GLADSTONE Gladstone is the next town encounted if heading south towards Adelaide. Gladstone is a larger town than most on the highway. Gladstone is now a by-pass town and the changed traffic count has taken its economic toll. That said there is plenty to look at and admire and a stopover for Gladstone is essential. Wheat and sheep are the main farming produce of the region, but Gladstone has the largest inland grain storage facility in the Southern Hemisphere, storing wheat, barley, durum wheat, peas, faba beans and fiesta beans. Gladstone is also the home of Trend drinks, a local soft drink manufacturer, with a history dating back to 1876. Gladstone's main tourist attraction is the old Gladstone Goal, built between 1879-81 it was originally intended for inebriates, debtors and other prisoners, both male and female. Male prisoners worked in the market gardens outside the prison walls while female prisoners worked in the goal’s laundry. During World War II it was used for the internment of Germans and Italians, and later as a military detention centre before returning to public service. From 1953 the gaol was also used as a youth corrective centre. It was closed in 1975, due to its outdated facilities and re-opened to the public in the belief that the archaic prison would frighten children into avoiding a life of crime. It is now open to the public for tours, back-packer accommodation and is available for functions. The three main church denominations are century plus buildings. The Catholic and Anglican quite classic and grand. The two Gladstone Hotels are the classic two story corner pubs. The Gladstone War Memorial is simple but meaningful. There are a number of heritage buildings and the stroll on the main strip is enjoyable.