Gladstone glow-up: how this Queensland town is reinventing itself

Hit the road to Gladstone, in Central Queensland, to discover local beaches, brews and a city changing its tune.

I haven’t been to Gladstone since I was about 11, one of four kids crammed in the back of a VW kombi van. My dad, an English subject master, encouraged us to make up a sing-song of the place names as we bounced along the Bruce Highway to Brisbane. It was both a game and geography lesson.

Rockhampton, Marlborough, St Laurence too
Carmila, Clairview, skies so blue
Gladstone, Miram Vale, the sun breaks through
Gin Gin and Bundaberg we’re coming for you

The staccato tune has stayed with me ever since. And returning to Gladstone, Traditional Lands of the Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda peoples, after all these years made me nostalgic for those carefree east coast road trips of my childhood.

Gladstone’s glow-up: a new era for Central Queensland

an aerial view of the pool at Peppers Gladstone — The property has a heated pool.

Gladdie, as the town is affectionately known, is again on my radar thanks to the Peppers Gladstone property that opened here in February 2025. Peppers Gladstone shares its footprint with Mantra Gladstone and marks the first new-build hotel to open in the region in more than a decade. It is, says general manager Craig Conley, a clear sign that Central Queensland is evolving as a place to linger.

the bathroom at Peppers Gladstone — Earthy interiors at Peppers Gladstone. (Image: Toby Scott)

“Peppers Gladstone has helped put the town on the map," says Craig. “And, being a dual-branded property, it offers guests a choice between the familiar comforts of Mantra and the elevated experience of Peppers," he says. Craig says Accor, in collaboration with Yaralla Sports Club, launched the five-star hotel to provide a five-star accommodation option for visitors in town on both business or leisure.

pool bar at Peppers Gladstone — The Pool Bar at Peppers Gladstone.

The property speaks to its locale. There is the indoor-outdoor space near the pool and terrace designed for all seasons. And each room is themed – Outback, Coastal, City, Rainforest – reflecting the diversity of the surrounding landscape. We’re in an Outback room, which is all earthy tones and textured wallpaper, and a reminder that we’re deep in the agro-industrial Queensland countryside.

Industry meets evolution in Gladstone

the Boyne River estuary, Tannum Sands — Boyne River estuary meets the ocean at Tannum Sands. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Mark Fitz)

You can’t tell the story of Gladstone without acknowledging its role as a major export hub for billions of dollars’ worth of coal and liquid natural gas. It’s a town that was built around heavy industry. And this Accor property is designed to accommodate some of the executives who are visiting Gladstone, one of the largest bulk commodity ports on the planet. And while the Port of Gladstone Harbour Tour is one of the most popular tours in town, visitors to the region should also widen that circle to include its abundance of pristine beaches – Tannum Sands, Agnes Water, Seventeen Seventy – untouched islands and subtropical hinterland.

an aerial view of the coastal town of Seventeen Seventy, Gladstone — The coastal town of Seventeen Seventy. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jesse Lindemann)

Craig is somewhat of an evangelist for the area’s attractions and says the Peppers property is a great example of the area’s evolution. “The Peppers experience is about community and connection. It feels like a hub for the local community," Craig says.

The best place in town for a pint

food and drinks at Ward’s Brewery, Gladstone — Ward’s Brewery is the city’s only brewpub.

Ward’s Brewery is also a top spot to test the barometer of this true-blue borough. Today, there are young families gathered to celebrate a baby shower around a table decorated with balloons. A group of FIFO bros clad in high-vis vests sinking schooners to mark the end of a stint in the mines. And a couple of grey nomads glued to the pub’s big-screen promotion of Lady Musgrave Island and the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

After living and working in London for 23 years, owner Michael Comley returned to his hometown of Gladstone pre-Covid. He says the pandemic gave him time to ponder his next move: to open the city’s only brewpub in the old soft-drink and cordial factory owned by his family.

Ward’s Brewery Founder, Michael Comley — Founder of Ward’s Brewery, Michael Comley.

“I grew up in the house next door," smiles Michael, in between pulling pints and delivering food around the brewpub, decked out with local artwork, historic photographs and memorabilia. “My family owned the soft drink business from 1974 and the property was sitting empty when I returned, so I felt it was my duty to revitalise it," he says.

The hum of friendly chatter says a lot about Gladstone and the brewpub’s place and position in the community. Ward’s has a rotating list of seven craft beers on tap and a menu of pub grub such as chicken wings burnished orange with spice. And lamb kofta served on tortillas slathered with hummus and stuffed with salad.

“I’ve lived all over the world, and I’m proud to be from Gladdie," Michael says. “The surrounding areas are all on the map for visitors and now it’s finally Gladstone’s turn."

While the region is best known for nearby boom towns Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy, it is now time to raise a pint of Ward’s award-winning pale ale – it clinched gold at the Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards – to exploring the country’s lesser-known contours. Cue the chorus… Gladstone, Miram Vale, the sun breaks through, Gin Gin and Bundaberg we’re coming for you…

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

Gladstone is about a six-hour drive north of Brisbane. Qantas offers direct flights from Brisbane to Gladstone with a flight time of about one hour and 10 minutes.

Staying there

Stay at Peppers Gladstone, where you can dine at Encore and watch your favourite team on the big screen at the adjacent Yaralla Sports Club.

Eating there

two women clinking their cocktail glasses at Gladstone Marina — Raise a glass at the waterfront marina.

Sample local beers at Ward’s Brewery , housed in a century-old cordial factory and serving craft beers and a menu of small bites and bigger plates. Enjoy pub grub and water views at Auckland House , which is open for breakfast and serves an all-day menu from 11am.

Playing there

a family heading to Gladstone Marina in the East Shores precinct — Gladstone Marina in the East Shores precinct. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Mark Fitz)

Join a Port of Gladstone Harbour Tour or visit the Gladstone Maritime Museum to learn about the city’s importance as a port and maritime history.

Gladstone Marina from above — Gladstone Marina offers access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Mark Fitz)

Take a stroll in the city’s open spaces, along the Millennium Esplanade at Tannum Sands, which has a playground and barbecues, and East Shores Parklands, which includes Gladstone Marina and has a waterfront boardwalk, green space, barbecues and a water play area.

the Tondoon Botanic Gardens, Gladstone — Tondoon Botanic Gardens celebrates biodiverse regional plant species.

Visit the 83-hectare Tondoon Botanic Gardens, which has 3000 plant varieties, a Japanese tea garden, sculptures, a herbarium and a lake. Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy are also worth the detour.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.