How to spend 48 hours in Gladstone

They say you have the power to start your day in any frame of mind, so what better way to launch your weekend than with a little culture? The Gladstone Region has a long and interesting history, from humble beginnings to remarkable advancements in industrial infrastructure.

Start your tour of the town with arts, culture, and a light history lesson at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum. Housed in the heritage-listed old Gladstone Town Hall, here stands the statue of British Prime Minister, Mr William Ewart Gladstone – who you might have guessed, the town was named after. 

10am: Tour Gladstone Marina

Home to Queensland's largest multi-commodity shipping port, a visit to Gladstone isn’t complete without a tour of the marina where you can admire the beautiful boats moored in the harbour and maybe even plan an island trip.

For the ultimate Instagram-worthy photo, travel an extra two minutes down Alf O’Rourke Drive to Spinnaker Park, which looks back towards the marina on one side, and out to the surrounding islands on the other.

12pm: Enjoy lunch by the water

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, you can’t complete this town’s rite of passage without grabbing a classic pub feed at the Gladstone Yacht Club. Enjoy a drink or two on the veranda that overlooks the harbour or head downstairs for a more casual dining experience where the water is so close you can almost dip your feet in.

Known to the locals as “Yachties”, this historic establishment is also the finish line for the famous Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race that takes place every year over the Easter long weekend.

2pm: Stoll through Eat Shores Precinct

Treat yourself with an ice-cream after lunch at nearby Gelespresso and a stroll through East Shores Maritime Precinct, the town’s new parkland with a twist.

Playing on a nautical theme, the area also has a waterfall and waterpark, BBQs and picnic areas, native wetlands and ponds, plenty of grassy areas for activities, and 2.5 kilometres of beautiful walking tracks.

Permanently docked at the end of East Shores is the HMAS Gladstone II, an ex-Australian Navy Fremantle Class Patrol Boat. Sitting at 42m in length, the boat is open for tours on weekends and it’s worth stepping on board to learn about Gladstone’s proud maritime history.

There’s one more thing you’ll undoubtedly notice when visiting East Shores, and that’s the giant hill that wedges the precinct between water and land. To the right of the cascading waterfall is a stairway to a scenic heaven, also known as the Auckland Point Lookout. At the top, you’ll find Outlook Café to quench your thirst and one breathtaking view.

7pm: Dine out at the Lightbox Espresso and Wine Bar

For a unique dinner experience, head to The Lightbox Espresso and Wine Bar for a modern mix of hipster, healthy and holistic.

Located at the entrance to the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre, you’ll find vine-covered courtyards, murals overlooking AstroTurf, and even an entire wall made out of wine — dreams do come true.

Whether it’s an acai bowl for breakfast, a pizza or burger for lunch, or a few cocktails after dinner, Lightbox is your go-to place for a fabulous feast.

Day 2

8am: Hike up Mount Larcom

Just as the Hollywood sign looks out over Los Angeles, the Mount Larcom peak can be seen from all over Gladstone. The popular hiking trail is a quick 15-minute drive from the centre of town and takes approximately two hours to climb to the peak.

Most of the hike is a moderately steep walking trail but the stunning panoramic view doesn’t disappoint. Give yourself around 5 hours in total to enjoy the view and walk back down.

1.30pm: Swim at the beach

To go from countryside to beachside in less than 45 minutes, take a shortcut from Mount Larcom to the coastline via the Bruce Highway. Here you’ll find the twin towns of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands which both provide unforgettable holiday experiences.

Take a stroll down the Tannum Sands Millennium Esplanade and find winding paths through lush parklands, playgrounds, and barbecue areas overlooking the surf.

Local’s tip: Head up the stairs opposite the beach to a small café by the name of Tannum Beach Fish and Chips for one of the best classic beach meals you’ve ever had.

7pm: Dinner at The Dock

For a dining experience with exceptional Gladstone marina views, The Dock at East Shores is the place to go. This award-winning waterfront restaurant perfectly encapsulates the Queensland coastal lifestyle with its location and casual vibe intertwined with modern decor.

As well as offering classics like pasta, pizza and a selection of seafood, The Dock’s menu also includes a mix of tapas dishes. Sitting on its signature deck, take in the view with a drink in hand and the breeze gently blowing past. Bliss!

For more dining hot spots, here’s where to eat and drink in Gladstone. 

Day 3

9am: Explore the Southern Great Barrier Reef

Sitting directly in the middle of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone wins all of the location awards for convenience.

Extend your weekend trip to the Gladstone region and venture to:

• Heron Island: Only a short two-hour boat ride away, Heron Island is the ultimate nature adventure with a seemingly never-ending list of beach and water activities, such as world-class diving and snorkelling. Here’s an itinerary to get you started.
  
  
• Lady Musgrave Island: Step of the boat and into the reef, where there is an underwater oasis waiting to be explored. With a protected lagoon acting as your swimming pool, swim beside the manta rays and turtles that call this island home.
  
  
• Agnes Waters and 1770: Set up camp along the beach and get to know these surfy twin towns and their laidback vibes. Known for having ideal conditions for surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, this is the perfect action-packed getaway.

Now that we’ve shined a spotlight on this gem in Central Queensland, here are more of the town’s best-kept secrets if you’re looking for more things to do in Gladstone this weekend.

Feature image by Shane McLeod via Instagram