Gladstone itself sits on a working harbour rather than a surf beach — but proper sand isn’t far. Barney Point Beach is a five-minute drive, the family beaches at Tannum Sands about twenty minutes, and a longer run reaches the surf and history of the Discovery Coast at Agnes Water and the Town of 1770.
Barney Point Beach — the closest swim
The handiest sand is Barney Point Beach, about a five-minute drive south of the motel. It’s a calm harbour-side swimming beach backed by a grassy foreshore reserve with picnic spots — an easy choice for a morning dip or a late-afternoon cool-off without committing to a day trip.
Tannum Sands & Boyne Island — the local beaches
About twenty minutes south of the motel, the twin towns of Tannum Sands and Boyne Island are where locals go for a swim. Tannum’s patrolled beach, the Millennium Esplanade and Canoe Point give you safe swimming, shady picnic spots and an easy seaside afternoon — ideal with kids.
Agnes Water & the Town of 1770 — surf and history
About two hours south lies the Discovery Coast. Agnes Water has the region’s only surf beach — gentle enough to learn on — while the neighbouring Town of 1770 is named for Captain Cook’s 1770 landing, the second place he stepped ashore in Australia. The little headland town faces west across the water, so it’s famous for its sunsets, kayaking and stand-up paddling, and it’s a launch point for Lady Musgrave reef trips. It makes a great overnight if you want to slow right down.
Turtles & wild beaches
Several beaches around the region are flatback turtle nesting sites in summer. If you’re on the sand on a warm evening between November and March you may be lucky — keep your distance, follow any nesting signage, and never shine lights at the turtles. It’s one of the quiet privileges of the southern reef coast.
Sources & further reading
Distances and times are approximate and were correct at the time of writing — please confirm seasonal hours, sailing days and fares directly with each operator before you travel.
