Gladstone, Australia Cruise Port

Situated between the Calliope and Boyne Rivers, Gladstone is a city in Queensland’s Gladstone region. It’s the seat of the Gladstone Regional Council as well as the largest settlement within it. Some refer to Gladstone as the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef on account of its direct access to it, as well as Heron Island and Lady Musgrave Island. The port is the most multi-commodity structure in Queensland while the harbor is the largest in all Australia. Day trips to the nearby islands offer cruisers an authentic tropical experience with peaceful weather, exquisite cuisine, and delicious wine. Those interested in getting up close and personal with the Reef will appreciate fewer crowds, and enjoy swimming, snorkeling and the many scuba diving excursions that are available. The seafood industry on Gladstone and some of the surrounding islands is enormous in quantity, quality, and variety of fish.

• Take in the local beauty at the Tondoon Botanical Gardens. Perfect for a stroll or picnic, be sure to check out its stunning variety of native Australian wildflowers.
   
• Hike up to the Auckland Hill Lookout to get a wide and complete view of the large, impressive bay as well as the goings on at the bustling port.
   
• Discover homespun art, both traditional and contemporary at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum. Of particular interest to many are the various exhibitions and wings featuring creations from indigenous people.
   
• Taste some of the region’s best wines at Gecko Valley Winery. Stop in for a tour, a nice lunch, or a few tastings—and leave with a bottle or two along with the memories.