Gateway to the Capricorn Coast, Rockhampton is 660km (410 miles) north
of Brisbane, on the Tropic of Capricorn. The Êcity is situated on the Fitzroy
River about 16km (10 miles) from the coast.
Climate
Average temperatures: January max 31C (88F) - min 22C (72F); July max 23C
(73F) - min 9C (48F). Most rain falls between December and March - approximately
500mm (17 in).
Characteristics
'Rocky' is the heart of the beef cattle country. The main breeds are Santa
Gertrudis, Hereford, Braford, Brahman, Africander and Zebu. Rockhampton
also has two flour mills which process wheat from the Central Highlands
around Emerald. Ever since Queensland became a separate state, there
have been people politicising for the establishment of a separate North
Queensland state.
How to Get There By Air
Sunstate, 13 1313, fly to/from Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay, Maryborough,
Townsville and Cairns, Great Keppel Island and Toowoomba.
Eastern Airlines, 13 1313, fly to/from the Gold Coast.
Check with your travel agent at the time of your trip.
By Bus
Greyhound Pioneer, 13 2030, and McCaffertys, 13 1499, stop at Rockhampton
on their Brisbane/North Queensland route.
McCaffertys have a daily service to/from Longreach.
Greyhound also have a Rock-hampton to Longreach service departing 3 times
weekly.
By Rail
Queensland Tilt Trains, 13 2235, including The Spirit of Capricorn, service
Rockhampton fairly frequently, with either day or overnight travel.
The Sunlander and the Queenslander both leave Brisbane in the early morning
and stop at Rockhampton.
By Car
From Brisbane, via the Bruce Highway 660km (410 miles), or take the inland
route via Esk and Biloela 758km (470 miles). Rockhampton is 1413km (878
miles) south of Cairns.
Visitor Information
Capricorn Tourism, is at 'The Spire' in Gladstone Road, 4927 2055, adjacent
to the Tropic of Capricorn Spire. It is open 7 days a week. The email
address is captour@ rocknet.net.au and the website is www.capricorncoast.com.au
You will find the Rockhampton Tourist Information Centre in Quay Street,
4922 5339.
Accommodation
Rockhampton has no shortage of motels, and there are plenty of older style
hotels near the city centre. There is also no shortage of camping grounds.
Below we have given a selection with prices for a double room per night,
which should be used as a guide only. The telephone area code is 07.
Country Comfort Rockhampton, 86 Victoria Parade, 4927 9933. 78 units, licensed
restaurant, barbecue, swimming pool - $105.
Ambassador on the Park, 161 George Street, 4927 5855. 70 units, 3 suites,
licensed restaurant, swimming pool - $100-125.
Archer Park, 39 Albert Street, 4927 9266. 26 units, licensed restaurant,
swimming pool, undercover parking - $80-85.
Sundowner Chain Motor Inns Rockhampton, 112 Gladstone Road, 4927 8866.
32 units, licensed restaurant, swimming pool - $65-110.
Central Park, 224 Murray Street, 4927 2333. 26 units, licensed restaurant
(closed Sun), swimming pool - $70-85.
Leichardt Hotel Rockhampton, cnr Bolsover & Denham Streets, 4927 6733.
60 rooms, 8 suites, licensed restaurant and bistro - $55-135.
Club Crocodile Motor Inn, cnr Albert & Alma Streets, 4927 7433. 44
units, licensed restaurant (closed Sunday), swimming pool - $80-95.
Glenmore Palms, Bruce Highway, Glenmore, North Rockhampton, 4926 1144.
38 units, licensed restaurant, swimming pool, spa - $80-100.
Centre Point Motor Inn, 131 George Street, 4927 8844. 48 units, licensed
restaurant, heated swimming pool - $100.
Golden Fountain Motel, 166 Gladstone Road, 4927 1055. 31 units, swimming
pool - $80-100.
