Gladstone (including Quoin Island)
Queensland's leading seaport.
In 1909, when it was nothing more than a small port, Gladstone was described as:

When hov'ring clouds from east to west,
At dawn, or ere the sun takes flight,
From Gatcombe Head to Larcombe's crest
Wrap hill and vale and mountain's height
In crimson hues or golden light...

It was a romantic and poetic description of a quiet port on a tropical coast far from the bustle of the big cities which lay to the south. Today all that has changed. Located 540 km north of Brisbane and 107 km south of Rockhampton, Gladstone is one of the most substantial and commercially successful ports in Australia. In the last three decades this quiet, diminutive port has become a centre with some of the most sophisticated loading facilities in the country.

The Gladstone area was first explored by Captain Cook in 1770 sighted and named Bustard Head to the south of the city. Cook was followed in 1802 by Matthew Flinders who named Port Curtis and in 1823 John Oxley explored the coastline. In 1848 Owen Stanley surveyed the entrance to the port.

The first settlement of Gladstone occurred in 1847. It was named after William Ewart Gladstone, who, at the time, was the British Colonial Secretary. He later became Prime Minister of Great Britain. Basically a penal colony (200 convicts formed the majority of the population) it was closed down less than a year later and it wasn't until 1854 that it was opened to free settlers. By 1856 the town had a population of 200.

The township developed on the site of the original penal colony and for some time it was promoted as a future capital for a newly established colony of Queensland.

Gladstone's first wharf was built at Auckland Point in 1885, it was connected to Brisbane by rail in 1897 but by 1960 it still only had a population of 7200 and its economy was dependent on its importance as a port.

Although it had the huge advantage of a superb natural harbour (Port Curtis) Gladstone remained a relatively small port serving the local cattle industry until 1961 when the export of coal from the Moura fields to the west resulted in a huge increase in both population and port activity. A decade later the town's population had doubled and the port was handling 10 million tonnes per annum - this had increased from 202 000 tonnes in 1960.

Public moorings at Gladstone Boat Harbour

Between 1970 and 1990 Gladstone saw the establishment of a major power station (1971), the opening of the Clinton coal facility (1980) and the building of the Boyne Aluminium Smelter (1982).

Today Gladstone, with a population which continues to increase dramatically every year, is Queensland's largest port. In 1983 it became the first Queensland port to handle over 20 million tonnes of cargo - most of it coal and alumina - and since then it has continued to grow at an unprecedented level. It now handles over 29 million tonnes per annum, is the second largest port on the Australian east coast, and is capable of providing a safe port for ships of 200 000 deadweight tonnes.

The reasons for its success can best be summed up by its major industries. Gladstone is the home of the world's largest alumina plant. Each year Queensland Alumina Ltd converts bauxite mined at Weipa on Cape York to alumina which can then be processed to produce nearly 3 million tonnes of aluminium. In turn the Comalco owned Boyne Smelters on Boyne Island produce over 200 000 tonnes of aluminium from alumina each year. The production of aluminium requires huge amounts of electricity and thus the power station (fuelled by coal from the mines at Blackwater, Moura and Callide) produces more than half of the state's electricity. There is also a large cement and lime works.

An aerial view of Gladstone's industries

As well as this the port exports vast quantities of coal and grain. The new grain loading terminal moves over 1 million tonnes of grain each year and the coal loading facilities are some of the most advanced in the world.

Things to see:

Tondoon Botanic Gardens
Having achieved most of its development since World War II, Gladstone's premier attractions tend to be either modern or scenic. There are the beautiful Tondoon Botanic Gardens, which are located south of the city centre along Glenlyon Road. Completed as recently as 1982 they cover 55 ha and include lakes, cascades, an herbarium and arboretum and an interpretive nature trail.

Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum
Even more recent is the Gladstone Art Gallery and Museum which was opened in 1985. Located in the Old Town Hall (a typical solid civic building) in Bramston Street it hosts travelling art exhibitions as well as purchasing local art works and artefacts for an expanding collection.

Port Curtis Historic Village
Located 26 km west of Gladstone on the Bruce Highway is the Port Curtis Historic Village which includes an old railway station, a church, homes, the original Clyde Hotel (10 Mile Pub) and a Colonial Railway Carriage. It also includes a Tourist Information Centre. Open daily from 8.00am - 4.00pm. Tel: (07) 4978 1486.

Quoin Island
Only 4 km from Gladstone is Quoin Island which lies at the entrance to Port Curtis. In recent years it has become the recreational centre for the city with attractive and clean beaches, bushwalking, and facilities for windsurfing, swimming, fishing and boating. The island also boasts tennis courts, a swimming pool, accommodation and a theatre restaurant.

Curtis Island
Further north is the huge Curtis Island which is 40 km from north to south and 20 km from east to west. It was first sighted by Captain Cook during his voyage up the coast in 1770. In 1802 Matthew Flinders named it after Admiral Sir Roger Curtis, the Commander-in-Chief at the Cape of Good Hope.

Gladstone Area Promotion and Development
If you are planning to stay in Gladstone it is wise to visit the Gladstone Area Promotion and Development (which includes Reef Adventureland Information) is located at 56 Goondoon Street and is well worth visiting. They have excellent maps of the area and detailed information on the cruises to the Great Barrier Reef. Tel: (07) 4972 4000.

Castle Tower National Park
Located to the south of Gladstone, visitors can make a climb to the top of this granite outcrop for excellent views of the district. However, this is a fairly strenuous endeavour and only for committed experienced bushwalkers. The environs consist of eucalypt woodland and dry rainforest along the creeks and gullies. For more information ring (07) 4972 6055.