Visi tor Guide North West Island gladstoneregion.info @GladstoneRegion WELCOME A destination where iconic Queensland beaches meet an ancient reef within reach. Where you can explore pure national parks and experience TO THE authentic country farm stays. Where there’s an abundance of unforgettable experiences and an adventure to suit every traveller. Gladstone Region Sunset at 1770 The Gladstone Region begins To the south, the natural surrounds of the approximately 450 kilometres north Discovery Coast will entice you to explore of Brisbane. As the gateway to the the burgeoning township of Miriam Vale, Southern Great Barrier Reef, the the white secluded beaches of Agnes Gladstone Region contains some Water and the birthplace of Queensland incredible natural wonders including in the Town of 1770. From here, you Heron Island, Masthead Island, North can also spend a day experiencing the West Island, Wilson Island, Curtis Island breathtaking reef adventures of Lady and Lady Musgrave Island. Musgrave Island and Lagoon. At the centre of the region is the city of The Gladstone Region isn’t all about Gladstone. Known for being the ‘engine the coast and islands though! To the room of Queensland’, this dynamic southwest you will find the spectacular regional city is full of unexpected Boyne Valley and Sandstone surprises. Surrounding Gladstone are Wilderness. This area abounds with the townships of Calliope, Benaraby, opportunities for intrepid travellers to Boyne Island and Tannum Sands. This explore the spectacular hinterlands or part of the region is home to many enjoy a genuine farm stay experience. fishing hotspots including one of Australia’s premier freshwater fishing It’s all waiting for you here in the locations, Lake Awoonga. Gladstone Region – where great begins! Snorkelling at Heron Island Resort Turtle at Heron Island Fishing at North West Island 2 Gladstone Region Visitor Guide 3 THE HEART Bucket List Did you know? Watch turtle hatchlings erupt Camp on top of Lady Musgrave The Southern Great Barrier Reef is home to eight from their nest and wiggle their Island’s 400 acres of living reef OF THE iconic sea creatures for you to encounter! While way to the water at Heron Island. with the seabirds and turtles as your only neighbours. you’re out on the reef, keep an eye out for: Take a day trip to Lady Musgrave Island and discover Snap a turtle selfie in the crystal 1. Whales | 2. Manta Rays SOUTHERN 3. Turtles | 4. Potato Cod | 5. Sharks its unique inner lagoon – it’s clear waters of the Southern like swimming in a Great Barrier Reef. 6. Giant Clams | 7. Maori Wrasse giant aquarium! 8. Clown Fish aka “Nemo” Join a week-long liveaboard GREAT BARRIER Dive your way around the 20 fishing charter on the Southern spectacular dive sites Great Barrier Reef. As the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the Gladstone surrounding Heron Island and have an up-close encounter Camp like a local on North West Region is home to what’s considered one of the top dive and REEF with your favourite marine life. Island, one of the largest coral snorkelling sites in the world. Dotted with impressive coral cays cays in the region. and reefs that are only a stone’s throw away from the coast, you’ll Be a castaway in comfort on be swimming, snorkelling, diving or fishing on the reef in no time. Wilson Island, an adult-only private hideaway. Snorkelling off Heron Island HERON WILSON LADY MUSGRAVE QUOIN, FACING & NORTH ISLAND ISLAND ISLAND CURTIS ISLANDS WEST Heron Island offers a unique experience This natural coral cay is both part of the Lady Musgrave Island is the only coral Travel just five kilometres from the ISLAND where you can truly immerse yourself Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by it. island on the Great Barrier Reef with a Gladstone coastline and you will find in the beauty of nature. Among the Its pristine waters host an unimaginable navigable lagoon. Over eight nautical Quoin Island. This island is home to the This hidden gem of the music of seabirds, tracks of turtles and variety of marine life – in fact some miles in circumference, this unique cay region’s only private turtle rehabilitation Southern Great Barrier clouds of multi-coloured fish, the feeling of the best snorkelling on the Great truly has it all – reef, island, beautifully centre, and features a fully refurbished Reef welcomes self- that you’re a guest of nature itself is Barrier Reef is right off the beach at coloured corals, marine life, retreat which is available to book sufficient campers to enjoy inescapable. Surrounded by 24 square Wilson Island. Covering just 5.24 flora, fauna, and of exclusively for private events including an untouched paradise. As kilometres of reef, the island is home acres, Wilson Island is the course, turtles. Day corporate functions, conferences, the second largest coral