📍Is Gladstone Worth Visiting In 2025? And 10 Best Reasons Why It Is.

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WONDERING WHETHER GLADSTONE IS WORTH VISITING?

Gladstone is a lovely city and region in Queensland’s breathtaking Central Coast. Its unique contrasting blend of huge-scale industry and gorgeous pristine landscapes creates quite the juxtaposition for visitors to see.

The massive processing plants and refineries are hard to miss, dominating the city’s scenery as they churn out enormous amounts of aluminium, coal, electricity, cement and liquid natural gas (LNG), most of which is then shipped out nationally and globally through its massive multi-commodity shipping port, one of the biggest in the world, in Gladstone Harbour.

But this place isn’t all work and no play. What surprised me most about this place is that while the industries are understandably divisive and might turn people away, there’s an abundance of outstanding heritage and nature-based attractions that make turning off the Bruce Highway to explore it well worthwhile.

From touring the HMAS Gladstone II ship to venturing over to Curtis Island and even further afield to the coral cays of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and down along the gorgeous rugged coastlines to Agnes Water and 1770, there is so much to see. But if you’re still not convinced, here is my 5-week road-tripping, sightseeing, hiking, camping, snorkelling and kayaking deep dive into the question, “Is Gladstone Worth Visiting?”

👉 My top 3 picks for why Gladstone is worth visiting:

  • Southern Great Barrier Reef. Capricorn Cays National Park
  • Agnes Waters and 1770.
  • Curtis Island.

Planning Your Trip? Use My Favourite Resources!

Tours/Experiences: I recommend Viator.
Accommodation: I recommend Booking.com.
Flights: I recommend Aviasales.
Car Rental: I recommend economybookings.

Is Visiting Gladstone Worth It?

Yes.

Even though Gladstone was not on a road sign for over 500km despite being a huge regional city (at least not what I saw driving from Brisbane.), it and the greater region are well worth visiting, especially if you love nature and wildlife, especially if you can get out to the islands.

Some of the best things to do are snorkelling and diving the southern Great Barrier Reef and encountering the majestic sea turtles, friendly reef sharks and lovely rays from the coral cays islands, appreciating the gorgeous landscape from the many spectacular lookouts, camping at the several beautiful national parks, and picnicking at the many lovely parklands.

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    Is Gladstone Worth Visiting For Adults & Couples?

    Gladstone is a fantastic destination for adults and couples to visit. The islands and coastal towns are great for getting back in touch with nature and also make a fantastic escape for you and your significant other, where you can enjoy each other’s company and bond through having picnics on pristine beaches and snorkelling with the marine wildlife in the world’s biggest underwater arena.

    Is Gladstone Worth Visiting For Families?

    Gladstone is also a great getaway for families as there are plenty of free and budget-friendly things to do. One I think they’ll thoroughly enjoy is the guided tour of the HMAS Gladstone II (cooler months.), while the coastal national parks all throughout the region are excellent destinations to getting them off their devices and reconnecting with nature.

    And although it is expensive, I think they will also relish a day out in an amphibious vehicle exploring Eurimbula National Park with a 1770 Larc! Paradise Tour (Check additional fees section.), where they’ll can see lots of birdlife, and gorgeous scenery, plus have the opportunity to go inside Queensland’s only still operating lighthouse.

    Kids will love riding around in this amphibious LARC! vehicle.

    Top Reasons Gladstone Is Worth A Visit.

    1. It’s A Gateway To The Southern Great Barrier Reef.

    The outstanding highlights of any visit to Gladstone are the breathtaking coral cays of the spectacular southern Great Barrier Reef, where the marine animals (and birdlife) are so richly abundant that it’s like being in a nature documentary. Better yet, this striking regional city isn’t just the commercial gateway to one of two of them, but five!

    Heron Island is one of the reef’s most famous and accessible GBR resort islands allowing guests to experience the largest and most biodiverse marine ecosystem in the world, while still having all the creature comforts. Meanwhile, further afield, Wilson Island offers an even more exclusive resort experience with high-end glamping accommodations, making it the perfect destination for super romantic escapes.

    However, if you prefer escaping the commercialism of those tourist hotspots and getting back to self-sufficient basics, Lady Musgrave, North West and Mast Head Island are even more perfect for experiencing nature at its most pristine and wild.

    But whichever one you go to, the chances of seeing some of the reef’s incredible and iconic inhabitants are fantastically high. From beautiful sea turtles, sharks, rays and fish of various colours and species, you’re sure to see something spectacular swimming around the intricate coral formations that make the Great Barrier Reef so famous.

    Arriving at Heron Island, you could already see sea creatures in the shallows!
    Just about to reach North West Island, another incredible GBR island.

