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Tondoon Botanic Gardens: displays of all-native species of the Port Curtis region with free guided tours on weekends. Also offers a recreational lake and Mt Biondello bushwalk; Glenlyon Rd. Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum: local and regional art with history exhibitions; closed Sun; Cnr Goondoon and Bramston sts. Maritime Museum: artefacts and memorabilia document 200 years of port history; open Thurs and Sun; Auckland Pt. Potters Place: fine-art gallery and craft shop; Dawson Hwy. Gecko Valley Winery: tastings and sales of award-winning wines; closed Mon; Bailiff Rd. Barney Point Beach: historic beach including Friend Park; Barney St. Waterfall: spectacular at night when floodlit; Flinders Pde.

Capricornia Cays National Park This park, 60–100 km offshore from Gladstone, protects the 9 coral islands and cays that form the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. The islands are important nesting sites for seabirds and loggerhead turtles. North West Island has walking tracks through forests dominated by palms and she-oaks. The most popular activities are reef walking, diving and snorkelling in the spectacular reefs or visiting the renowned dive sites on Heron Island. The island has resort-style accommodation (maximum 250 people). Access is by private boat or charter from Gladstone; air access to Heron Island. There is seasonal closure to protect nesting wildlife. (07) 4971 6500 (same number for all national parks in the area).Boyne Island: with beautiful foreshore parks and beaches. Home to the Boyne–Tannum Hookup Fishing Competition in June. The Boyne Aluminium Smelter is Australia's largest and has an information centre and tours every Fri. The island and its twin town of Tannum Sands are linked by bridge; 25 km SE. Tannum Sands: small community offering sandy beaches with year-round swimming, picturesque Millennium Way along the beach and 15 km of scenic walkways known as the Turtle Way. Wild Cattle Island, an uninhabited national park at the southern end of the beach, can be reached on foot at low tide; 25 km SE. Calliope: small rural community with excellent fishing in nearby Calliope River with abundant mud crabs, salmon and flathead. The Calliope River Historical Village documents Port Curtis history in restored buildings and holds regular art and craft markets; 26 km SW. Lake Awoonga: a popular spot for swimming, skiing (permit required) and fishing. It has walking tracks and recreational facilities, and holds the Lions Lake Awoonga Family Fishing Festival each Sept; 30 km S. Mt Larcom: spectacular views from the summit; 33 km W. Castle Tower National Park: a rugged park of granite cliffs and the outcrops of Castle Tower and Stanley mountains. Only experienced walkers should attempt the climb to Mt Castle Tower summit, where there are superb views over the Boyne Valley and Gladstone. Access by foot or boat from Lake Awoonga; access by car from Bruce Hwy; 40 km S. Kroombit Tops National Park: this mountain park is on a plateau with sandstone cliffs and gorges, waterfalls and creeks. Drive the 90 min return loop road to explore the landscapes and walk to the site of a WW II bomber crash; 4WD recommended; 75 km SW via Calliope. Curtis Island National Park: at the north-east end of the island is this small park with a variety of vegetation and excellent spots for birdwatching. There are no walking tracks, but the 3–4-day hike along the east coast is worthwhile; access by boat from Gladstone or the Narrows. Great Barrier Reef tours: cruises depart from the Gladstone Marina; Bryan Jordan Dr.

Lake Awoonga 27 km

The jewel in the crown of the Bass to Barra Trail, Lake Awoonga is Queensland’s premier barramundi impoundment. Clean waters, the result of a largely undisturbed watershed, contain barramundi, mangrove jack,... Find out more

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Lake Callide 85 km

Built on upper Callide Creek, a Dawson River tributary 20 km east of Biloela (pronounced bilo-wela), this lake supplies cooling waters for the nearby coal-burning power station that’s part of the Boyne Island... Find out more

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Fitzroy River 91 km

Great fishing rivers flow through some of our best known cities: the Yarra in Melbourne, the Swan in Perth and the Derwent in Hobart, to name a few. One of the best city rivers I have come across is the Fitzroy, which... Find out more

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Cania Dam 93 km

Located close to Monto, Cania Dam holds yellowbelly, silver perch and Australian bass to 3 kg. Cania’s big drawcard though is the saratoga. Initially stocked with only 200 individuals, the saratoga have bred to a... Find out more

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Yeppoon 95 km

Yeppoon, about 30 mins drive north-east of Rockhampton, is the main port for visitors wanting to go to the Keppel Islands. In the harbour at Rosslyn Bay I met up with fourth-generation cattle producer Richard Wilson and... Find out more

