GLADSTONE
PORT CURTIS
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
A Spanish explorer, De Quiros, noted in his discovery of Great Southern Land back in 1606 a safe anchorage that later in 1840s has been named Port Curtis. At the same time a black diamond, coal, has been discovered here and the area was developed as a port to be able to ship the treasure.
The settlement of Port Curtis was named Gladstone in mid 1850s after the Colonial Secretary William Ewart Gladstone.
Now, Port of Gladstone is shipping coal and with Boyne Island and Tannum Sands, picturesque water front communities it is also a tourist destination.
Mt Larcum, some 600meters tall, is well visible from road or sea whichever way one approaches Gladstone. Nearby islands, Heron and Lady Musgrave are famous for their coral reefs and turtle breading colonies. Port Curtis region is full of history and natural treasures on land and is surrounded by scenic islands.
