BOYNE VALLEY

The mighty Boyne Valley is made up of four small communities (Nagoorin, Ubobo, Builyan and Many Peaks) which have withstood the test of time. Only an hours drive from Gladstone these communities are dotted along the Boyne River which is at the heart of the valley. The scenic valley was put on the map by gold and copper in the late 1800s, but is now better known for its timber and agricultural industries. 

If you’re looking to get off the usual touring route, enjoy some authentic country hospitality and learn about the hard work and determination of early settlers. Their descendants will happily share a yarn with you over a cool drink at one of the general stores or pubs. 

The Boyne Valley Historical Society Cottage, located in the heart of Ubobo, provides interesting and informative personalised tours for those interested in reliving the history of the area. When driving through the valley, why not stop and unwind at picnic spots at Futter Creek or camp beside Lake Awoonga at Boynedale Bush Camp.

Access: There is convenient access via bitumen highway Number 69 from Calliope in the north or Monto in the south. Access is also available from Miriam Vale on the Bruce Highway, via the partly sealed Blackmans Gap Road over the Many Peaks Range.

FUN FACTS:

• Visit and stay at the Discovery Centre Ubobo
• Relive the area’s history at the Boyne Valley Historical Society Cottage
• Have lunch at the local pub - Grand Hotel Many Peaks
• Enjoy FREE camping at Boynedale Bush Camp
• Explore the heritage listed remains of Glassford Creek Copper & Gold Smelter Sites
• Attend the annual Boyne Valley Country Music Campout

GLADSTONE AND SURROUNDS

In the Gladstone Region we’re passionate about the water and marine activities.  It’s part of our lifestyle; and we’re proud to boast one of the highest boat ownerships per capita in Australia!  Our love for the sea is celebrated each year with the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, marked by the week-long Gladstone Harbour Festival.

Begin your Regional experience by venturing up one of our prominent lookouts at Auckland Hill or Round Hill, both offer 360 degree panoramic views of the City, Harbour, Islands and the magnificent Mount Larcom, the landmark that drew Lieutenant Matthew Flinders into our Harbour.  The shimmering water of Gladstone Harbour, and its surrounding marina parklands, continue to attract people to the city from around the globe and encourages further exploration of our remarkable Region. 

So come on, Be Surprised!

BOYNE ISLAND / TANNUM SANDS

Only a short drive south from Gladstone are the picturesque coastal communities of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands. Here you will experience a relaxed coastal lifestyle centred on superb beaches, riverside walkways, parklands and recreational activities.

With a population of close to 12,000, these ‘twin’ communities are linked by a bridge across the beautiful Boyne River. Boyne Island — the island you can drive to — offers a quality mix of residential, business, shopping, industry and environment where foreshore parks overlook boats, outrigger crews and fishing on the calm river waters.

The island is also home to Australia’s largest Aluminium Smelter — the State’s largest user of electricity. It employs 1,300 people to produce up to 558,000 tonnes of aluminium per year. You can learn more about this fascinating facility at the Smelter Visitor Centre.

With only a small variation in seasonal water temperatures, the waters of Tannum Sands and Boyne Island are perfect for year-round swimming. The area is a popular stopover for the winter ‘migration’ from the south!

FUN FACTS:

• Get active on over 15kms of pathway known as ‘The Turtle Way’, that winds beside the river and along the coastline.
• Enjoy a day of sun, sand and salt at Millennium Esplanade and Tannum Sands patrolled surf beach.
• Cast a line in the Boyne River and try your luck catching a BIG Barra.
• Visit the local Beach Arts Music (BAM) Markets held on the first Saturday of every month.
• Getaway for a weekend and go camping at Lilley’s Beach (permit required). 
• Discover the Boyne Tannum Turtle Way Artscape.

AGNES WATER / TOWN OF 1770

The picturesque seaside communities of Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 offer a diverse range of activities and experiences for your next holiday — including iconic Queensland beaches, pure national parks, access to the heart of the Southern Great Barrier Reef and so much more!

Famously known as the birthplace of Queensland, the Town of 1770 was named after Lieutenant James Cook and his crew from the ‘Endeavour’ who came ashore on 24 May 1770. Each year the town commemorates their history, by hosting the Captain Cook 1770 Festival which includes a foreshore re-enactment, followed by two full days of entertainment at the SES Grounds. 

The Town of 1770 is also the closest departure point for reef cruises to Lady Musgrave Island, as well as fishing charters to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For the camping enthusiast, four National Parks including Deepwater, Eurimbula, Mount Colosseum and Round Hill offer wilderness camping and hiking. 

Here the climate is best described as perfect, with more than 280 days of sunshine each year. Imagine swimming in crystal clear waters, unwinding on your own deserted beach, kayaking or kite surfing beside dolphins playing, sailing and bushwalking. This is the essence of Agnes Water and Town of 1770 — untouched, exclusive and pure!

FUN FACTS:

•  Agnes Water is home to Queensland’s most northern surf beach and is rated one of the most affordable places in Australia to learn to surf.
•  The Town of 1770 is one of only four places on the east coast of Australia where you can watch the sun rise and set over the ocean.