A Brief History
Before Europeans arrived to Australia, the Gladstone region was home to Toolooa, Baiali, and Meerooni Aboriginal groups. Captain James Cook sailed past Gladstone in 1770 after visiting nearby areas, and Europeans officially set foot in Gladstone in 1802. A convict colony was set up, but was unsuccessful and only lasted about two months. In the mid 1850s, more settlers arrived, which is when Gladstone began to form into the city you’ll see today when you book return flights to Gladstone. Throughout the 1800s and 1900s, a series of landmarks were built, which are now heritage-listed buildings, including the Glengarry Homestead, Kullaroo House, and Commonwealth Bank Building. Over the decades, Gladstone became a major player in the shipping and coal industries; by 1990, it was the second largest port in eastern Australia. Gladstone has become a thriving port city with so much history, culture, and natural beauty to offer visitors who book cheap flights to Gladstone.
Top Things to Do and See With Flights to Gladstone
Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef
After booking tickets to Gladstone, you can enjoy the beautiful southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. One of the top snorkelling spots is Heron Island – a coral cay that can be reached by ferry from the city. Heron Island is home to Heron Reef as well as a turtle nesting site where visitors have a great chance of seeing turtles while snorkelling or diving. Heron Brommie and the Blue Pools are other snorkelling and diving spots where you can see coral and a variety of marine life after arriving into Gladstone Airport (GLT).
Curtis Island
Curtis Island is accessible just off the coast of the city after your flights to Gladstone land. It’s home to Curtis Island National Park where visitors with return flights to Gladstone can see stunning landscapes and unique birds. 4WD tracks cover the island, taking you to various wetlands, beaches, and bush camping spots. You can see a variety of birds on Curtis Island, including lorikeets, sea eagles, and black swans. Book flights to Gladstone between October and March and you may be able to spot some turtles nesting and hatching on the island’s Turtle Beach.
Eurimbula National Park
Following your cheap flights to Gladstone, hop in a car to explore the incredible Eurimbula National Park. It covers a large area south of Gladstone that stretches from the ocean into the rainforest. Eurimbula is where Captain Cook arrived on his first journey to Queensland, offering an interesting history to the park. Camping is a popular activity in Eurimbula, as well as hiking, canoeing, and fishing.
Cafes and Restaurants
Outlook Cafe
This oceanside cafe is a favourite dining spot among locals. Visitors with flights to Gladstone can enjoy gorgeous views alongside a classic cafe menu that’s perfect for breakfast or lunch. Popular dishes to order at the Outlook Cafe are pancakes and waffles, egg dishes, burgers, and sandwiches. If you’re looking to grab a drink, the cafe also does great coffee and smoothies.
Rocksalt Bar and Restaurant
Rocksalt serves modern Australian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. If you’re just looking for a small bite after your cheap flights to Gladstone, the bar serves Spanish-style tapas alongside cocktails. The main dining room offers an à la carte menu featuring seafood, burgers, pasta, and steak. For an extra special experience after your flights to Gladstone, Rocksalt offers several prix-fixe menus which include entrees, mains, and desserts.
Lightbox
Lightbox is an espresso bar by day and a wine bar by night. It has a bright and sleek design that you can experience when you book cheap flights to Gladstone. An extensive breakfast menu is available in the morning, including acai bowls, pancakes, and eggs benedict. Later in the day, enjoy customer favourites such as charcuterie boards, tapas, or pizza with a glass of wine.
The Brass Bell
The Brass Bell offers contemporary à la carte dining to guests with return flights to Gladstone. Visitors can eat in the indoor dining room or on the open-air terrace. The Brass Bell specialises in seafood and steak and also offers three- and four-course menus to diners who book airfare to Gladstone.
The Dock at East Shores
The Dock is a modern Australian restaurant that has won an Australia Good Food Guide award for 2019. With a waterfront location, the Dock offers great views to accompany an extensive food and drink menu. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating as well as a beer garden that’s popular among locals and visitors with airfare to Gladstone.