    2. Watch Turtle’s Nesting & Hatching (Seasonal).

    As if the Great Barrier Reef wasn’t enough to entice you to visit Gladstone and explore these magnificent coral cays, the thing that’ll seal the deal, is that these islands are also where one of the greatest annual wildlife events take place: Turtle nesting and turtle hatching season!

    Every year between October and December, after travelling all over the world’s ocean, hundreds and hundreds of female Loggerhead and Green turtles (sometimes other species,) go back to their birthplaces, such as these cays to haul themselves up onto the beach to dig a nest and lay the next generation their eggs. safety of the warm sand dunes.

    Then between January and February, after incubating for three months, these unbelievably adorable babies emerge from their warm nests and make their way down to the ocean in the cutest waddling stampede you’ve ever seen. It’s a magnificent sight to behold, so if you’re convinced to head to Gladstone, make it during one of these occasions!

    A turtle waiting until the tide comes back in after laying her eggs on te beach.

    A few things to consider before visiting.

    The turtles usually nest and emerge at night, but I’ve seen them in person and in photos during the day too.

    • Heron & Wilson Island.
      • Turtles Nesting & Turtle Hatching.
    • North West & Lady Musgrave Island.
      • Turtle Nesting & Turtle Hatching (Until the day after Australia Day or the Australia Day long weekend.)
      • Closed for camping the day after Australia Day or the Australia Day long weekend.
      • Visitable during the day with your own vessel year-round. There are no commercial day trips.
    • Mast Head Island.
      • Turtle nesting.
        • Camping & visiting are only permitted between the first day of the Easter holidays October 14.

    3. There’s Lots Of Incredible National Parks.

    Along with the aforementioned islands that all belong to Capricornia Cays National Park, the Gladstone region is also home to several other breathtaking national parks, conservation areas, and nature reserves that make getting back in touch with nature so inviting.

    From Curtis Island’s scenic trails and Joseph Banks’ magnificent cliffs to Eurimbula’s spectacular beaches, creeks and heritage lighthouse and Kroombit Tops’ hinterland views and historical crash site, there are plenty of outstanding opportunities to appreciate the natural landscape through hiking, swimming, snorkelling, diving, camping, photography and birdwatching.

    Waiting for Curtis Ferry Services to pick me up after camping from the Capricornia Cay National Park island of North West.

    4. And Gorgeous Coastal Scenery.

    If there’s one thing this region is absolutely not short of, it’s spectacular coastal scenery. And it’s the harbour’s Curtis Island and the side-by-side town of Anges Water & 1770 where the scenery truly shines.

    Curtis Island is the city’s most affordable island to visit, which is fantastic as it has some breathtaking seascapes, which are best appreciated along the second half of the Oceanview trail north of the breathtaking Conner Bluff Lookout.

    Further south, the Red Rock Trail and Joseph Banks Conservation Park are just two more places where the rugged coastal scenery will leave you awestruck.

    Just one half of the two coastal views you can see from Conner Bluff lookout.

    5. Including Plenty Of Pristine Beaches.

    With five Great Barrier Reef coral cays and two harbour islands accessible by commercial travel, plus two prolific seaside towns and three coastal national parks, you can bet that the beach scenery here is also absolutely spectacular.

    There is only one slight, but really annoying caveat to that though. The northern part of the Gladstone region, including the city and harbour islands are categorized as “Croc Country.” Although if you ask any local, they’ll tell you there are no crocodiles here, but it’s still an unnerving prospect.

    However, further south at Agnes Water, 1770 and the national parks down there, they don’t have them or any signs to freak you out. But they do have Queensland’s northernmost surfing beaches, so if you’ve ever wanted to try riding the waves, it’s a great place to learn. Main Beach at the former is also lifeguard patrolled, while the GBR islands have shallow lagoons protected from the ocean waves that make snorkelling with the turtles, sharks and rays great for beginners.

    6. Plus Many Incredible Lookouts.

    Another fantastic thing about the Gladstone is that its terrain lends to it having many gorgeous viewpoints. The city itself has a few, with Auckland Point Lookout having breathtaking panoramic views of its gorgeous harbour, inlet, port, marina and islands, while Round Hill Lookout offers an even more expansive panoramic of the region and the industries that make one of Queensland’s largest industrial cities.

    Across the harbour, Curtis Island’s easily accessible Conner Bluff Lookout showcases two different coastlines of the waves crashing into the rocky coastline on one side while on the other, they gently lap at the stunning 5km beach that stretches from there to the South End township.

    Meanwhile, back on the mainland, the view from the Agnes Water’s Discovery Trail took my breath away with its sheer cliffs, while the 6km return Red Rock track has several gorgeous headlands that made the walk the region’s most unforgettably scenic.

