Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AGNES WATER & TOWN OF 1770
POP 1815
Surrounded by national parks and the Pacific Ocean, the twin coastal towns of Agnes Water
and Town of 1770 are among Queensland's most appealing - and least hectic - seaside des-
tinations. The tiny settlement of Agnes Water has the East Coast's most northerly surf
beach, while the even tinier Town of 1770 (little more than a marina!) marks Captain
Cook's first landing in the state; the hamlet is known as 'The Birthplace of Queensland'.
The 'Discovery Coast' is popular for surfing, boating, and fishing away from the crowds.
To get here, turn east off the Bruce Hwy at Miriam Vale, 70km south of Gladstone. It's an-
other 57km to Agnes Water and a further 6km to the Town of 1770.
Sights
Miriam Vale Historical Society Museum
( 07-4974 9511; Springs Rd, near cnr Captain Cook Dr, Agnes Water; adult/child $3/free; 1-4pm Mon & Wed-
Sat, 10am-4pm Sun)
The museum displays extracts from Cook's journal and the original tele-
scope from the first lighthouse built on the Queensland coast.
MUSEUM
Activities & Tours
The action around here happens on and in the water. Agnes Water is Queensland's north-
ernmost
surf beach
. A surf life-saving club patrols the main beach and there are often good
breaks along the coast. If you're looking for boating, Round Hill Creek at the Town of
1770 is a calm anchorage. There's also good
fishing
and
mudcrabbing
upstream, and the south-
ern end of the Great Barrier Reef is easily accessible from here. Charter boats are available
for fishing, surfing, snorkelling and diving trips out to the Reef.
1770 Larc Tours
( 07-4974 9422;
www.1770larctours.com.au
; adult/child $155/95)
Ride the world's most peculiar
ecotourism chariot (a hot pink amphibious military vehicle) on adventurous seven-hour
tours around Bustard Head and Eurimbula National Park. They also run hour-long after-
noon tours (adult/child $38/17) and sandboarding safaris ($120).
TOUR
