Checked 3 October 2026
Free harbourfront parks, a botanic garden full of natives, the southern Great Barrier Reef on the doorstep and something on most weekends. Here is where to start, with every detail checked against the official source.
Photo: Joe Perchard, Public Domain Mark
Gladstone’s harbourfront is a string of free parklands joined by paths. Start at East Shores, climb to Auckland Hill, then follow the water to the marina and Spinnaker Park.
Gladstone Central
The harbourfront parkland along Flinders Parade has a free water play park, a waterfront boardwalk, barbecues, a café, an outdoor cinema area and lots of open grass. Stairs climb from here to Auckland Hill Lookout.
Gladstone Central
Five viewing platforms look out over the harbour, with barbecue areas, a playground and a stairway down to East Shores. The upgraded lookout reopened in August 2025.
Gladstone Marina
Three playgrounds, a basketball court and barbecue areas beside the marina. This is where Harbour Festival, the Mayor’s Carols and other big outdoor events set up their stages.
Gladstone Marina
A harbourfront park with a swimming beach, a café and nature tracks through the Khoodghn Guparl forest. After dark, lights and projections come on in the forest. The flat, paved walk from East Shores is 8.9km return.
Gladstone
An 83-hectare botanic garden with more than 3,000 native plant varieties, rainforest collections, walking trails, play equipment, art installations, the Yūjō Bonsai House and the Junction Café.
Barney Point
A local beach with a shaded park, barbecues, shelters and a playground. A stinger net goes in during the warmer months.
When the weather turns, head indoors to the gallery, museum, pool, library, cinema or a show.
Gladstone Central
Changing exhibitions, a museum collection and education programs on the corner of Goondoon and Bramston streets. Tuesday Art Play is for children from 18 months.
East Shores
A volunteer-run maritime museum at 60 Flinders Parade. Tours of HMAS Gladstone, a 42m former Navy patrol boat, start from the museum. Wear closed-in shoes to go aboard.
Gladstone is a gateway to the southern Great Barrier Reef. Boats and ferries leave from the marina.
Departs Gladstone Marina
The Heron Island boat leaves Gladstone Marina at 9.30am every day except Tuesday and Thursday and takes about two hours. Day trips are possible, but the island is best with an overnight stay.
Gladstone Marina
A commentated cruise on the Curtis Endeavour II past Auckland Inlet, the Curtis Island LNG plants and the working port. Tours leave from the Marina Ferry Terminal, and you must book.
Benaraby, about 30km from Gladstone
A stocked lake known for barramundi, with boat ramps, picnic shelters, barbecues, playgrounds and bush camping at Boynedale. People also paddle, swim, bushwalk and watch birds here.
Lake Awoonga, Benaraby
The hatchery that stocks Lake Awoonga produces up to five million fingerlings a year. Its indoor display has live native fish and rare golden and white barramundi, with fish feeding at 11am.
Events coming up in the next seven days across Gladstone, Tannum Sands, Boyne Island and Calliope.
Kids & Youth
Children can find ocean animals hiding around the library, check them off a trail sheet, and receive a small prize.
19 Sep - 3 Oct
Music
FreeEnjoy a free live music performance by WOODHILL at Harvey Road Tavern.
Sat 3 Oct
Harvey Road Tavern
Markets & Shopping
Find bargains on second-hand clothes and furniture at this community garage sale, with a Lions Club sausage sizzle available.
Sat 3 Oct
Bindaree lodge
Community
Meet and adopt cats and kittens looking for their forever homes at the Gladstone Animal Rescue Group Inc cat shelter.
Sat 3 Oct
Gladstone Animal Rescue Group Inc cat shelter
Arts & Culture
FreeKids aged 8 to 16 can create art at activity tables at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum during the school holidays.
Sat 3 Oct
Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum
Community
FreeCreate, connect, and restore in a community wellbeing garden with art, planting, and a collaborative Connection Tree for all ages.
Sat 3 Oct
ARTmatters
Checked against official sources on . Hours, prices and access can change, so confirm with the operator before you go.
This weekend’s markets and the next date for every regular market in the region.
Waterfront restaurants, cafes, pubs and family meals in Gladstone and Tannum Sands.
Harbour Festival, the rodeo, the show and every annual event, with the next confirmed date.
West Gladstone
A park beside Police Creek with playgrounds, a Liberty Swing, fitness stations and pathways. It has accessible barbecues and a Changing Places toilet.
South Gladstone
An easy 1.6km return trail on shaded paths with outdoor exercise equipment along the way. The regional tourism guide lists it as an off-leash walk for dogs.
Gladstone Central
The council pool on Tank Street has an indoor heated 25m pool and a summer Splash Zone, open from 19 September 2026 to 30 April 2027. There are no lifeguards, so adults must supervise children.
Gladstone, Boyne Island and Calliope
Free StoryTime, BabyTime and school holiday programs run across the library branches. The Gladstone City Library is at 39 Goondoon Street.
Gladstone
The town’s cinema on the top level of Gladstone Central Shopping Centre, with general admission and 3D sessions, Bigscreen Beds and the licensed Gold Room. Tuesday sessions and sessions before 10am are discounted.
Gladstone Central
The region’s main theatre and events venue, with a 674-seat theatre for touring shows, comedy, music and local productions. Parking under the centre is free.
Departs Gladstone Marina
Passenger and vehicle ferries run from the marina to Curtis and Facing islands. On Facing Island, The Oaks camping ground has 32 unpowered sites with composting toilets and no drinking water.
River Ranch, near Calliope
An open-air museum of more than 20 heritage buildings beside the Calliope River, with a kiosk and the region’s biggest country market on selected Sundays.