Beaches of Gladstone Region

If venturing beyond the tourist trail sounds like your kind of holiday, then a visit to Rules Beach is a must! Located in the Gladstone region, Rules Beach is situated around 130km south of Gladstone’s CBD and 50km south of Agnes Waters and Seventeen Seventy.

With the southern Great Barrier Reef and several miles of pristine white sandy beach at your doorstep, Rules Beach is the ultimate location to relax, explore and unwind! This quaint beachfront town will have you zoning into Queensland’s laid-back way of life in no time.

4 WDriving on the sands of Rules Beach

The Beach extends between Baffle Creek and Broadwater Creek and is the only location in the Discovery Coast where you can legally drive a 4WD vehicle on the sand. As you make your way from the humble town centre towards the ocean, you will be welcomed by lush walkways that will lead you through to the secluded sands of the coastline.

The beach sits on a small strip of land that extends beyond the mainland. As you reach the tip of the sandy strip, you will have access to both the east and west side of the beach.

Accommodation in the area can be limited so make sure you get in quick! 

Located south of Gladstone and just a short drive from Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy, Turkey Beach is one of the last remaining ‘undeveloped’ beach townships in Queensland.

Turkey Beach is geographically the closest destination in Queensland to the Great Barrier Reef. With a population of just a few hundred, this coastal getaway is the perfect place to really get away from it all.’

Top things to do: 

• Turkey Beach is well known for its exceptional mud crabbing and fishing. Protected by Rodds Bay, this hidden paradise offers an abundance of creeks, mangrove inlets and estuaries that attract fishing enthusiasts from across the state. Drop a line and try your luck at catching a Mangrove Jack, Flathead, Bream and if you are lucky, Cod. 
• There are a number of quiet swimming locations around the town centre including a swimming inlet by the boat ramp and numerous stretches of sandy beaches beyond Rodds Harbour. Nearby Pancake Creek is also a local hot spot worth venturing to for a cool off dip.
• If you are travelling the Gladstone region by 4WD, one of our top picks for a little offroad adventure is Danube Track. The track begins a few kilometres from the town centre and will lead you through the stunning Eurimbula National Park. 

One of the reasons Lilley’s Beach is well-loved by locals is the fact that this pristine paradise can only be accessed by 4WD. The beach can be found on Boyne Island which, along with its twin town Tannum Sands, is situated around 25km south of Gladstone CBD.

Lilley’s Beach extends for 1.7 kilometres on the eastern side of Boyne Island. Access to the beach is by 4WD only at low tide and permits are needed to access this stunning hidden paradise. There are no facilities on the island so be sure to bring drinking water, cooking and camping attire and firewood along with you.

Top things to do: 

• The camping grounds offer direct beach access and walking trails through the surrounding rainforest and wetlands.
• The area is home to an array of marine and bird life and is well known for its excellent year-round fishing condition. Expect to spot Whiting, Trevally, Bream, Barramundi, Flathead and Turtles.
• With subtropical temperatures and fantastic swimming conditions all year-round, the beach itself is the perfect location to laze the day away whilst surrounded by unspoilt nature.  

Located south from Gladstone, Agnes Waters and Seventeen Seventy are the holiday playground of the mid coast between Bundaberg and Gladstone.

With beautiful surfing beaches Agnes Waters is Queenslands most recognised northerly surf beach that attracts surfers from the world over.

Book some luxury beachfront accommodation at 1770 or take a guided four wheel drive overnight tour around the region and camp on local islands.

Book a fishing tour to the Great Barrier Reef or book a snorkel tour out to Lady Musgrave Island or even a beautiful sunset kayak tour around the Sir Joseph Banks Conservation area.