Gladstone is one of the best entry points to the Southern Great Barrier Reef Islands like Heron Island and Lady Musgrave Island. It’s also surrounded by sleepy beach towns with some of the best fishing on the east coast of Australia.
Stay at a beach shack or waterfront caravan park in 1770, where the easy access to the water will keep the kids and the fishermen busy all day.
To get away from it all, book a few days at Heron Island, where you’ll trade the demands of the mainland for a colourful underwater playground just off the beach.