Things To Do In Agnes Water And Town Of 1770

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. Read Disclosure.

Not many people have heard of Agnes Water and 1770, or Town of 1770 as it’s often referred to.

And it’s no surprise, Agnes Water has less than 3,000 residents, and 1770, has less than 100.

They are both extremely remote and wild, tucked neatly between the hustle of the Gold Coast and the solitude of the Capricorn Coast. It’s a coastal escape that time — and most tourists — forgot.

Agnes Water is the kind of place where flip-flops are formal wear and the pace of life is measured in waves per minute.

This laid-back hamlet is home to Queensland’s northernmost surf beach, and is just a seashell’s toss away to Town of 1770, named after the year where Lieutenant James Cook made his second Australian landfall.

If you’ve heard of the twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 and thinking of visiting, you’ll find there are so many things to do in Agnes Water and 1770 besides getting familiar with the history.

Though a small place, there’s a ton of adventure and nostalgia to discover here.

A brief history of Agnes Water and Town of 1770

Before you get sucked into the tourist attractions and activities, it’s well worth clueing yourself up on the history of these towns so you can appreciate it better.

The discovery of Australia by Cook is obviously one I know well.

But, it’s a hard one to connect to as the shores of Botany Bay are now covered with high rises, large highways, and planes flying overhead.

The same with Sydney Harbour. I try to imagine what it must have looked like when the First Fleet arrived to start the penal colony in 1788. It’s a murky visualization as there is far too much concrete now covering the view.

Except when you get to the Town of 1770 and Agnes Water and you explore the nearby beaches and creeks and headlands that Cook and his crew sailed past – here, you can really connect to the story.

Its natural beauty has been unchanged for thousands of years.

I could imagine the wonder they felt meeting furry animals hopping along the beach guided by their tails, stingrays gliding along the sandy floor of the river, and dolphins guiding the nose of the Endeavour into a safe anchorage.

I could imagine Joseph Banks’ confusion and awe as he came across hundreds of species of plants he’d never seen before: pandanus palms, banksias, Eucalypts, hibiscus flowers, and small forested valleys filled with beautiful blue butterflies.

This is the Town of 1770 and Agnes Water.

Town of 1770 was the second place that Cook found when he first landed in Australia, and the first in Queensland. For that reason, it’s considered the first settlement in Queensland.

The longer I stayed, the longer I wanted to stay. There’s a beauty and rawness here that gets under your skin.

It has everything a traveler will need, yet not many venture here.

Things to do in Agnes Water and 1770

1. Go kayaking with Liquid Adventures

1770 Liquid Adventures is owned by a German and Aussie couple, Janina and Simon, who are adventure travelers who met diving in the Caribbean.

They totally understood our vibe and what travelers are really looking for in an experience, especially with kids.

We chose the best day to kayak on the waterways around Round Hill Creek – barely a ripple, crystal clear and the sun was shining down.

We joined Janina for a guided family kayaking adventure paddling up the creek to Butterfly Beach where we stopped for morning tea, a play with the butterflies, and good old bubble-busting fun on the beach.

I loved how Janina catered for the kids with games and with an awesome animal spotting chart tied to the kayak.

Kalyra loved identifying the birds we met along the way like the Oyster Catcher and black headed tern.

Both the girls loved paddling and were disappointed when the tour ended.

We’re really keen to return one day to experience their sunset tour – a paddle up the creek followed by a glass of wine on the beach with a magnificent sunset.

The time of the day when you’re most likely to kayak alongside dolphins. Magic!

2. Go on a Town of 1770 LARC Tour

Easily a highlight of this area was our LARC Paradise Tour. We saw and experienced so many amazing things in Town of 1770, both on the water and on land, and most of those things we saw from a tour in one of these iconic pink amphibious vehicles.

If you only have a short time to explore Town of 1770, then a full-day tour on a LARC is a great way to see all the highlights in one visit.

You’ll leave from Bustard Bay and pass the historic Bustard Heads lighthouse, go sandboarding on Middle Island, and drive through four National Parks (Deepwater, Eurimbula, Mount Colosseum, and Round Hill).

It was a lot of fun and Kalyra now has a new hobby – sand boarding!

This tour is noted down as one of my favorite activities from our 18-month Australia road trip.

