About
1770 LARC! Tours….where it all started
May 1994 marks the inception of 1770 LARC! Tours, the first amphibious tour operator in Australia.
After visiting Bustard Head Lightstation on a family holiday, visionary Des Mergard, wife Betty and youngest son Neil knew they had stumbled upon something incredible.
An overwhelming urge to share their experience inspired the family to showcase the captivating history of Bustard Head Lightstation and surrounds. However, with challenging terrain and ever-changing sea conditions, there was only one type of craft that was fit for the job.
The Mergard family identified that the incredible capabilities, versatility, reliability and low environmental impact of the amphibious LARC would make it the ideal mode of transport. Luckily Des located one, all the way from a car yard in Rockhampton, already dressed in pink. Des aptly named it Sir Joseph Banks and our amphibious adventure started.
We offer three tour options which have been meticulously refined over the past 29 years:
Our signature experience – Paradise Tour
Relaxed Picnic Lunch – LARC + Lunch Tour
One hour Joyride – Afternoon Cruise
Introducing our LARCtastic Team!
Neil
The LARCman / Owner
Co-founding and creating 1770 LARC! Tours with his parents when he was 21 years old Neil followed his fathers’ passion for tourism and love for the environment. Neil believes he has the best job in the world!
Lee
Office Manager
Lee is a local wildlife carer and is always mothering bush babies! Lee’s mission is to make sure our guests journey from start to finish is a memorable one.
Amber
Marketing Manager
With her years of Marketing experience throughout Queensland, her passion for LARCeting has created our 1770 LARC! Tours profile. Amber is also President of Discovery Coast Tourism and Commerce.
Jess
Operations / Skipper
You might meet Jess in our office, on tour as a skipper or at a trade event promoting our tours and region. Successfully nominated as a 2022 Young Tourism Leader and secretary for our Local Marine Advisory Committee.
Dylan
Skipper
You will have the privilege of meeting Dylan on most of our tours. His extensive wildlife and local knowledge are second to none. Mixed with his genuine down to earth nature and great sense of humor you’ll always be guaranteed a LARCtastic tour with Dylan.
Antony
Skipper
Skipper Antony will have you captivated the instant you arrive on board. He is passionate about the history and culture of our area and has a deep understanding and connection with our beautiful backyard. Ask him a question and if he doesn’t know the answer he will go out of his way to figure it out. Antony loves to teach about the area but is also very keen to learn from others.
Kev
Head Tour Guide
You’ll never meet another Kev. World famous in Agnes Water and 1770. Kev ensures all our guests are very well looked after, have fun and go away with memorable moments to share from their day out on tour.
Darrin
LARChanic
Darrin spends his LARChanic days overseeing all of our mechanical maintenance. With his dedication we can be sure that our machines are running at their best, cleanest and most efficient.
Jono
LARChanic
Jono is Darrin’s right hand man in the LARChanics department. With their powers combined, they can fix anything! Jono volunteers his free time to our local VMR.
Kel
Reservations
Kel works on the front desk at our LARCtastic office in between property management and endangered sea turtle research. She loves helping guests choose which tour suits them best.
Susie
Reservations
Susie on our front desk will have you in giggles before you even step foot in the door. Loves a good chat and is very good at dodging the camera.
Danny
Skipper / Guide
Please welcome Danny, the “new kid on the block”. We are excited to currently be training our newest team member and can’t wait to get to know his passions.
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