GLADSTONE Gladstone is situated between the between the two river mouths lies the deep water harbour for which the city owes its existence. The HM Bark Endeavour, under the command of James Cook, sailed by the entrance to Gladstone Harbour under the cover of darkness. Matthew Flinders, during his 1801- 1803 circumnavigation of Australia, became the first recorded European to sight the harbour in August 1802. A colony was eventually established at Port Curtis. Colonel George Barney's expedition was eventful. On January 25 1847, the Lord Auckland , carrying 87 soldiers and convicts, arrived off the southern entrance of Port Curtis and promptly ran aground on shoals off the southern tip of Facing Island. The fledgling town was named after the British Statesman William Gladstone. Gladstone is a classic ‘workers’ town that is clearly present to the visitor. Not quite polished on any front. Downtown no longer exists, with all significant retail having moved west. The ‘old’ in Gladstone has given way to the modern and practical. Pleasingly there are efforts in place to protect the remaining heritage. The Gladstone War Memorial is of the modern design. The Maritime Museum is in its infancy and has restricted entry. The Churches of Gladstone are of the modern era. The Catholic and Anglican are nice structures. Old pubs have given way to the modern design. Gladstone has a lot to offer and it is important for the visitor to allow ample time (days) to enjoy.