Caravan Parks
Tropical Wanderer Resort, 394 Yaamba Road, 4926 3822. (No pets) 150 sites,
licensed restaurants, barbecue, tennis (half court), pool - powered sites
$22 for two, cabins $55-65 for two.
Ramblers Motor Village, Bruce Highway, North Rockhampton, (opposite Shopping
Fair), 4928 2084. (No pets) 60 sites, playground, pool - powered sites
$19 for two, units $55-60 for two, cabins $40-50 for two.
Southside Holiday Village, Lower Dawson Road, 4927 3013. 200 sites, heated
pool, tennis (half court) - powered sites $21 for two, on-site vans $30-40
for two, cabins $50-55 for two.
Riverside Tourist Park Rock-hampton, Reaney Street, North Rockhampton,
4922 3779. (No pets allowed) 150 sites - powered sites $16 for two.
Gracemere Caravan Park, Old Capricorn Highway, 4933 1310. 100 sites, barbecue,
pool - powered sites $13.
There is a Youth Hostel at 60 McFarlane Street, North Rock-hampton, 4927
5288. They have 13 rooms at $18 per adult per night twin share.
Eating Out
Most of the hotels serve casual counter meals, and the steaks in Rocky
are particularly large, as this is the heart of the cattle country. The
hotels, and several motels, also have licensed restaurants. A wide assortment
of cuisine is available, from Chinese to seafood. Here are some names
and numbers of establishments in the area:
Dragon Gallery, 295 Richardson Road, North Rockhampton, 4928 3399. Traditional
Chinese cuisine.
Hogs Breath Cafe, Aquatic Place, North Rockhampton, 4926 3646. Hamburgers
and steaks.
Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant, 98a Denham Street, Rockhampton, 4927 7144.
Pacinos, cnr Fitzroy & George Streets, Rockhampton, 4922 5833. Italian
fare.
Thai Tanee Restaurant, cnr Bolsover & William Streets, Rockhampton,
4922 1255.
Wah Hah, 70 Denham Street, Rockhampton, 4927 1659. Chinese selections.
Sizzler, Rockhamtpon Shopping Fair, Rockhampton, 4926 1100. Australian
steaks and salad.
Cravings Bar and Grill, cnr Water Street and Lakes Creek Road, North Rockhampton,
4928 5666.
Le Bistro on Quay, 194 Quay Street, Rockhampton, 4922 2019.
Cactus Jacks Restaurant, 243 Musgrave Street, North Rock-hampton, 4922
2062.
Diamonds Down by the River, Quay Street, Rockhampton, 4921 1811.
Friends Bistro, 159 East Street, Rockhampton, 4922 2689.
Jans Restaurant, Pilbeam Theatre, Victoria Parade, Rockhampton, 4922 3060.
There are two McDonalds branches, one on the Bruce Highway in North Rockhampton
and the other on the corner of George and Fitzroy Streets, Rockhampton.
KFC also has two outlets, one at the corner of George and Arthur Streets,
Rockhampton, and the other on the corner of Linnet Street and Queen Elizabeth
Drive, North Rockhampton. Pizza Hut is on the corner of High Street and
Bruce Highway, North Rochampton, and on the corner of Denham Street and
Bruce Highway in Rockhampton, 13 1166.
Entertainment
Rockhampton has a three cinema complex in Shopping Fair, North Rockhampton,
4926 6977, and indoor and outdoor concert venues.
There are three nightclubs in the city:
Strutters, cnr East & Williams Streets, 4922 2882.
The Party Shack, cnr William & Alma Streets, 4927 2005.
William Street Nite Club, 4 William Street, 4927 1144.
The Pilbeam Theatre in Victoria Parade attracts regular performances by
national and international artists, 4927 4111.
For details of current entertainment programs at hotels, clubs, and so
on, ask at the Visitor Information Centre.