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Waterpark Creek 116 km

Unlike its namesake Corio Bay at Geelong in Victoria, best known for its snapper and King George whiting, Corio Bay in north Queensland produces trevally, barramundi, threadfin salmon and a host of other tropical... Find out more

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Lake Monduran 127 km

Lake Monduran is near Gin Gin, a four-hour drive north of Brisbane on the Bruce Highway. Although it appears narrow, it has a surface area of 53 sq km and a holding capacity of 585 900 ML of water, which is about 1.6... Find out more

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Wuruma Dam 151 km

Situated 35 km north of Eidsvold, this 18 sq km little-known water contains Australian bass, barramundi, saratoga, silver perch, yellowbelly and sleepy cod. A Stocked Impoundment Permit is required. There is a large... Find out more

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Dawson River 159 km

Moura is a two-hour drive west of Gladstone. Better known for its prime cattle production and huge coalmines, the township and the nearby Dawson River is not exactly number one on most people’s list  of top... Find out more

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Lake Lenthall 216 km

Anyone who has read about the barramundi boom in Queensland’s impoundments will know about lakes like Awoonga, Faust and Callide. But there are many, less- known waters that also offer excellent fishing, and one of... Find out more

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Caving - Rockhampton 92 km

Escape the sunshine for a while with an hourlong, eco-certified tour of Capricorn Caves, 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton. These caves feature intricately sculpted formations and the tour includes an optional... Find out more

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Kayaking and canoeing - Hervey Bay and Fraser Island 229 km

Freshwater Kayaking Tours operates two gentle kayaking tours from Hervey Bay – one up the Burrum River, which includes lunch, and a bay tour, which includes snorkelling. On Fraser Island, Kingfisher Bay Resort has... Find out more

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Capricorn Resort (Championship course) 101 km

The late 1980s and early ’90s were days of a course building boom in Queensland, on the Gold Coast especially. But one developer, the Japan-based Iwasaki Group, chose a relatively isolated location near Yeppoon,... Find out more

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The Oaks 11 km

This campground has 35 sites for self-sufficient campers within a skip of Oaks beach on the north-west side of Facing Island. It is 2 km from the ferry drop-off point and suits self-sufficient campers. The island is 12... Find out more

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South End Settlement 12 km

South End Settlement is just over 1 km from the ferry drop-off point on Curtis Island and is suitable for small caravans and camper trailers. It’s an open grassy area with plenty of shade and 20 allocated... Find out more

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Lake Awoonga Caravan Park 25 km

Catching huge barramundi is easy at Lake Awoonga – or so the locals say. If you fancy yourself as an angler, this caravan park provides a comfortable base. Set on the lake’s edge, there are plenty of bonus... Find out more

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Sandfly camping area 36 km

This site for self-sufficient campers is on the western boundary of the national park. As the name suggests, sandflies and mosquitoes are a major problem here, so bring repellent and wear appropriate clothing.... Find out more

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Yellowpatch camping area (bush camping) 39 km

There is bush camping at the north-eastern end of Curtis Island at Yellowpatch, known for its bright yellow sand. It is suitable for self-sufficient campers, with no facilities on-site. It is gas/fuel stove only.... Find out more

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Masthead Island 59 km

Up to 50 people can camp at this site on the north-west corner of the island. Suitable only for self-sufficient campers, there are no facilities and no generators permitted. Masthead Island is known as an important... Find out more

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The Wall 61 km

This grassy clearing on the south bank of Annie Creek can be reached on the 4WD loop road near the bomber crash site. There is a maximum of 20 campers allowed, but no defined sites and no facilities.... Find out more

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Middle Creek camping area 62 km

About 35 km north-west of Agnes Water, there is 4WD access off the Eurimbula Access Rd. Campfires are allowed, but use current fire sites and bring firewood and water.... Find out more

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The Barracks camping area 64 km

The Barracks is 4 km south of the Tableland Road entrance. There is a maximum of 10 campers permitted at the site; no facilities are provided. While in the area, visit the lookout for excellent views over the Boyne... Find out more

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Divided Island 69 km

Self-sufficient campers can pitch at tent at this small campground. The maximum number of people permitted to camp at the site is 6; there are no facilities. The beach on the western side is a recommended spot for... Find out more

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BIG4 Barney Beach 2 km

This is a quality park with a good range of facilities and spotless amenities. It is in a quiet area away from the centre of town and just 80 metres from the beach. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Tannum Beach Caravan Village 17 km

Close to Gladstone and across the road from the beach, this spotless park with good facilities is ideal for a few days or convenient for an overnight stay. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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BIG4 Boyne River Tourist Park 19 km

