Agnes Water and Town of 1770 are two gorgeous little towns in the State of Queensland, just 384 Km North of Brisbane. They are a "must to visit" and spend at least 3 days (1 week is the ideal).  I call the area unique in terms of tourist attraction in Australia, because, where else from the same place could you do things such as snorkel or dive at the Great Barrier Reef, sunbake in one of the many pristine beaches, surf very nice waves, see the untouched nature of 2 National Parks just around town, go fishing and crabbing in one of the best estuaries in Australia, or take an unforgettable tour to a far away lighthouse aboard an amphibious vehicle LARC  which rides all the way by the beach crossing rivers and creeks?

The Town of 1770 and Agnes Water are less than 6 Km apart. In reality, they are so close one from another, that there is not the sensation of changing towns. The Town of 1770 is historic, because it was there that on 24 of May 1770 Captain Cook first landed in Queensland, searching for fresh food and water, while Joseph Banks, the botanist on board, was entertained classifying and drawing unknown species of plants (there is a cairn with a plate at the location Captain Cook came ashore). 1770 ( Seventeen Seventy) as the Australians call the town, is much smaller and pristine than Agnes. It is squeezed between a beautiful green hill and the estuary that shows during low tide fantastic shapes and forms of its many sandbanks. It is not a town properly, but a single street with houses up on the hill, some of them doubling as accommodation. In 1770 there are only 3 places with facilities to buy food which are the Marina, the restaurant/bar, and a small shop with a few items at the Caravan Park. The double boat ramp is located just beside the marina (from where the LARC and Lady Musgrave Tour departures to Barrier Reef). The Sunset from the town of 1770 are simply breathtaking and the vibration and beauty of the place are unforgettable .

Agnes Water is a more built up place than the town of 1770. There is where most of the infra structure can be found, such as supermarkets, variety shops, police, petrol station, pharmacy, takeaway, real estate, butcher, bakery, tourist information,  liquor shop, pub, etc. On the highway just before Agnes, more facilities such as car mechanic, tyre shop, and hardware store are available to locals and visitors as well.  Agnes Water have an open ocean surf beach which is patrolled (life savers) during weekends, holidays and peak season. When the conditions are favourable, the point break as well as many peaks along the beach produces excellent surf (and it is the last surf place if you travelling North to catch decent waves). Most of the restaurants and accommodation are also located in Agnes or along the road to 1770.

Why should I visit The Town of 1770 and Agnes Water?

Both 1770 and Agnes Water have plenty of spectacular activities that cater for all ages but in special for families, backpackers, naturalists, adventurers, anglers, divers and surfers. Even the most expensive tour is a good value for money and many attractions are completely free or cost almost nothing. See below some of the most interesting things to do, and please, click on the active links for more information.

	Bustard Head - LARC Tour- An incredible day trip to the Bustard Head Lighthouse riding all the way on the beach aboard an amphibious vehicle. The tour crosses 4 creeks and climbs a steep hill only possible to be done by the LARC. Very fun tour to a historic place. Also, Sunset tours departing from 1770.
	Lady Musgrave Island- You don't need to travel up North to see, snorkel, or dive the Great Barrier Reef, because the Southern end is right here in front of 1770 and Agnes Water. A great daytour to one of the most scenic islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
	Kayak tours - From the 1770 estuary, just passing the Marina, you can explore the estuary and sand banks in a guided tour. Turtles, Dolphins, and marine birds are frequent spotted.
	Surf or Body board - Two points and endless peaks at the beach break right in front of Agnes Water produce good waves, or, if you have a car go to Spring Beach 5 Km to the right of Agnes (free). If you want to learn, there is Surfing School at Agnes that will teach you how to surf in a flash.
	Kite Surf - The predominant East-Southeast wind some times blows really strong creating the perfect environment for the sport on open sea or at the estuary (free). There is a Kite surf school for you to learn this fantastic sport.
	Fishing and Boating - At the Marina in 1770 you can rent a boat to have great moments fishing or crabbing the calm waters of the Estuary or, for a more serious offshore and reef fishing the MV James Cook have day fishing trips and multi-days charters. Hooked Adventures tours also does open see and reef fishing.
	Museum - Visit the small but great local museum which reveals all the rich history of the arrival of Captain James Cook plus the work done by the botanist Joseph Banks. Also see historic photos and read about the ghostly facts behind the Bustard Heads lighthouse. (small entrance fee)
	The Discovery Trail is a easy and nice 30 min. walk on the top of the cliffs looking at breathtaking ocean views, including secluded and pristine beaches which you can access, if you wish. The track begins at the Museum, 500 metres to the right of Agnes, almost in front of the police station (free).
	Scooteroos Tours - Have a trilling motorcycle ride tour which driven by yourself together with a group of other backpackers. The tour visits the main places of interest in 1770 and Agnes, and also passes by many places full of wild life.
No photo	Agnes Water Golf Course - 6km before Agnes on the highway. The place offers a 18 holes course, and all the equipment including clubs and buggy can be hired there at very reasonable prices.
	Captain Cook Landing Place - Visit the exactly place where James Cook first landed in Queensland. The cairn and commemorative plate is located just beside the road after the Caravan Park in 1770 (free).
	1770 Headland and Lookout - Located at the very end of the road to 1770, at the tip of the Cape. There is a easy walkway to the lookout which offers great views to the estuary (photo) and also to the sea. It takes about 20 minutes round trip. Great place to watch the sunset (free).
	Relax on the Beach - A book, sun protector,  water or refreshments are all you need to enjoy one of our fantastic beaches. The estuary beach in 1770 is as calm as a lake, and it is great for kids and families (free).

