Uncrowded Australian Holiday Destinations: Agnes Waters & 1770, Queensland’s Hidden Gem
Australia has many beautiful holiday destinations. Many of these you would have heard about because they receive a lot of attention and now attract large numbers of overseas and domestic tourists all year around. We’ve decided though to write this blog article to promote our neck of the woods a little more.
If you’re interested in a warm, laid back, beach holiday destination without the crowds, then Agnes Water and 1770 should be on top of your list of places to visit. These beautiful coastal towns located on Queensland’s stunning Discovery Coast (500km north of Brisbane) offer everything you could ask for in a relaxing beach holiday including:
- Tropical Reef Islands
- Bushwalking in unspoilt National Parks
- World Class Diving and Snorkelling
- Great Onshore and Offshore Fishing
- Surfing, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking & Sailing
- Delicious Selection Of Restaurants
- A Range of Accommodation Options
- Relaxing Bars & Pubs With Great Atmosphere
- And Much More…
For a small town there is a lot to keep you and the family entertained, and with warm sunny weather all year round you can enjoy all that this secret holiday destination has to offer any time you like. So lets look at some of the main attractions and activities you can enjoy while staying at 1770 & Agnes Waters:
Lady Musgrave Island & Lagoon
Lady Musgrave Island is a lush tropical island located just off the coast of 1770. It is the second most southern island in the Great Barrier Reef. The rich, surrounding water is teeming with marine life where you can swim with sea turtles and feed the huge number of bright tropical fish right from your hand. There are daily tours that leave from 1770 that include:
- Snorkelling
- Semi submarine tours of the reef
- A guided island bushwalk
- Complete buffet lunch
and much more
If you have never experienced the Great Barrier Reef before, this day cruise is a must. These tours also have a number of additional extras such as Scuba Diving and Reef Fishing. Check out the website here www.lmcruises.com.au.
Fishing
Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy have an abundance of secluded beach, rock, creek and offshore fishing spots that will get even the most seasoned angler excited. Some of the most common fish caught in these world class fishing waters include:
- Coral Trout
- Red Emperor
- Barramundi
- Mangrove
- Spanish Mackerel
- Longtail Tuna
- Tailor and Whiting
So whether you want to relax and wet a line from the beach as the sun goes down, or head out to the reef to try your luck on one of the local fishing charters, Agnes Waters & 1770 is a fisherman’s paradise.
Deepwater, Eurimbula, Mount Colosseum & Round Hill National Parks
If you enjoy getting out amongst nature there are 4 amazing national parks just a few minutes drive from 1770 and Agnes Waters. Deepwater, Eurimbula, Mount Colosseum & Round Hill National Parks offer some of the best kept natural forests, beaches and estuaries in Australia. These national parks offer great camping, fishing, bird watching and you will be sure to see some of Australia’s rarest native wildlife. This region is famous for its wide array of native birdlife such as:
- Emus
- Red-tailed black-cockatoos
- Honeyeaters
- Brahminy kites, and
Waterbirds
Between January and April you can often see newborn marine turtles emerging from their nest and scurrying for the safety of the ocean. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and if you enjoy a good David Attenborough documentary you’ll really love getting up close and personal with some of Australia’s most unique wildlife. Access to these national parks is by 4WD only and you do need a permit to camp, which you can get from here.
Beach Activities
For fun filled days on the water, 1770 and Agnes Water cannot be beaten. The secluded town provides everything you’d expect from a world-class tourist beach, often without the large number of tourists you’ll find in better-known holiday destinations.
Surfing and Surf Lessons
Agnes Waters is Australia’s most northern surf break. Past this point the Great Barrier Reef stops the ocean swell from reaching the shore. The warm waters off Agnes Water offer a number of great surf breaks that are suited to beginners and experienced wave riders alike. You’ll find many mellow beach breaks and the famous Agnes Waters points is great for those looking for more of an adrenalin rush. There are also many great local surf schools offering affordable lessons for those looking to try surfing for the first time.
The Agnes Waters Surf Festival runs in late April and is Queensland’s northern most surfing event, attracting competitive and social surfers from around the region.
Paddle boarding
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed you can hire a stand up paddleboard to explore Bustard Bay where the waters are calm, warm and perfect for a leisurely Paddleboard.
Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is another popular water sport in the region. Guided tours will take you around the 1770 headland and nature reserve. You will often get to see dolphins and sea turtles as you paddle through the warm, blue waters. The kayak tours also visit James Cook’s and the Endeavour crew’s first landing point in Queensland for those looking to learn a little more about our countries history.
Kite Surfing
Kite Surfing is a relatively new sport that is for the adventure seekers. The water around 1770 and Agnes Waters offer great kite surfing conditions. You can try one of the local kite surfing schools (recommended if you are a first-timer or a beginner) or simply hire a board and get out there on the water yourself.
Restaurants & Bars
After a long day of exploring, Agnes Waters and 1770 offer a number of great places to enjoy a relaxing dinner and drinks as you watch the sun go down. Many of the restaurants offer great local produce and seafood at reasonable prices and the surrounding scenery makes for an unforgettable evening no matter where you choose to dine.
Golf
The 1770 Golf Course is a unique golfing experience. Surrounded by natural bushland and wildlife, this 68-hectare, 9 hole, par 34 golf course, is a great way to spend your day with friends. The course is built to PGA standard and offers full amenities and hire shop.
Horse riding
Local horse riding adventures are a great way to explore the surrounding bushland and beaches. These tours cater to riders of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Small group allow you to go at your own pace and enjoy a fun filled day packed with adventure and excitement.
Festivals and Events
Throughout the year 1770 & Agnes Waters play host to a number of great events. There is truly something for everyone and here are a few more details if you’re looking to plan you holiday around one of the annual festivals.
Agnes Waters Blues & Roots Festival (Late March)
The Agnes Waters Blues & Roots Festival attracts a large number of local and domestic blues acts from around Australia. Held in March every year this years line up included Mason Rack Band, The Soul Men, James Southwell Band, Juzzie Smith, The Twine, 8 Ball Aitken, Phil Emmanuel, Dr Trouble, Pop Standen, Bluesville Station, The Zephyr Project and many more.
Captain Cook Festival (Late May)
The region is the second landing place of Captain Cook and his ship The Endeavour in 1770 (the year in which the town was later named). This festival includes re-enactments of the historic landing, fireworks, live entertainment and education about the indigenous history of the surrounding area.
A Holiday Destination with something for everyone
As you can see these historic towns really have something for everybody. The friendly locals are very welcoming to visitors and it is a great place to unwind and enjoy the best of Australia’s coastal lifestyle for a while.
But this hidden gem won’t stay secret for long so if you plan on visiting then do it soon while this beautiful part of the country remains unspoilt and uncrowded.
For accommodation in 1770 and Agnes Waters we have a great range of holiday accommodation options to suit every budget. So whether you’re visiting as a couple, as a family or in a group call 07 4974 9990 to get the very best accommodation deals.
Information Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_Water,_Queensland
http://www.lmcruises.com.au/Surfing.aspx
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/deepwater/about.html