Shopping
Rockhampton has never been described as a shopping capital, but the Shopping
Fair, Yaaamba Road, North Rockhampton, 4928 9166, was refurbished a few
years ago and should cater to your basic needs. It has a departent store,
two supermarkets, over 100 specialty shops, a food court, and a licensed
restaurant. The City Heart Mall, in Bolsover Street, has local art and
craft markets on Saturdays, 4936 8481.
Points of Interest
Rockhampton was first settled in the 1850s by Charles and William Archer.
Today, historic Quay Street contains over 20 buildings which have been
classified by the National Trust.
The city is the commercial and administrative centre of central Queensland.
Its wide streets are lined with trees and solid buildings, indicating a
prosperity dating back to the early days. The Australian Estate Co Ltd
offices were built in 1861, and the Customs House in 1901. It has a handsome
copper dome and a striking semi-circular portico. Queens Wharf is all that
remains of the quays of the port that was very busy until silt caused the
demise of the river trade. St Joseph's Cathedral (cnr Murray and William
Streets) and St Paul's Anglican Cathedral are both built in Gothic Style
from local sandstone. The Royal Arcade was built in 1889 as a theatre with
a special feature - the roof could be opened on hot nights.
The Botanic Gardens in Spencer Street, 4922 4347, are reputed to be one
of the finest tropical gardens in Australia. Spreading over 4ha (10 acres),
these gardens contain many native and exotic trees, ferns and shrubs, as
well as a large walk-in aviary, orchid and fern house and a small Australian
Zoo, which includes its own Koala Park. As part of a sister city agreement
with Ibusuki City in Japan, separate Japanese Gardens were created in 1982.
There are also paddle boat rides available on the lagoon. The gardens are
open 6am-6pm daily and admission is free.
The Pilbeam Theatre, 4927 4111 and Art Gallery, 4936 8248, in Victoria
Parade, form the cultural centre of Rocky. The Art Gallery has an extensive
collection of Australian paintings, pottery and sculpture. The Pilbeam
Theatre attracts regular performances by national and international stars.
St Aubin's Village, on Canoona Road beside the airport, consists of one
of Rockhampton's oldest houses, and a number of gift shops specialising
in cottage industries. It is open 9am-6pm Mon-Sat and on Sundays 9am-2pm.
Admission is free.
Callaghan Park Racecourse, 4927 1300, is Queensland's premier provincial
racetrack. Thursday night has greyhound racing, Saturday evening has harness
racing, and on Saturday afternoon it's the gallopers' turn.
Fitzroy River Ski Gardens, near the Barrage bridge, beside the boat launching
facilities, has picnic facilities, a children's playground and electric
barbecues.
Old Glenmore Homestead, 4936 1033, through the Park-hurst Industrial Estate
in the north of the city, is a 130-year-old complex consisting of a log
cabin, slab cottage and an adobe house. Old Glenmore holds Queensland's
first Historic Inn Licence, so visitors can sample some of the State's
best fermented beverages in this pleasant old world setting. Bush dances
and home-style cooking are also features. It is hopen only on Sundays between
11am and 3pm. Admission is $7 for adults and $2 for children. Groups are
allowed by appointment.
Cammoo Caves, 4934 2774, and Olsen's Capricorn Caverns, 4934 2883, approximately
23km (14miles) north of Rockhampton, are two cave systems which are open
to the public. Cave coral, fossils and gigantic tree roots can be inspected
in these dry, limestone caves. Cammoo Caves are hopen daily 8.30am-4.30pm
and have conducted tours. Entry fees are adults $8 and children $4. Olsen's,
about 2km east of Cammoo, is privately owned, and 3 hour half-day tours
into these caves cost $33 adults, $16 children, departing from your accommodation
in Rock-hampton around 9am.
The Dreamtime Cultural Centre, 4936 1655, is a large Aboriginal Cultural
Centre, and is on the Bruce Highway opposite the turn-off to Yeppoon. The
centre is open daily 10am-5.15pm, with guided tours between 11am and 4pm
(2 hours duration). Refreshments are available (eating bush tucker is not
compulsory). Adults are charged $13 and children $6.
