Gladstone Things to Do

Toondoon Botanic Gardens

The reception of the wedding we attended was held here. Our taxi cost about $20 to get here. Was lovely to have trees above and all around. Lots of different walks and great not to be able to see stacks and other smoke and stuff around. There are guided tours if you pre book but we didn't take up this option.

Opening hours are basically 9-5.30, slightly longer in Summer and closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Free entry.

No Dogs or other domestic animals.

Lots of parking and just a great place to chill out.

4 more images

This is an update as I have at last spent some time at this lovely artists retreat.

The following is taken from the Cedar Galleries web page and I can now agree with what is written in the brochure!

"Cedar Galleries Art Workshops: At Cedar Galleries we believe that all individuals have artistic talent, and that exploring and cultivating creative expression gives us all new ways to understand, appreciate, and make a positive contribution to the world in which we live. Our Artists Village compells you to leave the rest of the world behind you and immerse yoursef in ours. You will be welcomed into a proactive, supportive, artistic community in which skill levels from beginner through to advanced are nurtured."
The Gallery Cafe is lovely and I had a long lunch eating a lovely meal and enjoying the surrounds.

When I visited there were a couple of woemn sculpting and it was great to be able to sit and watch them and talk about what they were doing.

The Village is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday, 9am-4pm.

An interesting little jewellery shop tucked away in a car park behing the main street. Such a strange place for a shop!

The had some lovely gemstones for sale (as well as normal jewellery shop lines) and prices were good.

This is the only safe beach for swimming in the immediate Gladstone area.

Barney Beach, just out of the CBD, has a floating tidal enclosure which helps make it safe for summer swimming.

Always check with a local, if you can, about when the stingers are likely to be in the water.

There are picnic facilities here and it is a nice walk along this beach.

4 more images

Never did I think I would stand leaning over a fence (admittedly at the lookout) watching trucks unload and ship sail by for hours on end. But this was what I did in Gladstone and I loved every minute of it. Whenever I had nothing to do I would head up to the hill and see what was happening down in the port and harbour area.

I was facinated by trucks unloading, ships being loaded. At night the action doesn't stop either - though my night pics are pretty terrible!

I think it was the magic of the harbour that so influenced me to see Gladstone as a lovely city.

3 more images

There seems to be many historical villages in this part of Queensland. This one is also worth a visit though it is smaller - and newer - than some of the others.

Only about 25K's from Gladstone it is on the banks of the Calliope River and that in itself is really lovely.

There are about 20 buildings in the village from houses and cottages, to a school, a church and a local hall. Each building has displays of things from times long past.

You can take an organised tour or just wander around by yourself - get a map and it is easy to do by yourself.

Markets are regularly held here, I didn't get to one but apparently they are great so ask when market days are on.

There is also a kiosk open daily. Toilet and BBQ facilities, shaded areas and the village is a Driver Reviver station.

4 more images

A great way to get your bearings is the self-drive tour of Gladstone city. It's almost a 50 K drive but will take you to all of the main sites. Don't need to do it all in one day, just wander around and enjoy the city.

Places to see include:

Marina - some serious boats in this small regional marina
Gladstone Power Station - tours can be arranged on Thursdays - book at info office
Tondoon Gardens - lovely Botanic Gardens
Gecko Valley Winery - wonderful lunches here
Barney Point
Queensland Alumina Plant....and more

If you are into seafood you cannot go past the Gladstone Seafood - Fish Market for fresh fish.

If you just want to see what is available locally you can also call in here for a feast for the eyes.

OK it smells a bit like a fish market but the range of seafood is well worth it. If you are camping or can cook in your accomodation this is the place to come to select your fish.