cay to a resident population of over 5,000 ultimate island castaway trips to the island educational visits and weddings. in the Great Barrier Reef, the green and loggerhead turtles – with experience, offering provide visitors island offers opportunities for many more returning each year during seclusion in a setting of the chance to If self-sufficient camping is more your bushwalking, nature study, reef breeding season. There is one resort unrivalled natural beauty experience the style, nearby Facing Island offers visitors walking, diving and snorkelling. #southerngreatbarrierreef on the island, Heron Island Resort, and playing host to just warm tropical a choice of 35 unpowered sites where Fishing is also quite popular which offers several standards of 18 guests at any one waters of Lady your only worry is where you’re going to on the island, but visitors are accommodation designed time. Enjoy a one-of- Musgrave Island wet a line the next day. requested to limit their fishing and THREE WAYS to suit all tastes a-kind getaway in – perfect any to abide by authorised fishing zones. TO STAY & PLAY and budgets. tents. With just time of year for Next door, Curtis Island offers stunning Your remote island adventure is only a nine sites available diving, swimming and unspoilt beaches, intimate north- permit away from reality. Access: Guests you will wake up in the snorkelling. For those facing bays, sparkling ocean, the Great of Heron Island morning to the sounds of who wish to stay a little longer, Barrier Reef and wetlands as well as an Access: The island is accessible by Resort can the ocean from the comfort camping is also permitted on the outback-style cattle station. private boat. Alternatively the barge access the island of your king size bed. island, however a permit is required and service offers regular island transfers. via boat transfer, National Park restrictions do apply. Access: All three islands are accessible Barge transfers depart from the 1. Reef island which regularly Access: Access to Wilson by private boat. A barge service is also Gladstone Marina and deliver you departs from the Island is via Heron Island Access: Day trips depart regularly from available to access Curtis and Facing right to your beach campsite on North camping Gladstone Marina. which is a 40-minute boat ride the Town of 1770, the closest access Islands. Quoin Island Resort can arrange West Island. 2. Island resorts Alternatively begin away. Transfer times between point to Lady Musgrave Island. Access a ferry service for guests of the resort. your holiday with a scenic Heron and Wilson Islands are subject is also available via Bundaberg for a day helicopter flight between Gladstone to tide and weather conditions and may tour. Camping is also available through To find out more information about these islands Airport and Heron Island. vary accordingly. National Parks. and other islands in the region, visit gladstoneregion.info 3. Day trips from the mainland 4 Gladstone Region Visitor Guide 5 Agnes Water AGNES WATER & THE TOWN OF 1770 Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 are relaxed seaside communities linked by kilometres of picturesque coastline and the deep blue waters of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Paperbark Forest Famously known for its rich history as the birthplace of Queensland, the Town of 1770 was named after Lieutenant James Cook and his crew from the ‘Endeavour’ who came ashore on the 24th of May 1770. The climate in this region is best described as perfect, #visitagnes1770 with more than 280 days of sunshine each year. Imagine swimming in crystal clear waters, unwinding on your own deserted beach, sailing, bushwalking and kayaking or kite surfing beside dolphins playing. This is the essence of Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 – untouched, exclusive and pure. THINGS TO DO Agnes Water Top 101. Go snorkelling at Lady Musgrave Island 2. Learn to surf at Agnes Water THE IS THE closestTown access of 1770 point 3. Take in the famous 1770 Sunset TO DISCOVER LADY MUSGRAVE ISLAND 4. Hire a kayak and explore the waterways AND LAGOON 5. Hop aboard the iconic pink amphibious LARC THE is Townone of of only 1770 AGNES WATER IS RATED ONE OF 6. Explore the Paperbark four places Forest Boardwalk t he most affordable places in Australia 7. Go swimming at Agnes Water’s on the East Coast of Australia where you can to learn to patrolled beach WATCH THE SUN SURF! 8. Explore one of the many RISE AND SET picturesque walking trails OVER THE OCEAN 9. Go 4WD’ing through Deepwater or Eurimbula National Park Agnes Water IS HOME TO 10. Cast your fishing line into Round Hill QUEENSLAND’S Creek or Baffle Creek MOST NORTHERN SURF BEACH 6 Gladstone Region Visitor Guide 7 Nowhere will you find a more eclectic example of genuine Queensland qualities than Gladstone.