Self Drive Itineraries

All Day - 30 kms  Self Drive 1 ( Adobe Acrobat - 62.736KB )

1. Port of Gladstone and The Marina:  Named Port Curtis by Matthew Flinders, Gladstone's harbour is Queensland's busiest.  The Marina is a modern anchorage for small craft, yachts and a fishing fleet.  It is the departure point for Heron Island.
2. Auckland Hill Lookout:  The William Golding Memorial Lookout atop Auckland Hill offers a fine view over Port Curtis and the Gladstone Marina as well as Curtis and Facing Islands.
3. City Centre:  In the friendly city centre is the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum, one of the finest in provincial Queensland.  Nearby is Peps Pottery and the Potters Place, prominent local art and craft centres.
4. Barney Beach:  The city's birthplace - Gladstone's first settlers landed here in 1847.  It is also the location of the city's earliest grave, with historical plaques marking points of interest.  A floating tidal enclosure makes for safe swimming.
5. Queensland Alumina:  A specially constructed lookout with information boards, provides a panoramic view of the world's largest bauxite processing plant.
6. Tondoon Botanic Gardens:  One of the few totally native gardens in Australia, this parkland features a lake and the Mt Biondello Bush Walk.  Pop next door and experience one of the delights of the Region at Gecko Valley Winery and the Rose Garden Cafe.
7. Round Hill Lookout:  It is a short ascent up Round Hill for a magnificent view of the Gladstone Region, although this route it not suitable for caravans.  Look south to Boyne Island and Tannum Sands, east to the harbour and north to the City Centre.
8. Callemondah:  In one of the city's industrial areas you will find the Auckland Creek Environmental Zone.  This drive takes you close to the NRG Gladstone Power Station, the State's largest power station.

Self Drive 2 - Gladstone To Biloela via The Boyne Valley and Monto

3 - 4 hours - 300 kms Self Drive 2 ( Adobe Acrobat - 134.764KB )  

1. Calliope River Historical Village:  Learn about the Region's early history as you stroll around the impressive collection of relocated and restored heritage buildings, including a school, church and pub.
2. Calliope Township:  Now surrounded by farms and beautiful hinterland landscapes, Calliope was once a bustling gold mining centre.  The area boasts historic homesteads and two country pubs.
3. The Boyne Valley:  Here you'll find attractive country towns like Nagoorin and Ubobo.  Alongside the Boyne River are several picnic spots.  The townships of Builyan and Many Peaks were once prosperous gold mining centres.  The pub at Many Peaks is famous for its excellent counter lunches, available on Sundays.
4. The High Country:  From Many Peaks, you'll travel along mountain roads past the Kalpower State Forest.  It has lookouts, short walking tracks and camping facilities.
5. Monto:  The beef and dairy industry keep Monto ticking over, but it also has wonderful natural attractions like nearby Cania Gorge National Park.  It is suitable for a day visit or a longer stay at the Tourist Park.
6. Biloela:  North of Thangool is the turn off for Mt Scoria Conservation Park with its unique basalt formations.  Pioneer Place features a pictorial record of the Region's history.

Self Drive 3 - Gladstone To The Discovery Coast via Boyne Island and Tannum Sands