Town of 1770 Tourist Attractions - Agnes Water Tourist Attractions
The closest point north of Brisbane to the southern end of the Great
Barrier Reef, the Town of 1770 is a haven for exploring the magnificent
Queensland coastline and surfing its most northern surf beaches. 1770 is
also an ideal place to escape the winter chills of more southern points
in Australia.
The Town of 1770 was named after the year that James Cook landed on
nearby shores. As a result, it is claimed as being the 'Birthplace' of
Queensland.
Things to Do and See
Surfing
Agnes Water, 6 km to the south of 1770 is home to the northern-most surf
beach in Queensland. Both surfboards and bodyboards are available for
hire and there's even a surf school to accommodate beginners.
Fishing
Both estuary and reef fishing are possible in the area, either in Round
Hill Creek or on the offshore reefs. Fishing cruises are also available
from Agnes Water and the marina in 1770. Or if you like eating the
freshest of fish, but don't want to participate in the action,
restaurants in the local area will provide your fill.
Wilderness
Pristine rainforests and deserted beaches provide a great base for
bushwalking or even a sunset picnic in this tropical paradise. Flora and
fauna are preserved in the Joseph Banks Environmental Park providing an
area virtually undisturbed since Cook came ashore. This area is both a
national secret and nature lover's delight. Deepwater and Eurimbula
National Parks add to untouched nature of land-based beauty and there
are a number of great places to see views of the surrounding area.
Discover the Great Barrier Reef
If you want to get up close and personal with marine life, snorkelling
and diving on the Great Barrier Reef are available on one of the many
day-trip excursions. Manta rays, moray eels, coral trout and giant
rainbow fish make snorkelling and diving enchanting. Or you can
view the beauty of the reef from the comfort of a glass bottom boat.
Tours are available from 1770 or from further afield Bundaberg.
Four-wheel driving is also a popular activity in the local national
parks surrounding Round Head, Bustard Bay, Deepwater and Eurimbula.
Lady Musgrave Island and Fitzroy Reef are both reached by day
excursions from the shore. Lady Musgrove Island is a national park, home to a
lagoon over eight kilometres in circumference. It is also the perfect place to view
starfish, sea urchins, clams and corals that are exposed on the
coral cay at low tide. During summer, turtles come ashore to lay
their eggs and thousands of seabirds nest. Wilderness camping is
also possible on Lady Musgrave Island.
The Birthplace of Queensland
For historians, the area has an added bonus, as the town of 1770 is
named after the date of Captain James Cook's historic landing to
re-stock supplies and repair the ship after an unexpected
introduction to the Great Barrier Reef. The place where Cook first
anchored the Endeavour in Bustard Bay in May of the year 1770, is
marked by a monument near Round Hill Head. The Town of 1770 is often
referred to as the 'Birthplace of Queensland'.
Nearby Miriam Vale Shire is home to a museum of early Queensland
settler life as well as James Cook memorabilia and includes
aboriginal artefacts, specimens collected by Joseph Banks and an
extensive photographic collection.
Who should go?
1770 is a perfect destination for the adventure traveller, the
historian, or simply for a romantic or honeymoon escape. You can try
your hand at all of the activities above, or simply take time out
and sit on one of the many secluded beaches.
When to Go?
1770 is popular when more southern destinations become cool, that is
in the autumn, winter and spring from March through to November each
year, which also happens to be the 'dry season'. The temperatures
range from 22-30 degrees celsius across the summer months and 10-22
degrees celsius in the winter, with rainfall highest in December
through to March.
How to Get to 1770
The town of 1770 is just over one hour's drive (120 kilometres) from
Bundaberg and the same distance from Gladstone. Both of these
centres have airports that provide regional links into the area. A
local bus runs the route between 1770 and Agnes Water 365 days a
year.
If you're coming by car, 1770 is about a half a day (5-6 hours)
drive north of Brisbane. Driving north of Brisbane, you'll pass the
world's largest sand island, Fraser Island and enter the Discovery
Coast. The drive itself is half the fun as you travel along
beautiful Australian coastline with extensive stretches of beach and
national parks. Or, drive to Miriam Vale on the Bruce Highway and
then simply follow the signs. Access to 1770 is now fully sealed and
tarred from Bundaberg.
Rail access is available through Miriam Vale, or coach connections
from Bundaberg.
Staying On
Once you get to 1770 you won't want to leave. Plan on a minimum of 3
nights to touch the surface, but it's much better to take a week or
two to really experience this tropical delight and all of the
adventures that it has to offer,
