Agnes Water & Town of 1770? Two separate towns or the same coastal village? The answer depends on who you ask. In this case, we’ll treat them as part of the same region while respecting their independence. That said, Agnes Water & Town of 1770 is a wonderful place to visit along the Queensland Pacific Coast Way.
On its beaches, you can surf, kayak, paddleboard, swim, and hike. You can also enjoy nature by visiting its beautiful natural parks: Deepwater National Park and Eurimbula National Park.
But it’s not just about nature parks and the sea; Agnes Water & Town of 1770 is a historic site. It was at its headland that Captain Cook made his second landing in Australia. In fact, some say Queensland was born in Agnes Water & Town of 1770.
BEFORE YOU GO
General Information
These two neighboring towns are located on the subtropical stretch of coastline in the Gladstone region. Agnes Water & Town of 1770 are located north of Bundaberg, a 1.5-hour drive away.
The town’s name, Town of 1770, comes from Captain Cook’s visit in May 1770. As mentioned, this was his second landing in Australia and his first in Queensland. For this reason, it is considered the birthplace of Queensland.
The combined population of the two towns is 2,859 (120 in Town of 1770 and 2,729 in Agnes Water). The traditional owners of the area were the original Meerooni tribe, members of the Gurang nation.
When to Visit Agnes Water & Town of 1770
Like the regions spanning Brisbane to Agnes Water & Town of 1770, these towns can be visited year-round. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the summer months (December to February) will be warmer but with more rainfall. These months also coincide with the peak tourist influx due to the summer school holidays and the Christmas holidays.
It’s important to note that if you’re planning to do any ocean activities, especially swimming or snorkeling, you should avoid jellyfish season, which runs from November to May.
If you’re planning to visit Lady Musgrave to meet manta rays, they are much easier to see during the colder months of the year- from June to September.
Finally, if you go during whale season, you can easily see them from the seashore (June to November).
Visa to Travel to Australia
We know that the subject of visas can be somewhat confusing, especially for India, where obtaining one is an essential requirement for entry. In the article on how to obtain an Australian visa step by step (coming soon) you have information on how to apply for one online for up to 5 years.
Travel Insurance
It’s essential to travel to Australia with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular 5% IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well. You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
How to Get to Agnes Water & Town of 1770?
If you’d like to fly to Agnes Water & Town of 1770, we regret to inform you that it’s not possible, unless you have your own small plane. The closest airports to these towns are Bundaberg and Gladstone.
You can get to Agnes Water & Town of 1770 from these airports using the private services of 1770 Shuttle and Agnes Water/1770 Taxi & Shuttle.
Getting to Agnes Water & Town of 1770 by car or campervan is easiest following the Queensland Pacific Coast Way. These towns are 90 minutes from Bundaberg and Gladstone and 5.5 hours from Brisbane.
Similarly, there is a daily Greyhound bus connecting Brisbane with Agnes Water & Town of 1770. The bus takes almost 9 hours.
Finally, although we don’t recommend it, you can take the Tilt Train or The Spirit of Queensland train to Miriam Vale. We don’t recommend this because Miriam Vale is almost an hour’s drive from Agnes Water & Town of 1770. Once again, you’ll need to use private transportation.
Australia eSim with Internet
Nowadays, finding hotels, guesthouses, or restaurants with free Wi-Fi is pretty common. However, there are still those who prefer (or need) to stay connected at all times.
That’s why we’ll show you how to get an eSIM Australia card with internet— now also available with unlimited data.
WHAT TO SEE / DO
Surfing at Agnes Water Beach
Agnes Water Beach, located in Agnes Water, is perhaps the last opportunity you have to surf if you’re heading to Cairns along the Queensland Pacific Coast Way. It is the northernmost beach in Queensland where you can really surf.
If you’re still hesitating about learning to surf, then stop! Visit the Reef & Beach shop and learn to surf with real surfing professionals.
But this beach has more to offer. Wake up early and catch the sunrise. Trust us- watching the first ray of sunlight dance over the waves more than makes up for the pain of an early wake-up.