Rockhampton Heritage Village is in Boundary Road, Parkhurst, 4936 1026.
Attractions include a blacksmith's shop, wheel wrighting, dairy, fully
furnished slab cottage, pioneering tools, vintage cars, horse-drawn vehicles,
Hall of Clocks and a kiosk. Tours are conducted daily, and there are working
demonstrations on the last Sunday of each month. It is open daily 10am-4pm
and admission is $12 adults and $7 children.
Koorana Crocodile Farm is in Koowonga Road, off Emu Park Road. This
is a breeding farm, not a protective reserve, so don't be surprised when
when you find crocodile kebabs on the menu, and crocodile skin shoes
and purses for sale in the gift shop. The Crocodile Farm is open daily
and costs adults $15, children $7, and $12 per person for groups.
Sport
Rockhampton has all the usual facilities you would expect of a town of
its size. To get to the beach, though, you have to drive 45km to the Capricorn
Coast.
Diving
Capricorn Reef Diving, 189 Musgrave Street, North Rock-hampton, 4922 7720,
offer 5-day open water certificate PADI course. Classes are taken in Rockhampton,
followed by 4 dives on the Keppel Island Group.
Tours
Rothery's Coaches, 13 Power Street, North Rockhampton, 4922 4320, offer
tours of the city and to the Capricorn Coast, Koorana Crocodile Farm, Cooberrie
Park, The Caves and the Dreamtime Culture Centre.
Duncan's Off Road 4WD Tours are in Kent Street, Rockhampton, &0418
986 050 (mobile). ÊÊÊ
Outlying Attractions Capricorn Coast
The Capricorn Coast stretches some 48km (30 miles) from Yeppoon and the
Byfield area in the north to Keppel Sands in the south. The area enjoys
a similar climate to that of Hawaii. The main area of the Capricorn Coast
begins at the town of Joskeleigh in the south and reaches north to the
forests and national parks of Byfield. The primary town on the coast is
Yeppoon, and the main city is Rockhampton, 41km inland. Rockhampton airport
is the departure point for flights to the nearby islands of the Reef.
If you are swimming in the tropical waters of the Capricorn Coast, remember
that deadly box jellyfish can be present in the sea anywhere north of the
Tropic of Capricorn in the summer months. The web page to visit online
is www.capricorncoast.com.au Email
for the Capricorn Coast Tourist Organisation is capcoast@ cqnet.com.au
Yeppoon
A modern town with a population of approximately 12,000, Yeppoon nestles
beside pineapple-covered hills on the shores of Keppel Bay. Palms and
pines line the main street, and shady trees continue to line the road
to Rockhampton. There is a 4m difference between high and low tide, so
trawlers, yachts and dinghies are left high and dry.
Yeppoon is the main town on the Capricorn Coast and is one of the largest
and fastest growing coastal communities in Queensland. It is a popular
holiday spot, offering access to more than 40km of safe beaches.
Cooberrie Park, 15km (9 miles) north of Yeppoon on Woodbury Road, is a
bird and animal sanctuary with barbecue and picnic facilities. If you want
to pat a kangaroo, this is the place to do it. They also have koalas and
other native animals wandering freely through the parkland. It is open
daily 9am-4.30pm and costs adults $12 and children $6, 4939 7590.
Byfield State Forest Parks are 17km (10 miles) north of Cooberrie Park,
and are popular picnic areas. They include Stoney Creek, Water-park Creek
and Red Rock Forest Parks.
Nob Creek Pottery, 4935 1161, established in 1979, is located in the tropical
Byfield Forest, and has gained a reputation as a quality cottage industry.
Wreck Point at Cooee Bay provides a spectacular view overlooking the Keppel
group of islands. It is situated on the southern outskirts of Yeppoon.
