Shaking things up this year? Looking to escape for the Easter break?
Well, allow us to share how you could spend a fab extra-long weekend – celebrated with seafood, sunshine and sailing on the Queensland coast.
For a start, you may have heard of a little large event called the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. It’s THE Easter tradition in Queensland… honoured by a huge five-day festival at the finish line in the Port City.
It kicks off on the eve of Good Friday, April 6, and carries on until Easter Monday, April 10, with prawn peeling comps, lavish long lunches, live music and a line crossing party. Head here for the full run down of events on during Easter in Gladstone, including the Gladstone Harbour Festival.
While a raft of entertainment is underway, several dozen yachts will be competing in the 75th Brisbane to Gladstone race – and are expected to cross the finish line within 24-48 hours, pending weather conditions.
Our tip? Get up early and check out sunrise at Patsy Lee Place in Gladstone – it’s the official finish line – and you might even catch a glimpse of the Gladstone Mayor carrying on the tradition of gifting a slab of local beer to participants as they sail in.
We recommend a stay at Gladstone Central Plaza. It puts you in the heart of town – perfect for getting amongst the festivities.
Keen to jet further afield? Well, Gladstone is the gateway to the southern Great Barrier Reef. A mere two-hour boat ride, or short chopper flight, takes you 70kms off the coast to Heron Island.
This coral cay is a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of marine life – you can snorkel, dive, swim or even SUP above the world’s largest reef. And come Easter – you’re a chance of witnessing turtles bubble up from the sand during hatching season. It is something magic. Book your stay on Heron Island’s website.