3. Cruise to Lady Musgrave Island

It was a rough 75-minute boat ride out and back, but Lady Musgrave Island was worth it.

The Town of 1770 is on the doorstep of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and Lady Musgrave Island is your own piece of paradise that connects to the coral sea.

We moored up at the floating pontoon and enjoyed a glass bottom boat tour and snorkeling in the protected Lagoon.

We went ashore for a guided island walk and never wanted to leave!

4. Watch a sunset in the Town of 1770

Come early with your chair, a drink, and some cheese and dips, and join the crowds watching the sun dip below the ocean horizon.

Sunset in the Town of 1770 is the place to be. It’s truly spectacular, so serene, and really not too crowded.

The Town of 1770 is sleepy and quiet and undeveloped. Only a few houses sit on the side of the hills with magnificent views of Round Hill Creek and the well-known stunning sunsets.

It’s one of only three places on Australia’s east coast where you can see the sunset over the water.

The Town of 1770 is also a protected area so all future building has ceased.

It’s almost in the pristine condition it was in 1770 when Captain Cook first sailed past Round Hill Headland to rest his ship the Endeavour.

5. Or watch the sunset at Agnes Water

If you want something a little different, Agnes Water has a beautiful sunset from the beach.

You won’t get it setting over the water, but dropping behind the small foliage-filled hill is equally as beautiful and the colours in the sky light up Agnes’ prettiness.

6. Learn how to Surf at Agnes Water Main Beach

Surfing lessons in Agnes Waters are some of the cheapest you’ll find in the country.

The waves on the lifesaver-patrolled Agnes Beach look pretty good to learn on, and there’s plenty of bodyboarders enjoying the waves here too.

They were clean and small when we were there and there were a few beginner surfers nailing the standing-up technique.

In Agnes Water, you’ll find the most northern surf beach on the East Coast of Australia, which is also where the annual Reef 2 Beach 1770 Longboard Surfing event takes place each March.

The beaches here are also safe for swimming as it’s a patrolled beach and has lifeguards during peak seasons.

We didn’t have the chance to take up a lesson here, but we heard they’re cheap and a lot of fun. If you don’t know how to surf, then what better souvenir to take home with you than a new skill!

7. Do the easy Paperbark Forest Walk

We were alerted to the Paperbark Forest Walk by one of our Facebook community members. The trailhead is only about 3 kms south of Agnes, opposite Springs Beach, and the whole hike is family-friendly and easy to do.

The Paperbark Forest Boardwalk Trail is a short 10 minute (400m) out and back hike from Agnes Water. The trail takes you through some of the most wonderful nature in Reedy Creek Reserve.

The girls loved pretending they were witches riding on their broomsticks down the wooden boardwalk and hopping along the stepping pylons above the swamp. It was quite mystical and magical.

The reserve is home to a well-preserved coastal melaleica forest and is full of paperbark trees. The forest is so green and wild, it feels like you’ve stepped into a jungle.

The forest is another hot spot for migrating butterflies and is also home to many species of native Australian frogs.

The trail is really easy and suitable for young children, but not for those with mobility issues since you have a few water crossings and obstacles to step over.

8. Walk the 1770 to Round Hill Head Walk

There’s a beautiful 2km walk from the 1770 campground along the headland through the forest to the Round Hill Head.

The views along the way across Eurimbula National Park to Bustard Headway lookout are pretty special too. Put your binoculars in your backpack if you are visiting between July and October, as this is whale-watching season. You may just see a humpback whale breach in the distance.

There’s also one section of the forest that’s filled with beautiful blue tiger butterflies (just above Butterfly Beach).

If you want to see these butterflies properly, then take the Butterfly Walk. Every year, between March and May, thousands of these butterflies are migrating through Agnes Water and the Town of 1770.

The Butterfly Walking Trail is located near The Captain Cook Monument and is where you are more likely to see them, since the walk is exposed to the sunlight (butterflies love sunlight).

9. Go snorkeling at the secluded Pancake Creek

Another beautiful spot in Agnes Water is Pancake Creek, which is inaccessible by land and so you must take a tour to reach it.

However, it’s undeniably worth it.

This untouched paradise is where tropical bushland meets the coastline. You can snorkel here, and it’s possible to spot turtles and dugongs feasting on the seagrass. Then, go for a swim and relax at ‘Secret Beach.’