Rosslyn Bay Boat Harbour is the base for a large fishing fleet, charter
boats, cruise boats and catamarans. Cruises available include coral viewing,
boom netting and, weather permitting, a visit to Middle Island Underwater
Observatory.
Emu Park, 19km (12 miles) south of Yeppoon and linked by the Capricorn
Coast Scenic Highway, has an unusual memorial to Captain Cook - a singing
ship. The mast, sail and rigging contain hollow pipes, and the ship 'sings'
when the wind blows. This picturesque town is worth the short and scenic
drive for a visit.
The Capricorn Coast Tourist Organisation has an office at the roundabout
as you drive into town (you can't miss it!) and it is open daily 9am-5pm,
4939 4888.
Great Keppel Island
The island is a very popular tourist destination. Fringed by 17km (10 miles)
of white, sandy beaches and offshore coral reefs, it provides an ideal
setting for holiday makers and day trippers alike. The Keppel Island
group of 30 islands is situated 55km from Rockhampton, and 15km east
of Rosslyn Bay on the Capricorn Coast. Great Keppel is the only island
in the group to have been developed, and this is because of its permanent
water supply as well as its size (14 sq km). There are ample opportunities
for fishing, cruising, boom netting, windsurfing and bushwalking.
Some islands in the group are national parks - North Keppel, Miall, Middle,
Halfway, Humpy and Peak - where camping is permitted, but numbers are limited.
All drinking water has to be taken to these islands, but some have water
for washing, and some have toilets, but it is best to get full information
from either the Naturally Queensland Information Centre in Brisbane, 3227
8187.
Although not situated on the Reef, Great Keppel is the gateway to the Outer
Reef and North West Island, the largest coral cay in the Great Barrier
Reef. It is a major breeding ground for Green Turtles, White Capped Noddy
Terns, Wedge Tailed Shearwaters and Olive Head Sea Snakes.
Day trips to Great Keppel Island are available from Keppel Tourist Services,
4933 6744 or 1800 356 744 (free call). The trip lasts 8 hours and includes
a cruise transfer from Rosslyn Bay, snorkelling and boom netting, buffet
lunch and free time. The day trip costs $80 adults, $45 children and $200
for families.
The Middle Island Underwater Observatory is a popular attraction. It is
surrounded by natural coral, and the area teems with marine life of every
type imaginable. A sunken wreck nearby also provides a haven for fish,
sea snakes, turtles and a school of huge cod. The Underwater Observatory
is open daily 8am-5pm, if weather conditions are favourable, and admission
charges are $10 adults and $5 children.
A glance at a map will show that the Great Barrier Reef is a long way from
the mainland at this point, but there is some good diving closer to Great
Keppel Island. Bald Rock and Man & Wife Rocks are popular diving venues,
and between the southern end of Halfway Island and Middle Island Reef there
is some good coral. If the weather is calm there is good diving at Parker's
Bombora, off the south-eastern tip of Great Keppel. It begins in water
about 20m deep and is encircled by sea ferns, sponges, coral and hundreds
of fish.
The outer islands of the Keppel group, particularly Barren Island, have
deeper and clearer water than Great Keppel, so larger species of sea life
are encountered, like turtles and manta rays. All diving gear can b e hired
from the accommodation outlets on Great Keppel. If you would like online
details of the Great Keppel Island Resort, the web site is www.mpx.com.au/adventures/gk/keppel.htm
Heron Island
The island is about 72km east of Gladstone, roughly 100km from Rockhampton,
and has an area of 19ha. It is a true coral cay that sits on the Tropic
of Capricorn, surrounded by 24 sq km of reef. It is possible to walk
around the island in less than half an hour, and there is usually an
organised beach and reef walk every day. Heron's eastern end has a track
system that leads through dense pisonia forest and open grassy shrubland,
with information posts along the way. In the summer months be sure to
stay on the track, or you could destroy one of the many shearwater burrows
that honeycomb the island.