Stroll Along the Cape 1770 Viewpoint
At just 15 minutes long, the Cape 1770 Lookout, or Bustard Bay Lookout, is a must-see during your visit to this area. Located near the Town of 1770, this route takes you through incredible scenery. Stroll along the coastline through the native vegetation until you reach Cape 1770.
Along the way, you’ll cross enormous rocks, enjoy the native nature, and discover the numerous secret beaches beneath the steepest cliffs.
And once you arrive, from there, you can admire the views of Bustard Bay, with its blue waters and unusual coastline. Likewise, if you’re lucky, you might see dolphins, turtles, and… whales! Of course, only if you go during whale season.
Explore Chinaman’s Beach
A secluded, natural beach tucked away in the vegetation and far from the more touristy areas—Chinaman’s Beach is a true hidden gem. And with an intro like that, we bet you’re already tempted to visit… but there’s more- much more.
This beach is located south of Agnes Water and features soft sand mixed with rockier areas on the left end. It’s all complemented by crystal-clear waters, small natural rock pools, and plenty of fish swimming among them.
The beach is so beautiful that even sea turtles choose to lay their eggs there. This occurs between November and April (Thea: Marcos, I don’t think the reason is because the beach is so beautiful…).
Paperbark Forest Walk
What we’ve got for you here is nothing short of an amazing forest trail. The Paperbark Forest Walk is a path just over 400 meters long that takes you through a forest of melaleuca trees, with their cylindrical shapes and flower-covered branches. A true wonder you’ll only find in Australia, by the way.
Located near Agnes Water, don’t let its 400-meter length fool you- this trail is incredibly fun. It immerses you fully in the forest crossing wooden platforms, wading through water, hopping between stone platforms, and passing through wetlands.
Kayak, kayak, kayak… in Town of 1770
What’s the best way to explore an amazing waterway along the coast? For us, it’s always by kayak. We definitely wouldn’t miss the chance to go kayaking along the coast of Town of 1770.
Rent a kayak directly from the shore and pedal past the sandbanks, visit the anchored boats, and get lost among the mangroves. Just don’t venture out to sea; stay focused on exploring the interior of the bay. Oh, and if you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins and turtles in the shallower areas. We didn’t, though :(.
Off-Road Adventure through Deepwater National Park and Eurimbula National Park
Although we didn’t visit them (we already had our share of off-road adventures on Fraser Island), you can visit these two natural parks near Agnes Water. The best part? There you can experience a true 4×4 adventure.
If you want to experience beach driving, you can do so by driving along Deepwater Coast Drive and enjoying a quiet, peaceful beach. If, on the other hand, you want to test your off-roading skills, then dare to climb the hills of Eurimbula National Park and its bumpy roads. Which of the two will you choose?
TOURS
Day Tour of Lady Musgrave Island
Agnes Water & Town of 1770 is the closest access point to Lady Musgrave Island and therefore the best place to take a tour. The tour we recommend includes island walks, a glass-bottom boat, and 2-3 hours of snorkeling in the patrolled Lady Musgrave Lagoon.
All in all, a truly fantastic experience exploring the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef.
Town of 1770 Day Adventure
Want to explore both land and sea on the same day without changing vehicles? Then this tour is for you! Climb aboard the LARC amphibious vehicle. Basically, a duck-shaped boat on wheels.
The tour takes you on the back of this curious duck through creeks, sandy beaches, 4×4 trails, and around the Town of 1770 and Bustard Bay. Then, it heads out to sea to Middle Island, where you’ll enjoy speeding through dunes and sand headlands. A fantastic tour to visit the main attractions of the Town of 1770.
Sunset Cruise in Town of 1770
Town of 1770 is famous for its sunsets (just check out our top accommodation recommendation and you’ll find out why). Who doesn’t want to watch the sunset on a cruise? And what if it’s on an amphibious vehicle?
Yes, the LARC duck is back, this time taking you on a more relaxed tour along the Eurimbula coast and Round Hill Creek. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, dolphins, native birds, manta rays, and turtles. All under the magical light of sunset. Sounds good, right?
SLEEP
Where to Stay in Agnes Water & Town of 1770?
Budget
The budget option we like the most in Agnes Water & Town of 1770 is Cool Bananas Backpackers in Agnes Water. This hostel offers double rooms, a shared kitchen, surfboard rentals, and even surf lessons.
