There’s more green around Gladstone than most people expect: a barramundi-stocked lake, one of regional Queensland’s finest botanic gardens, a lookout over the whole harbour, and a mountain for the keen. Most of it is free, and all of it is an easy drive (or walk) from the motel.
Lake Awoonga — barramundi & bush camping
About 30 km south of Gladstone (roughly half an hour, and only 8 km off the Bruce Highway), Lake Awoonga is the region’s premier freshwater playground. It’s stocked heavily with barramundi — around 200,000 fish are released each year — and the barramundi closed season doesn’t apply on the lake, so it fishes year-round (within limits). The main recreation area is free, with picnic shelters, electric barbecues and walking paths, plus a 24-hour boat ramp. Stay over at the caravan park, or camp for free at the basic Boynedale Bush Camp.
Tondoon Botanic Gardens — rainforest in the city
Ten minutes from the CBD, Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens is one of regional Queensland’s best — and entry is free. It showcases tropical, sub-tropical and dry rainforest from the Port Curtis region and Far North Queensland, wrapped around Lake Tondoon (which supplied Gladstone’s water until 1945 and is now home to freshwater birds). There are electric barbecues, a playground and a café; free guided tours run on Thursday mornings. The gardens open from 7 am, closing 5:30–6 pm depending on the season.
Auckland Hill Lookout — the city from above
For the best view in town, drive (or walk, if you’re energetic) up to Auckland Hill Lookout, minutes from the CBD. The harbour, the marina and the working port lay out below you — spectacular at sunrise and sunset, and a quick detour any time.
Spinnaker Park & Mount Larcom
Spinnaker Park, about 4 km from the motel, is an open foreshore reserve with barbecues, picnic tables and uninterrupted harbour views — a fine spot to watch the ships come in. For something more ambitious, Mount Larcom rises 632 m about half an hour north-west; the summit track is a steep, rewarding climb of roughly five hours return with enormous views over the coast and islands. Take plenty of water and start early.
Sources & further reading
- Lake Awoonga — Gladstone Area Water Board
- Gladstone Regional Council — Tondoon Botanic Gardens
- The Gladstone Region — Tondoon Botanic Gardens
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.