    Last, but certainly not least, 1770 delivers an even bigger visual punch, with Joseph Banks Conservation Park’s incredibly rugged headland featuring plenty of breathtaking sea cliffs and gorgeous beach coves. As if that wasn’t enough, just up the coast, Middle Island (only accessible by boat or 1770 LARC! tour’s amphibious vehicle (Check additional fees) in nearby Eurimbula National Park, has a lighthouse and viewpoint that overlooks the magnificent and meandering Pancake Creek that separates the heritage island from the mainland.

    This is only a small snapshot of the epic panoramic view of Pancake Creek from Middle Island in Eurimbula National Park.

    7. There Are Some Fantastic Heritage Sites.

    If you enjoy learning about the local heritage, the Gladstone region has a few great historical sites that are well worth visiting. There’s the regal HMAS Gladstone II ship in the gorgeous East Shores Parkland you can tour, the fascinating Calliope River Historical Village you can roam, the beautiful Bustard Head Lighthouse you can climb and the startling ruins of the Beautiful Betsy Bomber aircraft you can hike to.

    I loved the guided tour on the HMAS Gladstone II vessel.

    8. It Can Be Budget Friendly.

    While the Great Barrier Reef Islands are expensive to visit, much of the rest of this beautiful Central Queensland subregion is not so. In fact, most of the things I’ve mentioned on this list are affordable for even the most budget-conscious travellers, allowing you to stay longer and explore more.

    The beaches, parklands, lookouts and national parks, which comprise much of what makes Gladstone great are all free to visit while camping at the latter is super affordable. Meanwhile, touring the HMAS Gladstone II is only a blue note, which you can do separately from the museum you buy the ticket from if that isn’t of interest to you.

    Plus, you can make some things more affordable. For example, I went over to Facing and Curtis Island as a foot passenger with Curtis Ferry Services and hiked to the national park and council campgrounds because I don’t have a 4WD, which made my 6-day visit like $80 in total. And if you have a 4WD & boat, you can visit the Bustard Head Lighthouse & Museum yourself and not pay for the 1770 LARC! Full-Day Paradise Tour (Check additional fees), which while great fun is expensive.

    The Bustard Head Lighthouse is the only still-operating lighthouse you can go inside of.

    9. It’s A Great Road Trip Destination.

    With such a huge variety of things to do for nature-loving travellers, budget adventurers, families and romantic couples looking for remote escapes, this Central Queensland sub-region is so much more than Gladstone city’s huge and divisive industries. Because if you peel back the curtains and include the furthest reaches of it, you’ll discover it’s home to many unforgettable places and experiences that’ll stay with you long after you’ve said goodbye.

    10. And Is Surrounded By Many Renowned City’s Nearby.

    Not only does the Gladstone region have some truly incredible attractions, but it’s also within close proximity to two other renowned cities.

    To the south, Bundaberg is famous for producing some of the world’s best rum made from local sugarcane plants, its main agricultural industry and being home to the largest turtle nesting site in mainland Australia! So if you can’t get across to the GBR island’s off Gladstone but still want to see the sea turtles nesting and hatching, visiting Bundy during the season is an absolute must! The city is also the gateway to the largest marine ecosystems two southernmost coral cays, with Lady Elliot Island being a particularly fantastic place to visit as it includes a breathtaking scenic flight there and back.

    North of Gladstone lies Rockhampton, which has the breathtaking Mt Archer National Park right on its doorstep, with the beautiful underworld of the Capricorn Caves not too far away and the famous Keppel Islands just offshore.

    A turtle walking back to the ocean at Mon Repos.
    Watching a sea turtle returning to the ocean after seeing her nesting was so special.
    Visiting the breathtaking Lady Elliot Island is a Bundaberg must-do.
    Seeing Lady Elliot from above just before landing was magnificent.

    Who Would Gladstone Appeal To?

    Gladstone is a city and region that would appeal to many people, such as those who like:

    • Nature escapes.
    • Island getaways.
    • Resort island holidays.
    • Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef.
    • Turtles!
    • Prolific bird and marine life.
    • Rugged cliffs.
    • Pristine beaches.
    • Camping.
    • Kayaking/Stand-up paddleboarding.
    • Beautiful parklands
    • Heritage sites.

    Who Would Gladstone Not Appeal To?

    There are also a few people who may not be interested in the region such as those who don’t like:

    • Seeing big industries. (Gladstone city only.)
    • Beaches and sandy places.
    • Islands.
    • Getting seasick.
    • Expensive Travel. (Great Barrier Reef Islands.)

    Conclusion: Is Gladstone Worth Going To?

    With several gorgeous lookouts and equally as many spectacular islands to visit including several breathtaking coral cays of the southern Great Barrier Reef that are so abundant with wildlife it’ll feel like you’re in a national geographic documentary to the rugged coastline and sandy beaches of Agnes Water and 1770, Gladstone and the greater Central Coast subregion of the same name, are well and truly worth visiting.

    If you plan to visit Gladstone, consider looking at these other posts.