|
Gladstone surrounds a magnificent water port first
explored by Captain Matthew Flinders which he named Port
Curtis in August 1802. It wasn't until 1847 when a convict
settlement was attempted at the location, only to fail that squatters and settlers quickly took up the land surrounding
the port. Today Gladstone is home to
Queenslands largest port. A dynamic city that boast the worlds
largest alumina refinery, the largest alumina smelter, a
thriving fishing industry, and a growing tourism sector.
The Gladstone Region spans from the southern Great Barrier Reef of the Miriam
Vale Shire to the south, the hinterland of the Banana Shire and Monto Shire to
the west and the areas of Calliope Shire and Gladstone City. Just outside of
Gladstone port is Facing Island and Curtis Island, with Curtis Island National
Park. The Reef which comes within 50 km of Gladstone, contains some 13 vegetated
coral cays, of which the best known are Heron, Masthead, North West, Wilson,
Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Islands.
Boyne Island and Tannum Sands located just south of
Gladstone offer many activities for the visitor. Boyne
Island is also home to the alumina smelter producing some
490,000 tonnes of the metal each year. For the visitor, it is a region that
has plenty on offer including a number of national parks.
Other items of
interest are the Gladstone Harbour Festival and the
Gladstone Seafood Festival.
Check out our listing of
Gladstone
accommodation. In addition to our listed online travel guide information,
contact the local tourism visitor centre for your destination for more attractions,
tours, local maps and other information. |
