Lake Awoonga's mothering city, Gladstone, is only a short drive, 25 kilometres from Lake Awoonga. Gladstone is a prospering city, with rich port development offering vast opportunities for the city and its people. A natural deepwater port presents huge export potential to the city, and its protected harbour and array of scattered islands is a major focus for visitors, families and fisherman to spend valued time. A ferry service operates to transport people and vehicles to nearby Facing and Curtis Islands for camping and fishing. Gladstone is known for its abundance of tasty seafood and it can all be enjoyed in the relaxing surrounds of the Gladstone Marina.

World renowned diving and reef getaway, Heron Island Resort is accessed from Gladstone marina via a fast cat, or helicopter which travels daily to Heron Island. A successful and historic reef fishing charter boat fleet operates out of Gladstone and has been a booming industry for over 30 yrs. Extended, pre-organised Swain Reefs fishing trips run weekly from about March to December.

Daily flights from major capital cities arrive in Gladstone from northern and southern centres, allowing quick and easy arrival and departure opportunities. Taxi services, hire cars and accommodation are plentiful and all accomodation is accessible within a short time period of the airport.

The coastal neighborhood of Tannum Sands and Boyne Island are located between Lake Awoonga and Gladstone. They are a tiny drive off the highway and offer great locations for swimming, dining, accommodation and general relaxation. Beaches, creeks, picnic areas, look outs and freshwater showers are all on offer and are a popular place for visitors and locals.

The Town of 1770 and Agnes Waters are about the southern end of the Gladstone and coastal regions. Captain Cook landed here in 1770. A holiday and relaxed environment is par for this region with surf beaches and holiday accommodation offered. Reef trips are available for those who are keen to visit, fish or dive in the deep blue. The beaches of Agnes Waters and the local area are well known along the Queensland coast.

The back roads out of Gladstone pass through a big portion of both grazing land and improved pastures. Cultivated lands with wheat, sorghum and both beef and dairy cattle being the main attraction the further west and southwest you drive. National parks and state forests exist and can be driven to in 4wd vehicle. Gladstone has a lot to offer to all types of people.