|
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.
|
