Gladstone (Queensland)

Gladstone is a town in Queensland on the coast between Bundaberg and Rockhampton.

By plane

 * Qantaslink has services connecting to Brisbane. There is also the daily all stops flight north to Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. There is little competition on the routes into Gladstone, and prices can reflect this.
 * Jetstar flies to Rockhampton, a bit more than an hour away to the north. It is possible to pick up unlimited kilometre car hire in Rockhampton.
 * Jetstar flies to Rockhampton, a bit more than an hour away to the north. It is possible to pick up unlimited kilometre car hire in Rockhampton.

Car hire is available at the airport, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Thrifty and Budget all offer services. Taxis are available outside the terminal.

By car
Gladstone is a diversion off the Bruce Highway A1 between Bundaberg and Rockhampton.

By train
The railway from Brisbane to Rockhampton stops in central Gladstone. Tilt train and other services are available.

By car
Gladstone is easily navigable by car, and car hire is available at the airport and downtown.

By bike
Gladstone has a variety of cycleways, and most roads are generally cycle friendly if you avoid the major highways. The topology of the city, with a hill running parallel to the city centre and the harbour, is worth considering if planning to cycle. If you follow the harbourside, it is going to be flatter.

See
Gladstone is an industrial centre. Is has attractions for people who like to see views over heavy industrial landscapes. It has gardens and a pretty marina district. It also is surrounded by areas of natural beauty. Gladstone harbour is the largest natural harbour in Queensland.



Buy
Gladstone City Centre suffers from having had shopping traffic drawn away to larger suburban malls that are scattered around. The city centre is transforming itself into a restaurant and commercial precinct, while the shopping moves out into the suburbs with easier access and parking. Unfortunately, this also means the bland shopping mall with K-Mart, Target etc is prevalent, rather than a central shopping strip exposed to the elements.



Eat
Restaurants tend to be expensive in Gladstone, with even pubs and clubs commonly selling their main meals well over $20.