Unfortunately, due to its distance from the mainland, Heron Island is one
of the most expensive islands to visit. Access is by helicopter for around
$270 adults one-way or a choppy 2-hour catamaran trip for around $85. At
other islands on the Reef it is sometimes necessary to travel 70 or 80
km for scuba diving and snorkelling, but at Heron the Reef is at the very
foot of the white sandy beaches. One of the most spectacular diving sites
is the well-known Heron Bommie, a head of hard coral rising more than 18m
from the seabed that is home to all kinds of fish and marine life. All
equipment can be hired from the resort's dive shop.
Heron hosts a week-long Dive Festival in November each year, when divers
from all over the world gather to swap knowledge and experience. There
are those who think that this island rates highly among the world's premier
dive locations, and given that there are twenty unique sites nearby, they
are probably right. The Resort can be phoned direct on 132 469. There is
a website at www.heronisland.com and
email at visitors@greatbarrierreef. aus.net
Lady Musgrave Island
Lady Musgrave Island is part of the Capricorn Bunker Group, and is about
100km north-east of Bun-daberg. It is a true coral cay, approximately
18ha in area, and rests on the edge of a huge coral lagoon that measures
some eight kilometres in circumference and covers an area of around 1192ha.
The lagoon is one of very few on the Reef that ships can enter, making
the island very popular with the yachting fraternity. Lady Musgrave is
a National and Marine Park, and an unspoilt section of the Great Barrier
Reef.
The island is reputedly one of the finest dive sites on the Great Barrier
Reef, and is home to around 1200 species of fish and 350 varieties of coral.
The lagoon is reasonably shallow, allowing longer dives to be undertaken.
MV Lady Musgrave always has qualified diving instructors on board for the
inexperienced, but they can also head certified divers in the best direction
to get the most out of their trip.
If you wish to stay on Lady Musgrave Island you must camp. There are staff
on-site, toilets and walking trails, and that is it. You have to first
obtain a camping permit from the QNP&WS or Naturally Queensland, 3227
8187, and fees are $3.50 per person per night.
Lady Elliot Island
The most southerly of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot
has an area of 0.42 sq km and has been nicknamed Queensland's "Shipwreck
Island". This name is not unwarranted, as the wrecks of many ships can
be seen littered around the island's shores. The first was probably in
1851, the Bolton Abbey cargo ship, and the latest was the Tenggara II
which hit the reef in April, 1989. The island is also popular with bird
watchers as 57 species are known to flock here, with more than 200,000
birds nesting here during the summer. Sea turtles also nest on Lady Elliot.
It only takes about an hour to walk around the entire island, and it is
one of the least commercialised.
There are ten excellent diving sites that include Lighthouse Bommie, Coral
Gardens, Moiri and Shark Pool. Visibility ranges from 80 to 25 to 50 metres.
This island is also paradise for those who like exploring shipwrecks. All
equipment can be hired from the resort for around $60, and open water courses
are available for $550. Shore dives cost $30, boat dives $45 and night
dives $60.
Contact the resort on 3348 8522 or 1800 072 200 (free call). You can visit
the web page at www.ladyelliot.com.au or
send an email to info@ladyelliot.com .au
Mt Hay Gemstone
Tourist Park
It is 40km (25 miles) west of Rockhampton on the Capricorn Highway, Wycarbah.
There you can fossick for 120 million-year-old Thundereggs. When the eggs
are cut in the gemstone factory on the premises, beautiful agate patterns
are exposed. Facilities here also include a swimming pool, craft and gift
shop, barbecue facilities and powered caravan sites ($14 per night for
two people), 4934 7183.
Mount Morgan
The historic township of Mount Morgan is 40km (25 miles) south of Rockhampton,
and here you can tour through a 100-year-old mining town that is the
real thing, not a reconstruction. Mt Morgan was listed as a Heritage
Town by the Australian Heritage Commission in 1980, and by the National
Trust of Queensland in 1981. The Museum on Morgan Street, 4938 4122,
traces the history of the fabulously rich mine. Inspections of the mine
are conducted by Mt Morgan Mine Tours, 38 Central Street, 4938 1081.
