Day 18: 3/9/25, Gladstone.

 Day 18: 3/9/25,  Gladstone.

Gladstone is essentially an industrial town with several heavy industries present. This is mainly due to it’s deep water port and it’s relative proximity to coal and other mineral deposits. Bauxite is transported here by ship from Weipa and Gove (NT), coal is nearby, and a 549Km pipeline rings natural gas to be liquefied and then transported by ship to southern Queensland and the rest of the world.

 

The proximity of the Coral Sea and an extensive river system means boats are everywhere (Boyne River near Tannum Sands)
 

One of two bauxite refineries. On average QAL (this plant) produces about 11,000 tonnes of alumina each year.



Cargo ships waiting their turn to dock

More than 120 million tons of cargo comprising of 30 products pass through Gladstone Harbour each year.

The park overlooking the bauxite refinery

Industry puts a lot of money back into the community with parks, gardens and extensive community projects

Extensive docks keep the pilot and tugs busy

 

Pilot vessel going out to meet another ship

 

Ship leaving port


And the tug returning, they are kept moving regularly


 

 Gladstone power station is Queensland’s biggest with 6 coal powered steam turbines producing 1,600 MW of electricity. It doesn’t use cooling towers but instead uses sea water and heat exchangers to cool the turbines.

The extensive coal terminal


Grain is also exported from the port

One of the many marinas around Gladstone

 

 The first of many Wallabies we disturbed in our short forest drive.

Home to Blackbutt tomorrow, till next time, hope you enjoy this. 

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