Gladstone & Surrounds

MIRIAM VALE

The rustic Queenslanders lining the sleepy streets of Miriam Vale are a welcome sight for long-haul travellers and mark the gateway to the twin towns and clear waters of the Discovery Coast.

Miriam Vale is known far and wide for some of the best crab sandwiches anywhere in Australia and has been serving them up for more than three decades. Although if you need further proof, simply sneak a peek at the big, red crab perched proudly on the service station roof!

Just one street back from the highway is the green heart of town, where the heritage-listed fig tree stands silent guard over the popular parklands, an obligatory stop for the children (and the children-at-heart).

CALLIOPE

While the gold rush days have passed, you can step back in time and relive Calliope’s history at the Calliope River Historical Village, located a few minutes north of Calliope on the Bruce Highway. Home to an array of relocated and restored buildings from around the region, the Historical Village is a splendid location to take a break when travelling north or south along the Bruce Highway.

The Historical Village is open seven days a week for tours, drinks and snacks. However, it really comes alive on selected Sundays for the country markets.

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. 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.

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.

MOUNT LARCOM

Found just north of Calliope, along the Bruce Highway, is the township of Mount Larcom – a popular highway stop for travellers. Stretch your legs under the shady trees in the picnic area and why not enjoy a homemade pie from one of the local takeaway outlets.

For those who are up to the challenge, climb to the summit of Mount Larcom, Gladstone Region’s most prominent natural landmark and be rewarded by the uninterrupted 360-degree view of rural lands and the Gladstone Harbour. On a clear day, you will see reef islands to the east and Rockhampton to the north.