Did you say ‘I do’ at Lake Awoonga’s Castle Tower Lookout? Pop the question with a sweeping view? Or maybe you sealed a special moment with a love lock on the lookout railing?
Like it’s more famous Parisian cousin, the Lake Awoonga love locks are a romantic tradition where couples attach padlocks to the railing at Castle Tower lookout.
As we prepare to upgrade the Castle Tower Lookout, Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) needs to remove the locks from the railing.
This means it’s time for locals to reunite with their locks.
GAWB CEO Darren Barlow said the locks have become a quirky part of the lookout’s story.
“The locks started appearing on the railing at Castle Tower Lookout a few years ago, but as we prepare to upgrade the lookout area, we need to remove them so we can complete essential construction works,” Mr Barlow said.
“We love that Castle Tower Lookout has long been the backdrop for many local love stories, but the locks do need to go home to their owners,” he said.
Locals with a key to their lock have until 28 February 2026 to collect their locks from Castle Tower Lookout.
If you have lost your key, there will still be an opportunity to recover your lock. Please do not use any other method than your key to remove your lock.
GAWB will safely and carefully remove the locks at the end of February 2026 and relocate the locks to our head office at 136 Goondoon Street, where they will be available for collection until the end of August 2026.
The Castle Tower Lookout upgrade is part of GAWB’s long-term vision to upgrade and enhance the Lake Awoonga and Boynedale Bush Camp recreational facilities.
“Over the past five years, we’ve made significant improvements to the recreational areas including expanded facilities at Riverston Bay,” Mr Barlow said.
“Looking ahead, we’re also focused on extending the Four Mile Scrub to Boynedale Bush Camp Rail Trail, expanding the parklands at Ironbark Gully, and much more.
“It’s an exciting chapter for Lake Awoonga, and we can’t wait to welcome the community back to Castle Tower Lookout once these upgrades are complete,” he said.
Castle Tower Lookout event bookings are closed until further notice.