Car Hire in Gladstone

Tondoon Botanic Gardens

Discover the Tondoon Botanic Gardens. These extensive, well-maintained gardens are full of lush plants and, of course, are home to Lake Tondoon, which lies in the middle. Lake Tondoon was Gladstone's main source of water for quite some time until 1945, so it is an important piece of Gladstone's history. Tondoon Botanic Gardens are split into 3 collections, The Port Curtis Plant Region Collection, The South East Queensland Rainforest Collection, and The North Queensland Rainforest Collection. There are plenty of paths to walk and visit the individual gardens, which house approximately 3,000 species of plants, most of which are native to the area. There are also some rare and endangered species that are showcased and cared for within Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

Auckland Point Lookout

A trip to Auckland Point Lookout is well worth it. While at the lookout, feast your eyes over the entrance to the Gladstone harbour and watch the ships come and go. From high above, you can see a picturesque view of the shimmering blue waters as the sun bounces off it. Some of the best times to visit are at sunrise and sunset to enjoy the golden glow in the skies reflected across the waters. Additionally, there are multiple nice spots around the lookout to bring a picnic and peer out across the water.

Swim at Tannum Sands Beach

Pack your beach bag and head to the nearby Tannum Sands Beach for a day of fun. Tannum Sands is a wonderful beach for the family with space to spread out along the sandy shores, swim in the rolling waves, jump into the surf or paddle board. Build sandcastles out of the golden sands, spend time beachcombing or lay in the sun reading your favourite book. There are grassy areas to run and play frisbee, a big playground for the kids and paths for cycling and walking. Also, a walk up to Peter's Park will give you picturesque views of the beach and esplanade.    

Visit Spinnaker Park

Spend the afternoon at Spinnaker Park. Bring your bike and cycle along the 2.5-kilometre walking tracks, or take your time breathing in the fresh air as you leisurely stroll along. The path meanders through the native wetlands and ponds, making it a beautiful location to take in the lush greenery and spot any wildlife within the waters. Bring your bathers and take a dip in the beached cove, which is especially nice to cool off and swim in on warm days. The ample grassy areas are perfect for picnics and relaxing or are ideal for kicking the footy.

Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum

Housed in the historic old Gladstone Town Hall, the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum is a hub of history, culture, creativity and community. The Art Gallery portion of the building showcases a range of art and exhibitions of all kinds that are constantly changing, making it an exciting place of creativity with fresh new art to see every 6-8 weeks. The museum works to preserve the social and cultural history of the region and is a fantastic location to learn more about Gladstone's history. Also, there are programs and events running year-round that focus on a mix of education and artistic expression, with various art workshops and informational presentations and talks.

Uncover the Stunning Great Barrier Reef

Known as the gateway to the Southern Region of the Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone is an excellent spot to join in on a tour of the Great Barrier Reef. The Southern Region is known for its deep coral lagoons, perfect for snorkelling in and swimming amongst the marine life within the reef system. Spend the day exploring the coral reefs, swimming with turtles, spotting the colourful schools of fish and the vibrant coral hiding just below the water. The reef is home to many species of fish, crustaceans and other wildlife and is a thriving underwater ecosystem that is a wonder to see. The Great Barrier Reef is a must-see and one spot you'll want to take your time exploring.

Heron Island

A ferry trip 72 kilometres off the coast of Gladstone will land you on Heron Island, a gorgeous island oasis surrounded by stunning coral reefs. Snorkel along the beach to see sea stars and other marine life, and if you're here at the right time of year, you can watch tiny baby turtles hatch and make their way across the sandy beach into the ocean. Jump on a boat tour to the dive sights off the island's coast, explore the area, and see more aquatic animals. You may be able to see Manta rays, schools of fish, brightly coloured fish, sea snakes, sea turtles and more. Heron Island is a gorgeous place to be within nature and explore with the warmth of the tropical Queensland climate, and if you want to spend more time here, there is accommodation and restaurants.

Fishing in Gladstone

Gladstone is a fantastic place to fish, loved by locals and visitors alike for its abundance of aquatic life. There are many spots to try your luck within the Gladstone region, from creeks, beaches, on the waters, or islands. The fishing in this area is quite accessible, and worth giving it a try. The seas around Gladstone are considered a transitional zone with cool waters and tropical waters meeting, meaning there is a wide variety of fish that swim through and live within the Gladstone area. If you were to fish here, you might expect to catch a huge variety of fish, including Coral Trout, Bream, Barramundi, Grunter, Mackerel, Sweetlip, Mudcrabs, and so much more.

Gladstone Quality Markets

Held on the 3rd Sunday of every month, the Gladstone Quality Markets are the perfect place to come and see what the locals in the area have to offer. There are plenty of stalls to see stocking a variety of items including crafts, ceramics, art, local fresh produce, locally made preserves and jams, handmade soaps, organic body products, plants and more. There is ready-to-eat food and hot coffee available, so you can grab some tasty products to try and sit along the Macleay River and taste your goods. There is also entertainment from local talent and fun activities for the kids, making this a great family outing.

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