GLADSTONE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

Glad to Visit Our Centre

You’ll be glad to visit Gladstone, the gateway to the heart of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

The vibrant Gladstone region incorporates a unique mix of industry and natural splendour. With its pristine National Parks and easy access to the natural wonders of Heron Island and the magnificent Southern Great Barrier Reef, the Gladstone region offers a host of unforgettable experiences.

Known as the ‘engine room of Queensland’, the dynamic city of Gladstone lies in the heart of the region, pumping out a wealth of unexpected surprises. To the south, follow the Discovery Coast to experience the laid-back coastal charm of iconic Agnes Water and Town of 1770. Or head southwest to the Boyne Valley and Sandstone Wilderness for genuine farm stay experiences and intrepid adventures in nature. The region is also renowned for its fishing and boating opportunities, with an abundance of marine life, and one of Australia’s premier freshwater fishing hotspots, Lake Awoonga.

The award-winning and fully accredited Gladstone Visitor Information Centre offers guests the chance to learn more about this exciting region, in a serene, coastal-inspired, waterfront building. Located in the Gladstone Ports Corporation Marina Parklands, the Gladstone Visitor Information Centre is your one-stop shop for tickets, tours, information and expert local advice about Gladstone and its surrounds. Volunteer ambassadors are available to help you with tour and accommodation bookings, making travel planning a breeze. Our warm and welcoming centre staff can assist visitors with bookings such as tickets for the Curtis Ferry Port of Gladstone Harbour Tours (available from April – October each year) and accommodation for Heron Island, as well as local camping permits, 1770 LARC! Tours, daytrips to Lady Musgrave Island and so much more.

It's all waiting for you here in the Gladstone region!

Exploring the Centre

The Gladstone Visitor Information Centre is a stunning structure located within the Gladstone Marina’s immaculately presented parklands.

Light blue exterior walls exude a fresh coastal feel, which blends beautifully with the surrounding waterfront and picturesque marina parklands. Enter through double doors and you’ll notice the acoustics and echo as you stand in our expansive foyer. The ceilings are high, and have a grand, arched design, reminiscent of the interior of a cathedral. In this space you’ll also find an intriguing art installation created by local ethical artist, Christine Holden. Three fish sculptures are meticulously crafted from netting and other marine debris collected from local waterways, offering a visual and tactile testament to the region’s spirit of sustainability, and a deeper connection to the local culture and environment. Other paper mache sea creatures hang from the ceiling.

The coastal vibe of the centre is conveyed through marine-inspired furnishings and decor, and the cool colour palette of blues and greens, to keep the notion of water at the forefront of the mind.

You’ll also notice a soothing, aromatic ambiance inside. We use a natural essential oil diffuser which emanates a gentle, scented mist to make visitors feel comfortable, tranquil, and right at home.

If you’re looking for information about what to do in Gladstone, you’ll want to head over to our local Information Wall, which is adorned with a vast selection of complementary maps, brochures and pamphlets. Guests who are unable to read the printed content of these brochures are more than welcome to ask our staff for assistance and guidance.

The centre also features a free audio-visual experience for guests. Two large TV screens play audio content and display images depicting the region's experiences, providing travel information and inspiration. The centre also offers a range of local gifts and souvenirs.

Local History

Gladstone has a rich local history that began with the region's traditional custodians, the Ballia, Gurang, Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda people. They inhabited the Gladstone region, forming deep connections with the fertile land for more than 50,000 years.

Europeans began settling in the local area in 1847, establishing the short-lived penal colony of Port Curtis. Following its abandonment in 1848, free settlers began arriving, and the municipality of Gladstone was declared in 1863. The settlement was named after William Ewart Gladstone, a former British Prime Minister, and for a time, this pioneering town was promoted as a future capital of the newly established colony of Queensland. The region continued to develop and grow, aided by the region’s naturally sheltered deep water harbour and the export opportunities it presented.

More recently, the Gladstone region has become well-known for its large-scale industry, resources and energy, which have contributed significantly to the economic growth of the region. Gladstone has one of the largest, bulk-commodity ports in the world! It has also become a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to explore the region's rich history, fishing, and abundant natural beauty. Because of its deep port, the Gladstone harbour is suitable for cruise ships to dock.

Gladstone’s thriving community is proud of its heritage, and continuously works to preserve the region's unique history. Various initiatives are in place to conserve the natural landscape, maintain public landmarks, and promote the region's cultural heritage.

Highlights of Gladstone

If you’re naturally drawn to the water, you’ll be glad you made the trip to Gladstone.

Heron Island is a sensory paradise, where the sounds of the sea, the feel of the soft sand, and the warmth of the sunshine combine to create a memorable island experience. Immerse your bare feet in soft, powdery sand, swim and snorkel amidst a vibrant and fascinating underwater world, and be captivated by the chirping chorus of an abundance of birdlife. Ask our friendly centre staff about how you can experience Heron Island.

While you’re in the region, be sure to check out the East Shores precinct - a vibrant and inclusive area located on Flinders Parade along the Gladstone foreshore. The East Shores Precinct is a huge, waterside recreational area which really does have something for everyone. The free and exciting water play park is a highlight. The precinct exudes a lively and welcoming atmosphere, reflected in the sounds of children’s laughter and the cheerful chatter of visitors and locals alike. Throughout the precinct, well-defined pathways ensure easy navigation. Why not continue your stroll along the waterfront, and sample delightful offerings at some of the cafes and eateries along the way?

Or be dazzled by a symphony of nature at Tondoon Botanic Gardens. Here, the melodious songs of birds, the rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the gentle babble of water from nearby streams and ponds provide an instant auditory immersion in the natural splendour that surrounds you. Inhale a rich array of fragrances, with the scent of blooming flowers, lush foliage, and the earthy aroma of soil. Each part of the garden is unique, inviting you to explore the diversity of plant life through all your senses. There are also abundant shaded seating areas if you just want to sit, relax and take it all in!

Accessibility

This coastal city is located approximately 500 kilometres northwest of Brisbane. Queensland Rail operates a train from Brisbane to Gladstone twice daily. There are also bus services available that stop at Gladstone. Flights are available to and from Brisbane which can connect on to other cities and destinations.

The Gladstone Visitor Information Centre is located at 72 Bryan Jordan Drive, on the Gladstone Marina. At the time of publishing this audio guide, the centre’s opening hours are Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 4:30pm, and 8:30am to 12:30pm on Sundays and most public holidays. To confirm these hours, or for any other enquiries ahead of your visit please check our website or feel free to reach out to our friendly team on (07) 4972 9000.

The Gladstone Visitor Information Centre offers an accessible car park with easy access to the door. For patrons who use a wheelchair or other walking aid, our doorway is at least 91 centimetres wide, meaning you can enter and exit the building with ease. Unfortunately, there is no lift access within the building itself. There is an accessible bathroom onsite.

For guests who cannot self-drive, Gladstone Taxis operate in the area, and can be booked to drop off and pick up at the Visitor Information Centre. Otherwise, our centre, located within the Marina Parklands, is approximately a 20-minute walk from most Gladstone CBD accommodation. The pathways surrounding the Gladstone Visitor Information Centre are smooth, wide, and well-defined, which make it easier for guests to explore the parkland on foot. Outdoor, shaded seating areas are also available.

As the centre is in parklands, there are plenty of grassy areas suitable for toileting service dogs.