As the majority of places on the East Coast of Queensland, Gladstone profits from its location on the Great Barrier Reef. The unsurpassed beauty of these Reefs attracts divers and snorklers, who explore underwater world. Day-trips to the nearby Great Barrier Reef are very popular.
Each year when the holiday “Town of 1770” (today Gladstone) is celebrated in honor of James Cook, who stepped on Australian ground for the first time in 1770, among other freshwater shrimp is served. It is an absolute special dish in Gladstone.
During October and March in Gladstone visitors may observe sea turtles coming out at night to the beach to lay their eggs. Those who book a whale watch tour have a wonderful opportunity to watch cachalots and humpback whales.
Calliope village is undoubtedly worth visiting. Quite a few times a year historical markets take place here. Visitors may experience the atmosphere of renovated small towns. Handicrafts are also widely represented, and for this Calliope is famous not only in the area of Gladstone, but all over the region.
To the south of Gladstone there is a famous macadamia nuts plantation, these nuts are exported all over the world. Industrially Gladstone is also well developed – there is a world famous aluminum plant there.