National Parks - There are two national parks very close to 1770 and Agnes, both encompassing a large part of pristine-desert beach front. Also, both are free for day trips and the overnight or camping are charged at a small fee.

• Deepwater National Park - Just follow Spring Road to the right of Agnes Water for about 7 Km, and you'll see at the right, the entrance of the park. The road inside the park is mostly soft sand which will require a 4x4 (not for conventional vehicles). The beaches and places such as the flat rock are really beautiful, and you can keep going down until Baffle Creek (Rules Beach) and come back by the main road (Bundaberg-Agnes). For more information, please click here.

Note from the author:  2 Km before the entrance of the park on the left (beach side) is the access to Spring Beach (Gorgeous beach with good surf and the place to see turtles). At the end of the beach begins the track to Red Rock which is a nice walk. One need to be fit for the hills, and don't forget to bring plenty of water and sun screen.

• Eurimbula National Park - The boundary of this park begins at the opposite margin of 1770 estuary and goes up till Bustard point with a small interruption between. There are two camping grounds: A place called Middle Creek and another called Bustard Beach Campground. To reach the park take a gravel road from the main highway about 10 Km from Agnes. It is only 25 Km to the creek, but the road is very slow which takes about 45 minutes. It is ok for conventional vehicles, unless you get rain before, because there is 1 shallow creek to cross (4x4 is better). The place is Breathtaking and there are toilets facilities and a camping ground). Excellent if taking a boat because the main activity there is fishing. If staying overnight, you must reserve and pay in advance on the website of Queensland National Parks. The amphibious LARC has a trip that passes by this entire park. For more information and maps about Eurimbula National Park, please click here

Accommodation in Town of 1770 and Agnes Water - There are plenty of accommodation from camping to 5 stars and everything between, such as caravan Parks, bed and breakfast, backpacker hostels, hotels, motels, and a huge number of holiday houses to let.

Camping & Caravan Parks - Besides the camping areas in the National Parks, there is a camping area right on the top of Workman’s Beach. It is only 200 metres down to the beach and the place can get quite busy during the end of the year holidays and Easter. We do recommend book in advance if you plan to camp there during these periods. There are 4 Caravan Parks to choose from.  In 1770 the beach front "1770 Camping Ground" and Caravan Park is located in a gorgeous little bay, and it is spectacular for boat owner because you can anchor your boat right in front of the caravan park in a protected beach. It can get very crowded with families during the festive season and pre-book is a must specially if you have a big rig. On the road to Agnes Water, still nearby 1770 the "Captain Cook Holiday Village" is another good option. In Agnes there is a new beachfront Caravan park called "Agnes Water First Point", and  6 Km before Agnes, is where the Discovery Coast Caravan Park is located (the less dearer of all).

Photo: First Point Caravan Park in Agnes Water

Backpackers Hostels: 1770 Backpackers - Cool Bananas Backpackers

Motels: Mango Tree Motel - Sandcastles Motel & Resort.

Lodges: 1770 Getaway Holiday Retreat - Agnes Water Bush Retreat - Southern Cross Tourist Retreat - Town of 1770 Beach Shacks - Bustard Bay Lodge - Sunbird Gardens - Seachange Loft.

Apartments: Agnes Water Beach Club - Agnes Palms Beachside Apartments.

Hotels & Resorts: Edge on Beach - Mantra Pavillions Mirage - 1770 Sovereign Lodge Resort.

Real State Agents: (They have Holiday houses and Apartments to let) - Ray White Agnes Water - Beaches of 1770 Realty - 1770 Beach Accommodation - PRD Nationwide Agnes Water.

Restaurants and eateries in Agnes and 1770 are not plenty, but good enough to keep you happy, healthy and fit for the activities day after day. The best restaurants are resort based and booking is essential. Anyway, there are Cafes and take away, fish and Chips, pizza delivery, and also the pub which has on certain days of the week (specially Sundays) a self-service which costs about A$ 15 for all you can eat. The 2 supermarkets in town, plus the butcher and the bakery are good enough to keep you well fed without spending too much. Town of 1770 has only a cafe located at the Marina, and a Cafe/Restaurant with sea view near the Caravan Park. Roast Chicken is available from many places including the supermarket, the petrol station, and the liquor shop.

How to get to Town of 1770 and Agnes Water

By Car:  On the Bruce Highway between the cities of Gladstone and Bundaberg there is a small town called Miriam Vale. From there, the road to 1770 and Agnes is an easy 52 Km. Also, if coming from South, you can enter Bundaberg, cross the bridge, and take the road to 1770 (more of less 125 Km from Bundy). Both roads are good bitumen, and suitable for big caravans or motorhome (not many steep hills).

By Bus: Greyhound Australia (The big red intercity bus) offer services to Agnes and 1770 from all tourist towns and bigger cities of Queensland.

By plane: Fly to Bundaberg or Gladstone and hire a car or take the bus to get to 1770 or Agnes.

By Train: Take the Tilt Train to Miriam Vale and connect with a transfer to the town of Town of 1770 and Agnes Water.

Agnes Water Beach - 6 Km of wonder

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