EAST SHORES PRECINCT

Welcome to East Shores Precinct

Spend the day and come and play at Gladstone’s newest free attraction - East Shores Precinct.

Wander the waterfront boardwalk or soak in the relaxed ambience over a picnic with family or friends, accompanied by the joyful sound of children playing and the scent of sausages sizzling on nearby park barbecues. Sit on the soft grass and chill out with some laid-back entertainment on the park’s outdoor big-screens. Cool off and make a splash in the water play park, run off some energy in the open green spaces, or amp up the action with an energising workout on the park’s outdoor fitness equipment. At East Shores, you can choose to do as much (or as little) as you please.

This free public precinct was developed by the Gladstone Port Corporation and allows visitors to relax and enjoy world-class facilities along the beautiful Gladstone foreshore. East Shores is conveniently positioned along the waterfront at Flinders Parade, just over one kilometre from Gladstone’s vibrant city centre. The precinct is open daily, with the water play park operational between 9am-9pm in the hotter months, and until 6pm in cooler weather.

With so much on offer for locals and visitors alike, it’s little wonder the East Shores Precinct is receiving rave reviews from delighted visitors on sites such as TripAdvisor!

Water Play Park and Boardwalk

Starting at the main entrance at the southern end of the park, the precinct extends north between Flinders Parade and the waterfront, all the way to the point. A waterfront boardwalk stretches along its western side, passing children’s playgrounds, picnic and barbecue areas, the water play park, and a peaceful jetty - the perfect place to cast a line or wile a day away.

The water play park is a real highlight for many visitors to the area, especially for the young and young-at-heart, or those looking to cool off in the warmer months. You’ll likely hear the squeals of excitement as children run and play amidst the water squirters and jets. This watery wonderland ignites at night with a colourful kaleidoscope of lights providing the perfect setting for a fun-filled evening of entertainment. Centrally located toilets plus picnic and barbecue areas are located nearby.

From the water park, the boardwalk heads further north towards the HMAS Gladstone, a decommissioned Navy patrol boat which now houses a museum showcasing some fascinating maritime history.

Across Flinders Parade Promenade about halfway along the precinct, a set of stairs leads to Auckland Hill Lookout, which overlooks the parkland and the busy commercial harbour beyond.

The Northern Waterfront Promenade

At the northern end of East Shores Precinct, walking paths and a second parking area provide easy access to the Waterfront Promenade and the park’s newest attractions. Relax in the great outdoors and enjoy some alfresco entertainment on the massive outdoor cinema screen. Cast your worries away as you wet a line at the Patsy Lee Place fishing platform, or get your fitness fix on the outdoor boot-camp style exercise equipment. There’s also a playground for the kids, picnic and barbecue areas and relaxed, all-day dining available at Auckland House.

This area also features a range of monuments, historic artefacts and public art installations accessible via the Waterfront Promenade. Starting at the western end of the path, the first one you’ll encounter is a monument commemorating the life of Captain John Crawford Rodgers, who tragically passed away in a helicopter incident in the Port of Gladstone in February 1997.

The next installation is titled ‘Telltale.’ Consisting of three large aluminium sails, the artwork pays homage to the region’s most iconic annual event – the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. Two of the sails feature numbers representing navigational points along the race path, while the third pays tribute to the accomplishments of the ‘Laurabada’ – the only yacht to complete 50 consecutive races from 1953 to 2002.

Next you’ll discover the South Tree lead light, constructed in the 1960s to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the channel. The ironbark timber frame of the structure has stood the test of time – enduring storms and weather in a tribute to the efforts and craftsmanship of the carpenters who constructed it.

Finally, near the exercise equipment, you’ll find a refurbished D6 Dozer, like those used extensively on coal stockpiles in the area, serving as a reminder of the site’s industrial past.

Accessibility

Located about one kilometre from the city centre, East Shores Precinct is within walking distance of most inner-city accommodation providers. Alternatively, the closest bus stops are at Lord Street (near Central Lane hail’n’ride) on the 500 city loop bus route, or Lord Street (at Goondoon Street) on the 501 bus route. For further details please visit translink.com.au.

Accessible parking bays are available at the site. Accessible toilets suitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility are also located within the precinct, near the water park. These facilities also include a custom-made, height-adjustable change table suitable for adults.

Dog guide handlers should note that domestic dogs are also permitted at East Shore Precinct.