Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Gladstone | Avis Car Rental

 

Planning a trip to the sun-soaked city of Gladstone? Located on Queensland’s coast (between Cairns and Brisbane), Gladstone is one of those underrated gems for both business and leisure.

From quiet beaches where you can lose yourself with a book in hand to ancient reefs teeming with wildlife and sprawling national parks that offer a host of activities, there’s so much to do, see and eat in the Gladstone region. And no one knows the region better than the Avis Gladstone team, who not only live and work here but also spend their days helping visitors get the most out of their trips.

Here are their top tips of what to do in Gladstone – whether you’re visiting for work or play.

Where to eat in Gladstone

Cafe Spinnaker Park

With beautiful views of Gladstone Harbour, Cafe Spinnaker Park is the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch. The restaurant serves up classics like smashed avo and feta as well as a range of burgers, sandwiches and wraps. Plus, it opens at 7am from Monday to Saturday and at 8am on Sundays, so you can always get your morning coffee fix.

Auckland House

Offering a laid-back and warm atmosphere, Auckland House is a must when visiting Gladstone. The restaurant overlooks the ocean and is open every day of the week from 7am to 9pm. Plus, Auckland House isn’t just a restaurant – it’s also home to a local brewery, so you can enjoy a delicious meal paired with a freshly poured brew.

Gladstone Yacht Club

If you’re looking for something a little fancier, Gladstone Yacht Club is a great place to visit. There’s a beer garden for more informal meetings as well as a function room, a bar and a restaurant that offers an extensive à la carte menu.

The Coffee Club

With free Wi-Fi, lots of seating options and a quieter atmosphere, The Coffee Club is great if you’re looking for a place to get some much-needed work finished or to take a client for an informal meeting. The Avis Gladstone team says that the “exceptional coffee is an added bonus”.

What to see in Gladstone

Spinnaker Park

Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, Spinnaker Park is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of client meetings or take the whole family for an outdoor picnic. It’s home to a very popular cafe (as we’ve mentioned), so you can pick up coffees for clients or takeaway fish and chips for the family, enjoy a waterfront walk and take in the wonderful waterfront views of Auckland Point.

Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum

Founded in 1985, Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum lets you discover the rich history and local heritage of the region with a range of interactive exhibits, workshops and events on offer. And it offers events designed especially for kids, so the whole family can have a day of fun.

East Shores Precinct

With a waterfront cafe, outdoor cinema, basketball hoops, barbeques and picnic areas, East Shores Precinct is a great spot to unwind if you’re feeling tired after a long day of client meetings or exercise if you’re ready to get your heart rate going. There’s also a parents' room, a public toilet and a water play park for the kids.

Popular places to visit near Gladstone

Heron Island

Renowned for its turquoise waters and spectacular coral reefs, Heron Island is considered a world-class snorkelling and diving destination. You can take a two-hour ferry from Gladstone Marina and spend the day making the most of this coastal oasis.

Curtis Island

If you’re looking for a rugged adventure, Curtis Island is the place to go. Pack your car with everything you need for a day of discovery and take in the pristine beaches, wetlands and remote wilderness. Fishing enthusiasts, hikers, bikers and general walkers – this island is for you. You can catch the ferry from Gladstone Marina or hire a private boat. (The team at Avis Gladstone reckon it’s worth splashing out on a private charter!)

Boyne Island and Tannum Sands

After a long day of meetings, these two coastal towns are only a thirty-minute drive from Gladstone and great places to simply unwind. They’re also perfect for swimming all year round, so you can pack your swimmers and hit reset.

Auckland Point Lookout

With panoramic views over the Auckland Point Wharves and Gladstone Harbour, this lookout showcases the region’s natural beauty and industrial history. It’s newly renovated and definitely worth a visit.

Ready to book your trip?

No matter what type of trip you’re planning, the best way to see and experience Gladstone is by car, so no attraction, beach, park or dining spot is off limits. And thanks to the team at Avis Gladstone, it’s simple and easy to hire both cars and commercial vehicles, depending on the needs of your trip.

Hire a car

If you’re planning to fly, you can hire a car from Gladstone airport so it’s ready and waiting for you, the moment you arrive. Alternatively, you can also hire a car from Gladstone city.

Hire a commercial vehicle

The same options apply for hiring a commercial vehicle. You can book a truck, van or ute from Gladstone Airport. Or, you can book a commercial vehicle from Gladstone city.