Whilst in town, you can call into the Golden Nugget Hotel on the Central
Street, for a cool ale.
Capricorn Highlands
The highlands stretch from Carnarvon to Clermont (Gregory Highway) and
from Blackwater to Jericho (Capricorn Highway). The region is one of
the most diverse and productive areas in the country. Coal, sapphires,
cattle, sheep, wheat, sunflower, sorghum and cotton are but a few of
the riches produced from around here. The Emerald Irrigation Scheme,
along with the Fairbairn Dam, has increased rural productivity tenfold
in the heart of the Highlands. A visit to this area can be a rewarding
experience. The Car-narvon Gorge offers a breathtaking view of scenery,
lush vegetation and Aboriginal art.
The town of Springsure has the famous Virgin Rock, and from Emerald, the
hub of the Central Highlands, you can join a conducted tour of the Gregory
Coal Mine, 4982 8200.
Travelling through Capella brings you to the township of Clermont, which
was almost completely destroyed by a flood in 1916, and was moved to its
present location with the aid of a huge steam engine. The engine has been
preserved as a memorial in the centre of the town.
A National Park at Blackdown Tablelands offers camping facilities and good
views.
After crossing the Drummond Range, the country opens out into Queensland's
vast grazing lands, and towns like Alpha and Jericho are becoming increasingly
popular stopovers for people visiting this outback area. It has become
even more so since the opening in 1988 of the Stockman's Hall of Fame,
4658 2166, on the Landsborough Highway in Longreach.
The Central Queensland gemfields are a popular tourist spot in the Capricorn
Region, and visitors come for a chance to 'stub their toe on a sapphire'.
Towns such as Anakie, Sapphire, Rubyvale and the Willows Gemfields must
be experienced to be fully appreciated. In Rubyvale you can visit a walk-in
mine, called Bobby Dazzler, which has guided tours and is open daily. It
is in Main Street, 4985 4170.
Central Highlands Tourism Queensland can be contacted on 4982 4942 or emailed
at chtour@maxspeed.net.au You will find plenty of useful information at members.tripod.com/central
highlands/
Gladstone
Located 107km south of Rock-hampton, Gladstone is a bustling port centre,
one of the busiest and largest in the country. From its modest beginnings
in 1847 as a small penal colony with a population below 200, it has grown
to become home to more than 42,000 people. Heron Island is only 73km
off the coast of Gladstone.
The Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum, is in Goondoon Street and opens 10am-5pm
on weekdays and 10am-4pm on weekends. The building itself is a unique mix
of architectural designs, and complements the collection of Australian
art and local memorabilia contained within. Admission is free.
The Tondoon Botanic Gardens cover 83ha and are considered the best of their
type among Queensland's regional centres. The landscape is made up of lakes
and forest and the fauna includes colourful birds and turtles. Access is
between 9am and 6pm in the summer months, and half an hour earlier (morning
and evening) during winter. The Gardens can be entered through Glenlyon
Road.
Just off the coast of Gladstone are the outlying Curtis and Quoin Islands.
Monto, 203km (126 miles) south west of Bundaberg, is the largest town of
the North Burnett and the service centre for the surrounding dairy industry.
24km (15 miles) north-east is Cania Gorge, with its spectacular sandstone
formations and crystal pools. Walk-ways and boardwalks extend well into
the gorge. 8km further on is the massive Cania Dam, where there are attractive
picnic areas. Gold was discovered at Cania in 1891, and some flecks can
be panned from the streams even today.
The Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Bureau is at Ferry Terminal,
Gladstone Marina, Bryan Jordan Drive, 4972 4000, and they will be able
to assist you with enquiries. They have an online address at www.gladstoneregion.
com and email at gapdl@ gladstoneregion.org.au
