Relax in paradise

From coral cays to sleepy beach towns and camping sites surrounded by the sounds of nature, there’s accommodation in Gladstone for every traveller. Whether your preferred accommodation is usually hotels, motels and holiday apartments or camping and caravan parks, Gladstone delivers accommodation to suit every budget and every preference. 

Gladstone is a jump-off destination for the Southern Great Barrier Reef, with Heron and Wilson Islands situated off the coast. Heron Island has accommodation to suit families through to luxury villas, while Wilson Island has just nine glamping tents resting only metres from the Reef.

The charming beach towns of Agnes Water and 1770 boast some of the best fishing on the east coast of Australia, and the type of beaches you can simply walk along for hours. You’ll also find Queensland’s northernmost surfing beach with rolling surf breaks along with calmer waters perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking, making these sleepy towns popular destinations with surfers and families alike. 

With beach shacks and holiday homes overlooking the water and ocean-front caravan parks, there are many ways you can immerse yourself into this charming region.

Paradisiacal island accommodation

When it comes to accommodation options in the sublime surroundings of a World Heritage-listed Marine National Park, the Gladstone region delivers in abundance. The coral cays of Heron Island and Wilson Island with their clear, aquamarine waters and white sand beaches are two of the most well-known islands in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, with both offering outstanding accommodation — glamping and resort stays — along with some of the best snorkelling in the Sunshine State. But be sure to book in advance — while Heron Island offers accommodation for couples, families and groups, Wilson Island is an adults-only island limited to just 18 guests and both book up quickly during peak season. 

Gladstone camping and caravan parks 

With a range of campsites and caravan parks stretching from Gladstone north to Yeppoon and south to Bundaberg, the region provides no shortage of accommodation options for those pitching a tent or parking a caravan. 1770 and Agnes Water both offer camping and caravan parks, and there are further options a little further south at Deepwater National Park, Baffle Creek and Rules Beach. Holidaymakers interested in turtle hatching in the Gladstone Region can witness flatback, green and loggerhead turtles from November to March while camped or parked behind the dunes at the Wreck Rock section of Deepwater NP. 

For island camping in the Gladstone Region with amazing snorkelling just a few steps from your campsite on the north-west of the island, Lady Musgrave Island delivers unforgettable off-grid experiences. Self-sufficient camping is available from the Easter Holidays to late January every year, with commercial and private boats departing from the Town of 1770 daily. Taking the 4WD? Catch the ferry from Gladstone Harbour over to Curtis Island and hit the track en route to Turtle Street and Joey Lees, the island’s two national park campsites. Spend your days fishing and nights crabbing, or just kick back, explore and take in the laid-back vibe of this rugged yet beautiful island. 

Gladstone Central accommodation  

For hotels, motels and apartment accommodation in the city, head to Gladstone Central where there’s something for everyone, from holidaymakers with the whole tribe in tow exploring the region over a few days, to business travellers looking for comfortable overnight accommodation. From family-friendly hotels with year-round outdoor swimming pools to self-contained apartments, Gladstone accommodation is as diverse as the region itself — you’ll find everything from coastal chill to five-star fancy, ensuring every traveller can find the perfect digs for their Gladstone stay.