A very sociable hostel, just a 5-minute walk from the beach and with a great surfing atmosphere, the ideal hostel to finally learn to surf, hahaha.
Standard
If you’re looking for more private accommodations without breaking the bank, we recommend Mango Tree Motel. This motel offers private rooms, a bathroom, refrigerator, and microwave, as well as private parking.
The best part is its location- just a short distance from attractions and the bus stop.
Premium
Sunset Cabins in Town of 1770 is our recommendation for an unforgettable night in the region. This option offers a luxurious beachfront apartment with ocean views and a spectacular sunset view from your balcony.
We especially recommend it for couples on their honeymoon…
Camping
Camping topics, let’s see… If you want to camp at a luxurious holiday park-style campsite with everything you could want while sleeping in your caravan, then 1770 Camping Ground in Town of 1770 is your choice. If you want the same but in Agnes Water, then we recommend NRMA Agnes Water Beach Holiday.
If you want to camp your vehicle at a more affordable but still well-equipped campsite, then Captain Cook Holiday Village is the place for you. Another option is 1770 Eco Camp near Agnes Water. This was our choice, although we didn’t like it very much, as the camping areas were quite uneven and narrow, especially in the unpowered areas.
Finally, there is no free camping in Agnes Water & Town of 1770, but if you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can find accommodation at one of the national park campgrounds in the region.
Eurimbula Creek Campground in Eurimbula National Park and Wreck Rock Camping Ground in Deepwater National Park are only accessible by off-road vehicles, and with the fuel they burn, you might be better off choosing a holiday park.
TIPS
How to Get Around
The best way to get around these two towns is by car, as it allows you to visit all the attractions without any problems. Furthermore, both towns have plenty of parking available, so finding a spot won’t be too difficult. The towns are about a 5-minute drive from each other.
Unfortunately, there is no public transport connecting Agnes Water with the Town of 1770. If you don’t have your own car, you’ll need to use the private services 1770 Shuttle and Agnes Water / 1770 Taxi & Shuttle.
Although it may sound crazy, you can walk from Agnes Water to the Town of 1770. It’s about 5 kilometers long and the route is well signposted. The total route will take about an hour. However, you’ll have to walk close to the road. For this reason, the best option is to rent a bike and take the same route, but in just over 20 minutes.
How Many Days to Spend There
You will need at least 5 days if you want to visit all the attractions in Agnes Water & Town of 1770. However, if you’re traveling the Queensland Pacific Coast Way, we recommend spending 2 days, one dedicated to kayaking or SUP and the other to seeing some of the attractions. You can also add an extra day if you want to visit any of the islands.
Final Assessment and ‘conmochila’ Tips
We actually quite liked Agnes Water & Town of 1770. In some ways, it reminded us of Noosa Heads, but much less touristy. That alone makes it worth a visit.
Whether you’re a fan of kayaking or not, we recommend renting a kayak during your trip to Agnes Water & Town of 1770. We loved it, and we think you will too. We rented one for three hours and by the end of it, we were left wanting more. We’ll leave it to you to decide.
If I talk so enthusiastically about kayaking, you can already imagine what my favorite activity was during our visit to Agnes Water & Town of 1770. Thea’s favorite spot, on the other hand, is Cape 1770, especially one of its secluded beaches that you can see on the way there.
And as always, at the end of this guide, we’ve provided a series of recommendations and common-sense tips to help you make the most out of your visit to Agnes Water & Town of 1770.
- If you’re driving on the beach at Deepwater National Park, you can check out our post on “How to Drive on Fraser Island Beach”; the same rules apply.
- I can’t stress this enough: bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- If you rent a kayak, a helpful tip is to wear sunglasses so you don’t get blinded by the reflection in the water.
- Remember, Agnes Water & Town of 1770 is the last official surf destination on your trip to North Queensland.
- If you’re traveling alone and without a car, the lack of public transportation in the area can make getting from one place to another very difficult or expensive. Try visiting a backpacker hostel in the area like the one we recommend, and maybe you can meet like-minded people and share taxis or minibuses.
Map
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Agnes Water & Town of 1770.
