The coastal city of Gladstone is a popular tourist destination. It has a population of about 34703 people, and the city’s combined urban and rural areas have a total population of 50317. The city and region cover an area of 246.1 square kilometers. The area is home to a range of attractions, including the Gladstone Botanic Gardens, Lake Awoonga, HMAS Gladstone II, and Curtis Island.

Tondoon Botanic Gardens

If you love tropical plants, then you might love visiting the Tondoon Botanic Gardens in Gladsite. This garden was opened in 1988 and features a number of tropical plants and a hiking trail. The gardens are open to the public and are a great place for families to take their children.

The Tondoon Botanic Gardens are home to more than 3000 species of plants. Ninety percent are indigenous Australian species. The plant collection reflects the ecosystems of Southeast Queensland and Far North Queensland. It also features many endangered species of the region. The gardens also feature many varieties of freshwater birds.

You can take a guided tour of the gardens and learn about their native plant species. A light walking tour of the gardens will last about an hour and fifteen minutes. The tour departs from the Gladstone Visitor Information Centre. If you don’t have time to take the full tour, you can opt to just visit the plants or explore the rainforest.

The gardens are free to visit. Tours are offered every Thursday at 10am and are open to the public. You should wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and insect repellent to protect your skin. There are picnic areas and a cafe open seven days a week.

Lake Awoonga

If you’re looking for a great place for water sports, try Lake Awoonga, which is just 30 kilometres from Gladstone. It’s a dam that supplies water for the entire region, and it has free recreation facilities. The lake is made up of over 700,000 megalitres of water, and covers over six thousand acres of land. It is also open year-round, although there are some fishing restrictions between 1 November and 1 February.

The lake is a nature lover’s paradise, home to a plethora of bird and plant life. It’s also a popular fishing spot. You can catch barramundi all year round and the lake’s boat ramp is open 24 hours a day. You can also fish for Jewfish and Channel catfish. Despite not being on the Queensland Government’s official list of protected species, fishermen have reported catching barramundi here.

The lake is home to 415 plant species, including 45 species of aquatic plants. These plants are important for the ecosystem as they provide food for local animals and stabilise river bottoms. They also help recycle nutrients. Some species of aquatic plants, such as Banksia integrifolia, are classified as vulnerable and are listed as common protected species.

Curtis Island

The Curtis Island National Park is situated on the island of Curtis, in the Gladstone Region, Queensland, Australia. The island is approximately 474 kilometres northwest of Brisbane and 40 kilometres southeast of Rockhampton. The park is the perfect destination for nature lovers. The park’s many attractions include a wetlands, waterfalls, and rainforests.

For outdoor lovers, Curtis Island offers a number of activities, and the island is small enough to accommodate people of all ages. Hiking on the eastern side of the island offers breathtaking views. You will need to bring your own supplies and be in moderate physical condition. The trail is approximately three miles long.

The island is just across the water from the city of Gladstone. It is not a touristy destination, and its main draw is the rare flatback sea turtles that live here. You can purchase a permit for this eco-sanctuary online through Queensland Parks and Wildlife, or at the Capricorn Lodge on the island. Ferry services connect the island with Gladstone every day, except Tuesday.

The three major projects are located on Curtis Island. The Australia Pacific LNG project, operated by Santos, involves developing gas fields in the Bowen and Surat Basins, building a 420-kilometre underground pipeline to Gladstone, and developing a two-train LNG processing plant on Curtis Island. The project has three shareholders: Petronas, Santos, and Kogas.

East Shores Water Park

A family-friendly water park is a great place to spend an afternoon. This waterfront park has plenty of BBQ grills, play equipment, and a spray ground. It’s a popular destination in Gladstone for people of all ages. This park is open during most daylight hours and is dog-friendly.

This project is the first stage of a $42 million project that includes a recreational water park, waterfront boardwalk, and barbecues. The project team wanted to create a fun, vibrant space for the community to enjoy. The lighting design features We-ef VFL540 post top luminaires mounted on a complex system of poles and catenary lighting.

In addition to the water park, the precinct has barbecues and an abundance of green space. There are also drinking fountains, playground facilities, and fitness equipment. All of these features make East Shores a fun family destination. While there, be sure to bring your camera and enjoy the scenery!

The new East Shores Precinct in Gladstone is a great place for families to hang out and enjoy the beach. There’s a waterfront boardwalk with barbecues and plenty of open space for children to play. Another popular option is a boat trip to nearby Lady Musgrave Island and Herron Island, both of which offer snorkeling opportunities.

Calliope River Historical Village

If you’re visiting the Gladstone area, make sure to stop by the Calliope River Historical Village. This heritage site is a short drive from the Bruce Highway. The historic village is situated just over the Calliope River and hosts over three thousand visitors each year. You’ll be able to see restored and relocated buildings from the past and shop for a wide variety of souvenirs.

The Calliope River Historical Village was founded in 1914 and is managed by the Port Curtis Historical Society. This is a museum and a place to learn about the history of the area. Visitors are able to view historic buildings that were once in operation. The village was also home to many Aboriginal people.

Heron Island

One of the most popular things to do on Heron Island is to go snorkelling or diving. It is a great place to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, and you’ll likely see a variety of sea creatures. There are also several beautiful beaches for you to enjoy. While you’re there, you may also want to explore the coral gardens. You may even see some turtles. Be sure to check out the turtle season, which runs from November to March.

There are a number of free activities on Heron Island, including stargazing and kayaking. If you’d like to learn more about the marine life that lives in the area, there are guided snorkeling tours available. Visitors can also try scuba diving, with an experienced guide sharing his knowledge of the ecosystem. In addition, the resort also offers a free stargazing tour, which takes place from the island’s helipad. The tours last about an hour and are subject to cloud coverage and weather conditions. Unfortunately, during my visit, these tours weren’t running.

You can also tour the island’s research station, which is home to one of the largest island-based research stations in the Southern Hemisphere. The tours let guests explore areas of the research station that are otherwise inaccessible to the general public.