It’s fair to say that Queensland’s timeless tourism slogan of beautiful one day, perfect the next is an apt one. Perhaps nowhere else moreso than the perfect little hamlet of 1770 and Agnes Water. And no doubt that is what Captain Cook had thought when he made this destination the second place he stepped foot on Australian soil. You guessed it – in 1770.
Tucked away in its own little enclave, it is an easy destination to miss – but one that should be added to any trip through Central Queensland. Indeed for us, it was actually the destination.
Agnes Water and 1770 feels very different to so many coastal towns. It mixes all the best parts together to make for an unforgettable experience. It’s both small enough and big enough. There is no Woolworths or Coles in sight, you’ll have Foodworks or the Friendly Grocer at your disposal. But there are plenty of restaurants, but not as many people. Going to the beach isn’t that big a problem – there are parks in abundance. Maybe not straight up in the car park, but nearby for sure. A far cry from what we’re used to in Sydney.
1770 is the sort of place where you’ll meet one person, and they’ll be connected to someone else you’ve already met. At the markets, we got chatting to a store owner of the Bees Knees about a great pizza we had the night prior. He knew the pizza was good there, and that it was likely his son who would have made it for us. Everyone seems to know everyone, and with the latest census showing only 69 people in 1770 it’s not so surprising.
If it’s a stunning beachside town with friendly, local vibe, look no further than 1770. And with that, here’s our top things to do in Agnes Water and 1770.
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How to get to Agnes Water and 1770
An unspoilt beachside town with a small population means that 1770 and Agnes Water is not exactly super accessible. The nearest major city you’ll find is Bundaberg which is around 90 minutes south. Rockhampton is around 2.5 hours north. Still not sure where we’re talking about? If you’re travelling from Brisbane to 1770, you’re looking at 6 hour trek north.
Given its remoteness, having access to a car really is the best way to get here and explore.
Where to stay in Agnes Water and 1770
Despite the small size of the area, there is accommodation to fit the budget and style of most travellers.
We opted to stay at the 1770 Lagoons Central Apartment resort. This property has some good sized rooms, perfect for a family stay. Complete with a kitchen, balcony, parking and a resort style swimming pool, it’s a good location even if you don’t want to explore the surrounds. The on-site restaurant is reasonable value as well.
For those who may be camping or have their own caravan, the Captain Cook Holiday Village and Agnes Water Beach Holidays offer great value and locations.
Things to do in Agnes Water and 1770
Whilst 1770 and Agnes Water covers a small area, it is packed with an array of excellent things to do. If you’re keen on kicking back and relaxing, finding the best food to eat, or whiling away the hours on a beach, there’s no shortage of great things to do here. Here’s our recommendations of the very best.
#1 Chinaman’s beach
A sleepy town and an equally sleepy beach. This is a great spot to head down and enjoy the sand and surf. From October until April, the beach is also home to some nesting turtles, so don’t be surprised if you visit and spot some tracks in the sand.
Parking is limited, but we didn’t encounter any challenges.
#2 Workman’s beach
Another sleepy beach enclave, this one was shared by one of the locals we met. It’s less popular and another stellar stretch of sand.
#3 1770 Sunday markets
The 1770 Sunday markets are the perfect place to pick up some local gifts and souvenirs.
Open every Sunday during holiday periods and the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month in non-holiday periods, it’s definitely worth a visit.
We bought up plenty, particularly in some of the home made kids clothing from Vintage Kids and The Bees Knees Kids. Leather goods, artworks, condiments, candles and clothing are just some of the items you’ll find here. The tie die shirt we bought was a big hit with our daughter. And best of all, you’ll get to meet some of the people that call 1770 home.
#4 Spot the kangaroos
If feeding the kangaroos is your thing, you’ll want to check out Horizon’s Sanctuary. For just $10 each afternoon, you can enjoy a kangaroo experience. Get here at 3.30pm to take advantage, and get up close and personal with some of the local wildlife.
Head straight down Rafting Grounds Road – you can’t miss it.
#5 Paperbark Forest Walk
The Paperbark Forest Walk is located 2-3 kms out of Agnes Water, quite literally just off the side of Springs road. Don’t worry – it’s well sign posted and very easy to spot.
The walk is completely free and made up of a collection of boardwalks and paperbark stumps to wander amongst. Wandering through is like transporting yourself back in time. It’s a stunningly beautiful walk, surrounded by so many native trees and plants.
