A Kiwi recommends ... the Southern Great Barrier Reef

Darryl Branthwaite says a day trip to Lady Musgrave Island is a must-do on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Photo / Tourism and Events Queensland

Each week a New Zealand expat based in Queensland gives the inside word on their region. Today we hear from Darryl Branthwaite from Raine & Horne in Gladstone.

Best beach? Tannum Sands.

Best walk? The TurtleWay.

Best adventure? Trips to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Best view? Round Hill Lookout in Town of 1770.

Must do? Day trip out to Lady Musgrave Island.

Famous for? Enormous barramundi (my best catch was 120cm and weighed 26kg) and its variety of inshore and offshore fish.

Best water activity? Fishing out at the reef.

Best place to swim? Agnes Water Beach.

TASTE

Best coffee spot? The Outlook Cafe on Auckland Point, which has views out over the harbour.

Best spot to get an icecream? The Great Australian Ice Creamery in Gladstone.

Best picnic spot? Canoe Point at Tannum Sands.

What's the best local produce? Mangoes.

Where should we eat? Tannum Sands Hotel.

Looking for something special for dinner? Scotties Bar & Restaurant in Gladstone.

Where to hang out when the sun goes down? The Gladstone Yacht Club.

PLAY

Best shop? Pat's Tackle World, Gladstone.

Don't miss ... The Boyne Tannum Hookup (huge family fishing competition with 4000 entrants).

Be one of the first to ... 4WD from the Boyne Valley over the range to Biloela.

It's worth paying for ... A trip on the LARC at Town of 1770.

Best sporting event to catch? The Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race every year at Easter.

Best cultural activity in the area? The Gladstone Multicultural Festival.

STAY

Best place to rest your head? Sandcastles 1770 Resort at Agnes Water.

Highly recommended accommodation? The Beach Shacks at 1770.

Favourite hotel near by? The Tree 1770.

RELAX

Best sunset view? Heron Island.

Best beach or park? The Millennium Esplanade at Tannum Sands.

Best place to be pampered? Heron Island's Aqua Soul Spa.