Destination guides > Australia > Queensland > Capricorn Coast > Gladstone
Gladstone
Gladstone is an industrial city with one of Australia’s busiest ports, which handles most of Queensland’s mineral and agricultural exports. The city is also home to the country’s largest aluminium smelter and cement operation and Queensland’s biggest power station. There is nothing of interest to backpackers in the city, but the marina is the main launching point for boats to the Great Barrier Reef’s southern islands, as well as the diving in Fitzroy Bay near Heron Island.
The residents of Gladstone are active with marine activities and each Easter they celebrate the Gladstone Harbour Festival and the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. The Tondoon Botanic Gardens, Auckland Hill Lookout and Gecko Valley winery are some of the few attractions in the immediate area. There is only one hostel in town, but it is a great place to stay on your way through.
Practical information
Gladstone Visitor Information Centre
Marina Ferry Terminal, Gladstone
Tel (07) 4972 9922
Website www.gladstoneregion.info
Open 8.30am-5pm daily
Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service
Floor 3, Centrepoint Building, 136 Goondoon Street, Gladstone
Tel (07) 4971 6500
Website www.epa.qld.gov.au
Coming & going
Greyhound (tel 1300 473 946) buses stop at the 24 hour Mobil service station on Dawson Road. Because it is located off the Bruce Highway, Gladstone may be bypassed by some buses.
Gladstone is on the main rail line between Brisbane and Rockhampton; the train station is in the city centre near the intersection of Tank and Toolooa Streets.
Hostel accommodation
Gladstone Backpackers
12 Rollo Street, Gladstone
Tel (07) 4872 5744
Sights & activities
Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum
This museum has displays on local history and a collection of artwork significant to the Central Queensland region.
Corner Bramston & Goondoon Streets, Gladstone
Tel (07) 4970 1242
Website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/gragm/
Admission free
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Industry tours
Informative tours of Gladstone’s industrial plants take place on a regular basis. These tours can be very interesting if you’ve always wanted to know how aluminium, cement or petroleum is produced. Group sizes are generally small and you have a good opportunity to see behind the scenes. Bookings are essential and must be made through the information centre at the marina.
Tel (07) 4972 9000
Website www.gladstoneholidays.info/places_to_visit/gladstone-city/industry-tours.cfm
Admission free
Tours Mon Queensland Alumina refinery; Tue Gladstone Ports Corporation; Thu NRG Gladstone Power Station; Fri Boyne Smelter & Rio Tinto Alcan Yarwun Refinery
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