This is a very good park with river and highway frontage. It has very good amenities and nice grassy areas all the way to the river. It is a very convenient overnight stop for those travelling the Bruce Highway or a good... Find out more

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Lake Awoonga Caravan Park 25 km

A picturesque park overlooking Lake Awoonga, this spot is 9 km from the Bruce Highway along a sealed road. The dam is stocked with barramundi, making it a popular fishing destination. There is a well-stocked shop with a... Find out more

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Seventeen Seventy Camping Ground 73 km

It is hard to resist the excellent, absolute beachfront location of this council-owned park. Here in a subtropical hideaway it is almost possible to tie the dinghy up to the caravan. The popular park has good basic... Find out more

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Bell Park Caravan Park 79 km

This is a great council park with large grassy areas on a picturesque coastline. Just walk over the dunes to the beach or stroll to the centre of town. There is a pool and playground beside the caravan park. Bookings are... Find out more

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Island View Caravan Park 84 km

This is a popular, good quality park opposite the beach, just 14 km south of Yeppoon. It is in a great holiday area; bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies over Christmas and Easter.... Find out more

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BIG4 Capricorn Palms Holiday Village 88 km

Set back from the coast this is a spacious quality park on a large parcel of land. There are extensive facilities and it is a great place for a holiday. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Mount Morgan Motel and Van Park 91 km

A very tidy basic park, ideal for an overnight stay or a few days in Mount Morgan, this spot allows you to explore the historic town from a very suitable base.... Find out more

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Southside Holiday Village 91 km

This is a quality park on the southern approaches to Rockhampton, 3.5 km from the city centre. Enjoy the heated swimming pool and the camp kitchen here. This is a good base for a stay in Rockhampton. Bookings are... Find out more

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Auckland Hill B&B

There are six ensuite rooms and one luxury suite with a spa bath in this large, award-winning heritage house built in 1874. Many rooms have harbour views and private verandahs, and the location in the heart of the... Find out more

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Rydges Gladstone Hotel

Gladstone’s largest hotel complex has a range of spacious and comfortable accommodation, from city-view and harbour-view rooms to executive suites and spa suites. It’s close to Gladstone Harbour and in the... Find out more

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Xenia Central Studio Accommodation

While the property is popular with corporate travellers, it is also family friendly and an affordable stop for holiday-makers. The studio rooms and suites have kitchenettes for self-catering, and the place is close to... Find out more

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Glassford Creek 
Station Farmstay

This working cattle station is family run and owned, and set in rugged mountains and bushland. Accommodation is guesthouse style, with shared bathroom facilities and all meals included. There is a variety of horses to... Find out more

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Wilson Island 90 km

Only six couples are allowed at a time on this tiny 2-hectare coral cay, staying in minimal-impact luxury tents with wooden floors. All power is provided by solar power and batteries, and the eco-accredited resort uses... Find out more

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Emeraldene Inn and Eco-Lodge, Hervey Bay 226 km

The 14 hotel-style rooms here, including two disabled rooms, have solar hot water and an envirocycle treatment system so that all sewage and greywater is treated and reused on site. The lodge has a solid environmental... Find out more

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Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island 248 km

With 1000 beds, and a choice of pools, restaurants and bars, this is the largest accommodation place mentioned in this book, but it has a longstanding reputation as being a positive role model for large ecotourism... Find out more

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Calliope River Rest Area 16 km

21 km N of Benaraby (L) or 30 km S of Mount Larcom (R) Large area located well off the highway on the banks of the river. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S23 57.675 E151 09.142... Find out more

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Boyne River Rest Area 20 km

31 km N of Bororen (L) or 1 km S of Benaraby (R) Large area just off the highway on the banks of the Boyne River. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S24 00.650 E151 20.433... Find out more

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Mount Larcom Park Area 28 km

North side of town Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S23 48.653 E150 58.802... Find out more

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Bororen Park Area 50 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S24 14.579 E151 29.756  ... Find out more

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Granite Creek Rest Area 95 km

63 km N of Gin Gin (R) or 36 km S of Miriam Vale (L) Large area just off the highway around some large trees. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S24 36.923 E151 40.098... Find out more

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Yaamba Rest Area 120 km

East side of town Large area just off the highway next to the roadhouse. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S23 08.114 E150 22.119... Find out more

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Gin Gin Rest Area 143 km

2 km N of Gin Gin (R) or 97 km S of Miriam Vale (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S24 58.456 E151 56.760... Find out more

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