If you’re looking for your own slice of paradise, this is it.

10. Go whale-watching

Australia’s East Coast is a hot spot for humpback whales and dolphins during their migration season after giving birth to their calves (July through to October, sometimes early November).

Many people flock to Hervey Bay to see them, since this is where they are most active, but you can actually see them in the waters from Agnes Water too.

A great place to see them is along the Discovery Trail, which takes you to several lookout points. It’s a lovely walk and only takes around 30 minutes, though of course, if you do see whales you’ll likely want to stop and stay for a while.

The trailhead for the Discovery Trail is behind the Agnes Water Museum on Springs Road in Agnes Water. It’s a loop trail, so you will finish here too.

11. Relax on the secluded Chinaman’s Beach

If you want a quieter beach away from the surf crowds, then Chinamans Beach is the spot. You can find this beach via a short hike over rocky escarpments on a bitumen track, which is just off Springs Road.

This is a natural beach with rock pools, gentle waves, and a popular fishing spot for locals.

Bring your fishing rod and a picnic and you’re prepared for a perfect day at the beach.

You should note that this is an unpatrolled beach, so keep an eye on your children and stay safe.

12. Enjoy live music at the Agnes Blues Roots and Rock Festival

Every year in February, Agnes Water becomes the host to the Blues, Roots and Rock Festival.

Over three days, this vibrant festival brings some of the biggest names in Blues and Rock to the stage, as well as offers food vendors and markets.

Ticket sales raise funds for over 10 local charities and organisations. If you’re in town in February, be sure to check it out.

13. Dine at The Tree Restaurant, Seventeen Seventy

The Tree Restaurant is located inside the 1770 Beach Hotel, and is a little on the expensive side, but the food is good and the views are amazing.

Catch the sunset first and have a drink in the Tree Bar before moving into the restaurant.

Where to stay in Agnes Water

If you’re thinking you’ve been convinced and are ready to make the trip to Agnes Water and Town of 1770, then you might be wondering where to stay.

We stayed at the NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park, formerly known as Agnes Water Beach Caravan Park, in a Treetops Chalet. They were really cute and if you can get one right on the beach you will be in for a good stay.

They are a little small though, so if you have a large family or need a lot of space, you might want to look at a cabin or campsite. We had to keep most of our luggage in our car.

We preferred the location of this site to the campground at 1770, which is more basic and quite popular for being right on the bay and front row seats for the sunset.

You can view more places to stay in Agnes Water and 1770 in this interactive map:

Getting to Town of 1770

The Town of 1770 and Agnes Water are a little diversion from the main highway between Brisbane and Cairns, so it doesn’t see the high volume of traffic and tourists. Therefore you may miss the turning if you you’re not looking for it!

Agnes Water is approximately 477 kilometers from Brisbane, which takes about 5.5 hours to drive. Town of 1770 is another 6 kilometers north of Agnes Water.

From the Sunshine Coast, it’s a 4.5 hours drive.

They are located in the Gladstone region of Queensland. You will find cheap flights to Bundaberg airport in the south, and from here it’s a 1.5 hour drive.

What’s the difference between the Town of 1770 and Agnes Water?

I’m glad we weren’t the only ones confused!

Agnes Water is about 6 km south of the Town of 1770. Agnes Water is the ocean town where you’ll find the surf and a fantastic beach. It also has most of the cafes and shops and room for development.

The Town of 1770 is on the Round Hill Creek and is much quieter and smaller. This is where you jump on your cruises and do your water tours and activities.

They each have their unique points, but I think we slightly preferred to stay in Agnes Waters near the beach and drive into the Town of 1770.

Final thoughts

Now we don’t want to send you there in droves, but we also can’t keep Agnes Water and 1770 a secret from you. We think you should definitely be pinning it to your Australian Bucket List.

We first heard of it years ago from friends who visited and stayed awhile and they say it’s their favorite place in Australia.

After that, we heard about it several times from more travellers who stumbled upon it by accident, and were amazed at how beautiful and magnetic it was.

Both towns have something special and unique about them.

Whether you’re looking for historic landmarks, adventurous activities, or a lazy day by the beach, you can find all this and more here.

We hope this guide helped convince you to visit these hidden gems in Queensland and gave you some ideas for things to do to add to your itinerary.