Gladstone - QLD

Gladstone is a destination city in its own right on the southern coastline of the Great Barrier Reef but it is mostly used by tourists as the launching point for visiting Heron Island, Wilson Island and other islands from the marina and local airstrips.For hotels, motels and apartment accommodation in the city, head to Gladstone Central where there’s something for everyone, from holidaymakers with the whole tribe in tow exploring the region over a few days, to business travellers looking for comfortable overnight accommodation. From family-friendly hotels with year-round outdoor swimming pools to self-contained apartments, Gladstone accommodation is as diverse as the region itself — you’ll find everything from coastal chill to five-star fancy, ensuring every traveller can find the perfect digs for their Gladstone stay.Nearby popular national parks on include Deepwater National Park, and Krombit Tops National Park. Holidaymakers interested in turtle hatching in the Gladstone Region can witness flatback, green and loggerhead turtles from November to March while camped or parked behind the dunes at the Wreck Rock section of Deepwater NP. For island camping in the Gladstone Region with amazing snorkelling just a few steps from your campsite on the north-west of the island, Lady Musgrave Island delivers unforgettable off-grid experiences. Self-sufficient camping is available from the Easter Holidays to late January every year, with commercial and private boats departing from the Town of 1770 daily. Taking the 4WD? Catch the ferry from Gladstone Harbour over to Curtis Island and hit the track en route to Turtle Street and Joey Lees, the island’s two national park campsites. Spend your days fishing and nights crabbing, or just kick back, explore and take in the laid-back vibe of this rugged yet beautiful island.