing fiends, a local fishing charter is the perfect opportunity to try out some of the best fishing spots in the Southern Great Barrier Reef and Gladstone Harbour. With a range of fishing charters for amateurs to seasoned anglers choose a tour that suits your style.

The local reef fishing charters offer half and full-day trips to the Great Barrier Reef perfect for fishing species like coral trout, red emperor and sweetlips! Whilst the estuary charters head to Gladstone Harbour to catch barramundi, mangrove jack and bream. After something more adventurous? Try a deep-sea fishing charter heading out into the ocean for larger fish like marlin, mackerel and tuna. Perfect for private or group charters and available with all the equipment you will need on hand, enjoy an unforgettable chartering experience in Gladstone!

Image from Gladstone Region

Gladstone Entertainment & Convention Centre

The Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre (GECC) is the regions top venue for entertainment, cultural events and conventions. Home to live performances, art exhibitions, cinema screenings, seminars, workshops, and community events there is always something happening at this local hot spot! Prior to your visit to Gladstone, check the GECC website and see if there are any upcoming performances, shows or events that you would like to attend while you are in town.

Image from Gladstone Region

Gladstone Regional Gallery & Museum

Learn about local history at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum. Since the 1939s this historic building has been a hub for community, artistic and cultural activities.

The gallery has a variety of art exhibitions open to the public showcasing local and national artists exploring mediums from painting to sculpture, photography and mixed media. Other instalments in the art gallery include Indigenous art from First Nation artists alongside community art exhibitions and competitions.

Whilst the historical displays showcase Gladstone local history from industrial to maritime and cultural heritage with local artifacts and limited historical exhibits to showcase the region rich history. With a range of educational programs and workshops also available, this is the perfect place to bring family, friends and partners to learn more about Gladstone in an engaging and exciting way!

Image from Gladstone Region

Gladstone Marina

A scenic waterfront spot perfect for family outings and access to the iconic Great Barrier Reef, the Gladstone Marina is a local hub for boating, fishing and day trips to nearby islands. However, it also has a range of waterfront walking paths for views of the harbour for those who love a relaxing stroll by the sea!

Perfect for picnics, barbeques and outdoor activities, Spinnaker Park is another spot right by the marina worth exploring. With a range of local playgrounds, cafes, eateries and local marina markets, spend the day exploring the local sites by the Marina!

Image from @the_lap_life

Round Hill Lookout

A picturesque viewpoint just a short drive from Gladstone, Round Hill Lookout is known for its panoramic views of the coastline, landscape and nearby islands, as well as some stunning sunsets! With local walking trails, picnic spots, local wildlife and stargazing at night, there is no shortage of activities to try at Round Hill Lookout!

Moving to Gladstone?

Happen to be making the move to Gladstone? Loxon Storage has a clean, convenient and affordable storage facility nearby. With a variety of storage unit sizes and flexible contracts, find the smart storage solution you are after with Loxon Storage, the locals you can trust.