This is one of Australia s few totally botanic gardens and the display areas specialize in the plants of the Port Curtis region and Far North Queensland. Tondoon Gardens is part of a conservation strategy to ensure that the nation's environmental heritage is passed on to future generations. The gardens are approximately 8 kms from the city centre, and extend over 55 hectares. The dominant feature of the site is Mount Biondello which forms the northern and western boundaries, and, together with its foothills, encloses and protects the lower valley creek flats where the main display and lake are located. In order to enhance the garden's facilities further, a visitor information centre, kiosk and amenities building were constructed.
Visitors can now enjoy a very unique setting to relax on wide open timber decks.
Regular weekend tours have recently been introduced and are proving to be a great success. These tours are conducted by trained volunteers at the gardens. The gardens have extensive family recreational areas for picnics and barbecue facilities are also available. The Gladstone Entertainment Centre, a modern Performing Arts Complex, forms the focal point of the city' s cultural activities with facilities to perfectly showcase any major presentation or convention. Situated in the heart of Gladstone's business centre, the complex enjoys close proximity to first class accommodation centres, shops and restaurants.