Hotels in Gladstone, Queensland, Australia

Gladstone, pronounced as /ˈɡlædstən/, is a coastal settlement and the largest town, in the Gladstone Region of Queensland in Australia. The city is home to the Port of Gladstone, Queensland's biggest multi-commodity port and Australia's fifth-largest. It is the fourth-largest coal-exporting terminal in the world. Rules Beach is the ideal place to chill, discover, and unwind, with the southern Great Barrier Reef and many kilometres of pure white sand beach right on your doorstep.

Accommodation in this metropolitan city is reasonably priced and budget-friendly. You can find great deals with facilities offering free parking and an outdoor pool in many outlets. Lodging options range from hotels to lodges to apartments. You'll also find inns and motels. A good number of accommodation facilities are set in tranquil, peaceful surroundings with some close to the beach.

Neighbourhoods of Gladstone

These are some of the suburbs that make up the city with some of their unique features.

• Glen Eden: This is a suburb on the city's outskirts, located on the southern side. The town centre is easily accessible through this quiet, highly sought-after neighbourhood.
• Gladstone Central: This neighbourhood is the coastal suburb of the area, the city's central business district, the Regional Council's seat and historic centre.
• Kin Kora: This neighbourhood hosts residential homes, cabin accommodation, camping grounds and a caravan park. About a third of the residents are renters.
• Clinton: This neighbourhood hosts the Clinton State School, Gladstone Airport and The Port Curtis Lawn Cemetery.
• Callemondah: This is a coastal suburb and home to the Port of Gladstone. The boat harbour offers scenic views.
• Barney Point: This is the beachside neighbourhood of the municipal. It hosts the only swimming beach in the city.

What to see and do in Gladstone

• Great Barrier Reef: Enjoy a vast 2,300 kilometres of coral and other various marine life. Snorkel or surf in the bountiful crystal-clear waters and enjoy the sandy shores of Royal Beach.
• HMAS Gladstone II: This decommissioned navy patrol boat is the Maritime Museum's centrepiece.
• Aquatic Centre: This centre provides a community area thriving with activity and leisure facilities combined with year-round swimming facilities.
• East Shores: This recreational precinct is a world-class facility that offers a playing area, spray ground and park ideal for all ages.
• William Golding Memorial Lookout: This facility was built to commemorate the city's gold mining history and offers an observatory near the sea.
• Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum: Enjoy the lovely art pieces created by local artists in this former town hall.
• Spinnaker Park: This park offers ideal grassy grounds suitable for picnics, events, birthdays and barbeques. It has public amenities and sheltered seating areas.

What to eat in Gladstone

The region is renowned for its weird and wacky eateries, offering unique cuisines. Some local favourites include stuffed chicken breast, chicken parmies, Nutella-injected doughnuts, meat pies, and the seafood platter (baby octopus, oysters, bacon and prawns). Other popular food types include stuffed mushrooms, crispy skin pork belly, Lamb shoulder and Turkish kebabs.

Typical events and festivals in Gladstone

• Under the Trees Music and Arts Festival: Held in September, this event provides a setting for attendees to awaken their senses of taste, sight, touch and sound.
• A Taste of Ireland: This event occurs in May, delivering sensational music and dance performances in honour of Irish culture.
• Weekly Parkrun: This timed walk or run that stretches over five kilometres take place each Saturday.
• Discovery Coast Rotary Markets: This market provides a cool, relaxed atmosphere and an opportunity to purchase items at great bargains for a worthy cause. It is held every second and fourth Sunday monthly.
• Beach Arts Music (BAM Markets): Held monthly on the first Saturday, this event is a free community gathering where people come together to enjoy great music.

How to move around in Gladstone

The most common public transport option is the local bus service offered by various operators within the region. You may also use a taxi to get around or hire a car rental.

The climate in Gladstone

The climate in this destination is ideal for travel any time of year. Temperatures range between highs of 31°C (87.8°F) and lows of 22°C (71.6°F) from December to February, the hottest months. The coldest season is experienced between June and August with highs of 24°C (75.2°F) and lows of 14°C (57.2°F). It rains throughout the year, with an average of two to eight days of rainfall each month. The most precipitation is seen from December to February.