Joanna James
Queensland's largest seaport, Gladstone, is a pearl exporting terminal. This littoral town also holds an array of attractions, including coastal villages, national parks, gardens, and eateries.
One of the many reasons for a tourist to head to Gladstone is to admire the subtropical beauty of Queensland. Tondoon Botanic Gardens are a top tourist attraction that stretches over 170 hectares. Lush, forested tracts and botanical displays are key highlights of the gardens; the plant species of great variety have been collected from all around Queensland for the benefit of tourists. Don't worry about transport, most hotels in Gladstone QLD are located along the route to Tondoon Botanic Gardens.
The former town hall, the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum is a must-visit for any tourist. Supported by the Gladstone Regional Council, and located within range of Oaks Gladstone Grand Hotel, the museum was founded in 1985 to preserve the cultural heritage and history of the region. The diverse collection of artefacts includes historic objects that date back centuries.
To have fun and relax, head to East Shores Precinct. Located in front of the Marina, the precinct has a waterfront promenade, places to relax, a lot of trees providing shade, and a classic Australian suburb atmosphere. You can also do a bit of shopping at the market by the promenade.
Located near Gladstone's Marina, Spinnaker Park is a perfect spot to unwind after a tiring day. You can watch the cruise ships and see the offshore islands while indulging in something delicious at the nearby café. The tranquil sandy cove is perfect for a swim, and the park is ideal for a BBQ – you can find electric barbeques throughout the park.
As you will see at the Gladstone Maritime Museum, seafaring has been a crucial part of Gladstone's history. Found on the wharf beside the terminal, the museum is an interesting stop if you are in the mood to do some digging into local history. Maps, figureheads, navigational instruments, model ships, and wooden vessels form the museum's thought-provoking collection.
Standing west of the town, Mount Larcom is a top tourist feature in Queensland. Discovered by the navigator Mathew Flinders, Mount Larcom is 632 metres in height. The mountain was named in honour of a capital he once served under, but it is colloquially known as 'The Lion Mountain' as the silhouette looks like a lion and a lioness staring at each other. It takes about five hours to get to the top of the mountain, but the mesmerising panorama of Gladstone and the Great Barrier Reef will be your reward.
Known as an ecotourism destination, Heron Island encapsulates the tropical beauty of Queensland. The island has an eco-station and a resort, where you can witness the bountiful wildlife of the place. Loggerhead turtles are the main highlight here. November to March is the nesting season, and to see hatchlings, you should visit in January. Around 20 dive sites can be found close to the island, and you can also snorkel to see the mesmerising marine life of the island.
If you stray south of the town for a few minutes, you will find Boyne Island's many coastal communities that are connected by a bridge. The area is commercialised to cater for tourists' needs. Tannum Sands Beach is one of the key highlights here. Located nearby is the largest aluminium smelter in Australia; if you are curious about aluminium smelting, you can visit the Smelter Visitor Centre.
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