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Boyne Island and Tannum Sands

The twin communities of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands are located just 15 minutes drive south of the Gladstone city centre and have grown in popularity due to their pristine beaches and small town vibe.

Boyne Island is located on the west bank of the Boyne River with the South Trees Inlet cutting it off from the mainland. The town stands beside its sister city, Tannum Sands, located directly across the river on the eastern bank.

Originally Boyne Island was used for sheep grazing, followed by small crops, horticulture, fishing and timber. Now Boyne Island is primarily a residential centre for the nearby Boyne Island aluminium smelter and Gladstone industries.

Australia’s largest aluminium smelter, Boyne Smelters Ltd., is located north of the town separated by a buffer zone.

The smelter has been in operation since 1982 and over time has undergone extensive expansion. The smelter underwent a A$1 billion expansion in 1997 introducing a third reduction line which increased aluminium production from 260,000 to more than 558,000 tonnes per annum.

The smelter is again undergoing significant modernisation with the re-building of two carbon baking furnaces with upgraded technology. The new furnaces will be more energy efficient and reduce onsite greenhouse gas emissions.

Boyne Island is also home to the Boyne Tannum Hookup, a popular fishing event held on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. This event attracts keen fisher-folk from around the country with more than 3,000 entrants signing up.

Tannum Sands has a surf beach with a Surf Club found along the main beach. It is one of very few surf beaches located in Central Queensland. The Millennium Esplanade winds along the beachfront providing locals and visitors with picnic shelters, barbecues and walking paths, as well as access to long stretches of sunny, sandy beach.

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