One warning for those not in the know, eg, us. The humid, somewhat moist surrounds do make the walk very attractive to mosquitos. So be sure to apply repellent and/or wear long sleeves/pants to fully enjoy the experience.
#6 Dine on freshly caught seafood
What’s a coastal beach getaway without some fish and chips? Head to Coral Seafood and Take Away to experience some mouth watering seafood. Whether it’s fish, bugs, prawns or oysters, seafood lovers will not be left wanting.
Their fish is caught on their boat and served up here. Fresh, local produce at its finest.
#7 Grab a slice
From 4-8.30pm each day, the Round Hill Road Pizza and Bar is the place to grab a wood fired pizza. These are exceptionally great value and coupled with a beer is just what warm days in 1770 are all about.
#8 Check out the Agnes Water Museum
Agnes Water and 1770 may be small, but there is a fair bit of history to unpack all the same. Particularly with the links back to Captain Cook. So if you’re interested in learning more, head to the museum. Free for the kids and just $5 for adults, it’s a good one to save for either the hot part of the day or when the rain decides to turn up.
#9 Take in a magical sunset at Bustard Point
Bustard Point will take you to the pointy end of 1770. It’s a great spot to take a walk, working up a sweat and the salty breeze gently cools you. It’s a truly special place to take in sunset, with views of water to your left and right.
#10 Enjoy a laid back meal for sunset
If you’d rather a sit down, swig a drink type of sunset, head to the Rusty Pelican. Located at 1770’s marina, this fish and chip shop is reminiscent of north shore Hawaii. Laid back outdoor dining under palm trees and umbrellas. with no frills, it is a spectacular place to watch the sun go down as you feast on locally caught reef fish. The nanygai is a particular favourite here.
We’ve taken in a lot of sunsets over the years. And they can be spectacular. Sometimes it’s the company, the food, the drink, the clouds or the light. It takes a lot to pull off an all-time sunset, but 1770 at the marina manages to do it. And by all accounts, it’s a regular showing, each and every day. Make sure you get here for a very special moment.
#11 Sample some liqueurs at the 1770 Distillery
A small town 1770 and Agnes Water might be, but it still has its very own distillery – the 1770 distillery. Brewing up some special Discovery Coast flavours with very tropical names like Pink Dawn, Sunset and Strawberry Splash, how can you go wrong?
#12 Enjoy the sanctuary of the Getaway Garden Café
Tucked away in the back the 1770 Getaway resort, you’ll find a perfect little café. With an array of great value food on the menu, the scenery around you is enough to find your zen immediately.
#13 Tread in Captain Cook’s foot steps
Whilst the arrival of Captain Cook is a controversial moment in our history, it’s irrefutable that this has shaped the nation. You can walk around (or drive) and take in some of the vantage spots that the early explorers would have seen. There is a monument to Captain Cook and the place where he came ashore. It’s easy to imagine how serene and beautiful this place must have seemed after months and years at sea.
#14 Visit the petrol station with it all
Bear with me here. We’re recommending a petrol station. Not for the fuel, but for the hidden take-away kitchen inside the Ampol Foodary. Ultra reasonable prices, if you’ve had enough of pizza and seafood, this is your place for burgers and anything that you’d see served in a bain marie. Don’t let the fact this diner sits inside a service station take away for the fact they serve up some tasty and cheap meals.
#15 Try out an icon at the 1770 Bakery
Each town will profess they have the best pies around, and it’s fair to say that 1770 may be able to lay a similar claim. The 1770 Bakery serves up some delicious pies. And whilst the ‘best’ pies might be one of pure subjectivity, I will highlight that if you turn at midday, you may be battling for the last one or 2 pies. They sell out each day, and to me that speaks volumes about how good there are here. If you can get it before they sell out the pepper steak would be my pick.
#16 Lick away a gelato under a blazing sun
We’ve nailed seafood, pies, and pizzas. To crown them all, we need a great gelato. Well that’s what we think, we’re massive gelato fans after all. The 1770 Gelato store offers up a great range of flavours (and air conditioning). If you’re not into scoop format, branch out with a milk or thick shake which are equally delicious.
This concludes our things to do in 1770 and Agnes Water. We hope you enjoy visiting and taking in everything this great little town has to offer. We’d love to hear if you have any other recommendations too, so feel free to post below!
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