Your passport to the Southern Great Barrier Reef
Escape the chill of South East Queensland this winter and head up the east coast to Gladstone where you’ll find an abundance of secluded anchorages every mariner deserves to know about!
Centrally located and just a short cruise to the pristine Southern Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone Marina is perfectly positioned to help you refresh, relax, and explore the sheltered anchorages, tropical islands, and colourful coral reefs in the area.
Natural beauty abounds along the spectacular inshore anchorages, and with memorable spots such as Yellow Patch, Pancake Creek and Rodds Harbour only a short sail from Gladstone Harbour, you’ll be spoiled for choice. So get ready to anchor down, try your hand at fishing or simply soak in the scenery.
INSHORE ANCHORAGES
The coastline around Gladstone Marina provides plenty of opportunity to explore, with sheltered anchorages boasting intimate bays, sparkling water, and views of stunning unspoilt beaches and wilderness wetlands.
PARADISE AT PANCAKE CREEK
Pancake Creek is located approximately 30NM south of Gladstone, with high tides guaranteeing access for most vessels. It lies in the lee of Bustard Head and is a truly wonderful anchorage known for its wilderness and natural beauty. There are a number of environmentally friendly moorings available for public use. Take time for a stopover and explore the Bustard Head lighthouse and surrounds. The crabbing up the creek is excellent – a feast of freshly caught mud crabs, watching the sun go down on your back deck, is a fabulous way to finish your day!
DRAMATIC YELLOW PATCH
Yellow Patch is a beautiful anchorage on the northeast end of Curtis Island.
Named after the towering yellow sand hill, it creates a dramatic backdrop to the anchorage. The climb up the sand hill provides some exercise and a stunning view over the entrance, anchorage and on a clear day, all the way to Great Keppel Island. The entrance is tidal — check your charts and tides, and watch your depth among shifting sandbanks.
Anchorages such as Yellow Patch and Pancake Creek are synonymous with Central Queensland east coast cruising and are must-visits on any cruiser’s itinerary.
SHELTERING IN RODDS HARBOUR
West of Pancake Creek is Rodds Harbour, offering deep water access and plenty of sheltered anchorage. Turkey Beach has a boat ramp, pontoon, and a tidal swimming enclosure. The Turkey Beach general store is a short walk from the pontoon and can cater to most needs. The region is renowned for its national parks, dugong sanctuary, fishing, and crabbing. So, make sure you keep your eye out for dugongs and dolphins when cruising in; and when you anchor up, be sure to throw in a line to catch a fish for dinner – it won’t get any fresher!
CRUISING GLADSTONE HARBOUR
Gladstone Harbour and Port Curtis provide numerous anchorages and shelter, where you can anchor for a relaxing lunch only a short cruise from the Gladstone Marina. Popular anchorages are off Oaks Beach, South End, Farmers Point and Gatcombe Heads.
Curtis Island is a bird-spotters heaven, with jabirus, herons, brolgas, sea eagles, wood ducks, black swans and the rare Yellow Chat all inhabiting the island. Stroll around and immerse yourself in its beauty or simply enjoy your very own tropical anchorage from the comfort of your vessel.
Grahams Creek is a large tidal inlet at the beginning of The Narrows, which extends into Curtis Island roughly 5NM eastward towards the coast. It is a good point to wait for tidal passage through The Narrows or seek shelter from inclement weather. Black Swan Island and Targinie Creek, behind Kangaroo Island, are also excellent options at the Gladstone end of The Narrows. This entire area is known for its impressive fishing and crabbing.
WARM AND WELCOMING AT GLADSTONE MARINA
Plan your adventure with help from the knowledgeable and friendly staff at Gladstone Marina. Anchor down in our comfortable, world-class marina, experience our award winning parklands and explore our region’s hidden secrets.
Our range of facilities include large berths and berthing assistance; a daily courtesy bus; private marina amenities including laundry, toilets and showers; a dedicated lounge area; and acres of parklands and kilometres of walking trails. A number of harbour side cafes and restaurants offer delicious menus and locally brewed beers, making Gladstone Marina the perfect place to truly experience what this amazing region has to offer.
Contact the Gladstone Marina office on 07 4976 1399 to start planning your next adventure.
Gladstone Marina is proudly operated by Gladstone Ports Corporation. For more information, visit www.gpcl.com.au/marina
