A foodie’s guide to where to eat in Gladstone
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By Sarah Bristow
Eager to experience the Southern Great Barrier Reef? Make way for the city of Gladstone on its cusp, a gateway to the natural wonder beyond and within easy access of popular towns Agnes Waters and 1770.
But Gladstone isn’t just conveniently within arm’s reach of the World Heritage-listed landmark, but boasts plenty of options to fuel your adventure within the region. Here lies a foodie-favouring guide to where to eat and drink in Gladstone.
Gladstone Fish Markets
Photo by Gladstone Fish Market via FB
Indulge your fancy for fresh seafood at the famed Gladstone Fish Markets. Considering the town’s access to both reef and inland fishing opportunities, this outlet serves up a smorgasbord of seafood for visitors. Take your pick from ocean-caught red emperor, coral trout, Spanish mackerel, barramundi, mud crabs and more. Want to take it easy? Pick up some takeaway seafood from the outlet’s food truck on Pitt Street for dinner on the go.
Baffle Beer Brewery
Not quite a venue but mentionable all the same - take time to sink a few local pints at Baffle Beer Brewery, sitting on the creek of the same name. Bavarian-born locals are behind the local beer brand, which utilises local spring water, Queensland pale malt (roasted barley), Tasmanian and Victorian hops for its drinkable creations. While there is no craft door at present to drop in and try the brew for yourself, this local brand’s core range of six beers is stocked all around the region and well worth a try.
Lightbox Espresso and Wine Bar
Photo by @lightboxgladstone
A penchant for an innovative cocktail will lead you to Lightbox Espresso and Wine Bar, found in the recently redeveloped entertainment precinct. One of the more innovative eateries in the region, Lightbox is a non-negotiable for any guide on where to eat in Gladstone. Opening morning through late, expect from the venue shareplates galore, breakfast included. It’s also popular for a tipple pre- or post-show at the neighbouring precinct, partnered with a charcuterie board.
Gladstone Reef Hotel
When it comes to where to eat in Gladstone it would be a shame to miss out on a meeting with longtime local the Gladstone Reef Hotel. Casual and welcoming in one the establishment is a popular watering hole for locals and visitors to the region alike, especially after its 2016 renovation. There are four different spaces within the venue to choose from - a bistro (boasting a weekly Sunday roast), main bar and deck, rooftop pool area and for the night owls nightclub Industrie.
Auckland House
Photo by @antone_86
Gladstone’s waterfront microbrewery Auckland House has more than just incredible sea views from its beer garden: it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a menu that’ll take you from a morning smoothie to an evening cheese board – with everything in between (including kids meals). What’s on tap? Auckland House brews a range of lager, pale ale and IPA with rotating specials too.
Savour the Flavour
Skip dinner and head straight for dessert at Savour the Flavour. You’ll find the casual cafe surrounded by the greenery of the much-loved Tondoon Botanic Gardens, 83 hectares of luscious plant life not far from the city centre. While there are a handful of savoury bites to choose from, it’s really sweets which are the specialty here, tuck into a homemade brownie, or indulge yourself with the decadent option - a famed deep fried cookie dough.
Take a picnic
Make the most of Gladstone’s abundance of picture perfect scenery with a good old fashioned picnic. The Marina, Botanical Gardens and Canoe Point at Tannum Sands are all popular places to throw down a rug and nibble on some goodies with the family. But where to procure your picnic fare? Head straight for The Deli Plate on Goondoon Street. It’s artisanal cheese, chutneys, sauces, meats and picnic-favouring treats galore.
Rocksalt Bar & Restaurant
If you are craving something a little more formal make haste for Rocksalt Bar & Restaurant, one of the region’s most highly recommended eateries. Contemporary Australian fare is on the menu here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, created by chef and owner Jason Faint and his crew.Thirsty instead? Head for a tipple at the adjoining cocktail and tapas lounge Bebida.
The Big Crab
Photo by @simplyshiels
As far as quirky road trip food stops go, this is one you shouldn’t miss. Just look for the iconic 2-metre tall Big Crab at the Shell service station as you pass through the historic town of Miriam Vale. One taste of the 100% mud crab sandwiches here and you’ll find a reason to drive this way as often as possible.
