What to do these school holidays in Gladstone

Gladstone has it all when it comes to keeping the kids entertained these school holidays.

As the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, there are islands to hop and coral reefs to explore. But there’s so much more, too.

Known as Queensland’s engine room, kids can uncover the region’s significant maritime history and take tour on a LARK. And when they’ve conquered The Discovery Coast, head inland to hike spectacular sandstone mountains, wander ancient gorges and get up close with Aussie bush friends.

Island hop 

Did you know Gladstone is one of the closest access points to the Great Barrier Reef?

From 1770 (just south of Gladstone), 1770reef Great Barrier Reef Eco Tours will transport you to Lady Musgrave Island in just under 2 hours. The kids can explore this 35acre coral cay, snorkel its crystal clear waters buzzing with marine life and flourishing with coral, and join a glass bottom boat ride.

Want to sleep on the reef? Heron Island is a jewel of the Southern Great Barrier Reef islands worth exploring, and is just a 2.5hour cruise or 30 minute helicopter flight from Gladstone.

This coral cay is a nest for thousands of sea birds, and a sanctuary for nesting and hatching turtles. Kids aged 7-12 can join the Heron Island Junior Rangers program to learn about marine biology, conservation and help out with research projects, before putting their new knowledge to test while snorkeling on the reef.

Interested? Here’s your family-friendly guide to the Great Barrier Reef.

Activities for everyone

Gladstone City Council runs an activity rich school holiday program to keep kids of all ages busy.

Budding creators of all kinds will find fun workshops covering macrame, collage, eco printing and animation. There’s plenty of moonlight movie magic too, with public libraries across Gladstone hosting free screenings. Most activities are free or low cost, but bookings are essential.

Here’s a few more free activities you can do in the Gladstone area.

Jump on the LARC

Uncover the hidden gems of Eurimbula National Park with the eco-certified 1770 LARC! Tours. Prepare to immerse your family (literally) into Queensland’s unique birth history and spectacular coastal landscape in this this bright pink ex-military amphibious vehicle.

It’s a big day out with a visit to Bustard Light Station, lunch on a secluded beach, and if the views don’t leave you breathless, the thrill of sand-boarding on Middle Island surely will.

Dive into the history books

A visit to the Gladstone Maritime Museum will delight your little seafarers. Learn the history pre-Captain Cook right up to modern times, take a walk past the shipwreck wall, and jump onboard the HMAS Gladstone. Now at rest on anchor here in the East Shore Precinct, your kids’ imaginations will run wild as they captain the helm or discover the engine room.

Head inland for a different adventure on the water

Take a break from all the saltwater action and head 30km from Gladstone to freshwater fishing mecca, Lake Awoonga.

Two million barramundi have been released into Lake Awoonga, along with an annual replenishment of 300,000 mullet and barra. So there’s a good chance you’ll have luck casting in a line here.

Challenge the kids to beat the biggest barra on record weighting in at a hefty 36.5kg, and set up camp in one of the shelter sheds for a BBQ lunch. Afterwards, swim, paddle, kayak or ski, and keep an eye out for all the feathered, furry and finned friends that like to call to Lake Awoonga home.

Go totally wild

Head west from Gladstone to take your kids on a camping holiday of a lifetime. There are over 100 State Forests and National Parks to visit, 25 mountain ranges to tackle along the Boyne Valley and further afield; the Sandstone Wilderness routes.

Our pick? Kroombit Tops National Park. Set up camp beside the cooling creek waters and let nature work its magic on your school holiday soul. This pristine natural wonderland fuses sun dappled woodlands, lush rainforests and scrublands filled with walking trails and scampering wildlife, but will require a 4WD to access the more remote tracks and lookouts. Thrill the kids by exploring the WWII Liberator bomber that crashed at Kroombit Tops in 1945.

A little over two hours’ drive from Gladstone, Isla Gorge National Park is home to incredible hikes through a maze of ancient gorges. The gorges provide refuge and sanctuary for many rare plants and animal species so expect regular sightings, and an abundance of beauty found amongst incredible sandstone rock formations that dominate this outback landscape. You’ll spot wedge-tailed eagles soaring above the gorges and Peregrine Falcons making nests on their cliff faces.

A hop with a heart

Witness wildlife care and rehabilitation at work at Horizon Kangaroo Sanctuary, where the kids can experience an up-close encounter with rescued kangaroos.

Soak in the sublime views of Agnes Water from the sanctuary while you’re here. This is a great spot for a family camping adventure too!

Enrol in school

Your kids may gawk at the idea of going to school during school holidays, but this one promises to be a lot more fun.

Agnes Water's Lazy Lizard Surf School is a great way to introduce your kids to surf culture, stay active, and grow their appreciation for our oceans and beaches. The experienced coaches offer classes to suit all ages - so your kids will be standing proud in no time!