Gladstone, Central Coast, Queensland

Gladstone, Queensland's biggest port, lies between the majestic Calliope and Boyne Rivers. These two waters lead deep into the water harbour, for which the economic industrial development that Gladstone enjoys stem from. This modern and dynamic city wonderfully basks under the sun in a warm, sub-tropical climate. Its waterways, beaches and islands lie on the main doorstep of the World Heritage enlisted Great Barrier Reef. Lying side by side are most amazing landscapes which offer a wide variety and sunshine to provide only the best holiday opportunities for a traveller.

Located at the very heart of the region is the city of Gladstone. The city overlooks the deep water harbour, and travelling to all direction leads to a wide range of natural offerings. Heading to the south leads to the shires of Miriam Vale and Calliope, with its very idyllic and secluded beaches, along with scenic National Parks. The Castle Tower National Park offers an excellent view of the area as one climbs up to the top of it through bushwalking. The eucalypt woodlands as well as the dry rainforest are also excellent spots to immerse one's self into nature in. For some extraordinary fun in the city, visiting the Gladstone Entertainment Centre which is home to most of the cultural activities in the city, is quite worthwhile.

The impressive National Parks have camping and 4-wheel driving adventures to be experiences. The magnificent cliffs of the Kroombit Tops are filled with diverse flora and fauna waiting to be explored. Furthermore, the Castletower National Park sits at the base of the beautiful Lake Awoonga. Lake Awoonga itself is a popular tourist attraction with its excellent lake and mountain views and spectacular recreational facilities - shelter sheds, walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a picturesque waterfalls, to name a few. Equally famous are the Eurimbula and Deepwater National Parks. Furthermore, the Tondoon Botanic Garden, one of the few authentically native botanic areas in the country, showcases an wondrous plant species that can not be found elsewhere.

On the other hand, the reef islands found in the region are magnificent coral cays. The Boyne Island is popular for its breath-taking foreshore parks, while the city of Tannum Sands provides a long stretch of sandy beach that is ideal for swimming and water recreation. The Fitzroy Lagoon and Lady Musgrave Island are also excellent spots to enjoy fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, reef walking, flora and fauna explorations, or simply resting and enjoying the wonderful sunny weather.

The Gladstone region achieved almost all of its development since World War II, such that its premier attractions are either modern or scenic. However, this does not mean that the region does not have heritage attractions. Those who are into history can visit the Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum which showcases art exhibitions, local art works and artefacts. Other options include side tripping in the towns of 1770, the first ever place in Queensland that Captain James Cook stepped on in Queensland; and the Port Curtis Historic Village which houses an old rail way station, Colonial Railway Carriage, and old style structures such as churches, homes and hotels.

To cater to hundred thousands of visitors and travellers that visit the area, there are a wide variety of accommodations that are well scattered all throughout the region to fit all tastes and budget. There are just as many options for restaurant and eating places which feature the world's best delectable cuisines and local dishes. The city of Gladstone provides a truly unique experience that no other city in the world can.