Paradise Tour
Our signature full day tour – the ultimate LARC experience!
What do we do?
Our Paradise Tour starts with a journey along the edge of Eurimbula National Park, over vast sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of four tidal creeks. Our crew relay the history of the Town of 1770 and let out a few clues on what is to come at Bustard Head. The first stop is our hidden shaded picnic spot, near the edge of Jenny Lind Creek, for morning tea.
The scenic 4WD journey up Bustard Headland then guarantees to be THE best aerial view in the world from a boat, and drops you at the footsteps of the historical Bustard Head Lightstation aka ’the Lighthouse of Tragedy’. A volunteer caretaker will guide you through the light-keepers cottage that has been transformed into a museum and is brimming with priceless artefacts, maritime treasures and enough mysteries to sink a ship (literally). Our LARC skipper will take you up the spiralling stairs to the balcony of the lighthouse tower, sharing a magnificent unmarred 360° view of this stunning Queensland location. Meander down a short winding path to visit some past occupants at the cemetery – many of whom had terrible fates.
Once you’ve explored the skeletons in the station’s closet it’s back down the headland for a healthy lunch prepared by our friends at 1770 Marina Café. Lunch is accompanied by our secret recipe freshly brewed Billy tea. There is an optional opportunity to explore a quick forest walk before boarding the LARC again to cross the incredible and tidal, Jenny Lind Creek.
Your destination – the towering dunes of Middle Island. The only place where it’s completely fine to push your friends and family down a 35metre hill (on a boogie board of course) and call it sandboarding! Exhausted from the calf muscle workout, it’s time for a refreshing dip, then back on board ready for the return LARC journey.
Your day is topped off with wildlife sightings and light-hearted local stories while the pastel colours of the lowering sun signal the end of another day in Paradise.
What is included?
What to bring?
Hat, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimmers, refillable water bottle, comfortable footwear, camera, bug spray, socks for sandboarding in summer, and warmer clothing for cooler months.
Adult: $179*
Child (4-14 years): $99*
Infant (0-3 years): Free
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Prices include $11pp QPWS and BHLA fee.*
Every guest on board must be booked and counted, including Infants.
Please Note: Due to Australian Building Standards, children under 8 years are NOT permitted to enter the Lighthouse tower.
Please Note: Due to Australian Building Standards, children under the age of 8 years are NOT permitted to enter the Lighthouse tower.
*The included $11 per person in fees on the Paradise Tour ticket price is $9 Bustard Head Lightstation Association management charge & $2 Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service charge for entry to the Middle Island and Bustard Head sections of Eurimbula National Park. When booking directly with 1770 LARC! Tours this amount is already included in the price. If you book through a travel agent or third party it is not included in their price, and it is payable at check in on the day of your tour.
FAQs
4. Paradise Tour (12)
Yes, LARC guests can go inside the lighthouse tower and up to the balcony. Although only if you’re 8 years or older. For safety reasons, children under 8 cannot enter the lighthouse tower due to building regulations.
The Paradise Tour runs for around 7 hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Exact times may vary depending on tides and conditions.
Approximately 7 hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Yes! You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by the 1770 Marina Café, plus morning tea and billy tea brewed over an open fire. Dietary needs can be catered for with prior notice.
Absolutely! While it’s a highlight for many, sandboarding is optional. Guests can cheer others on, take photos, or simply enjoy the view.
No. Moderate fitness is helpful. You’ll climb stairs inside the lighthouse tower and walk through sandy terrain to the cemetery, all of which are optional. Sandboarding and beach activities are optional also.
Yes, however children under 8 years old cannot enter the lighthouse tower for safety reasons.
The tour includes guided commentary, access to Bustard Head Lightstation, sandboarding, morning tea, lunch, and refreshments.
The Paradise Tour is a full-day adventure exploring 27km of coastline, including visits to Bustard Head Lightstation, sandboarding on Middle Island, and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
A moderate level of fitness is beneficial, especially for activities like sandboarding and climbing the lighthouse tower stairs. However, those activities are not compulsory.
Expect sea eagles, kangaroos, dolphins, crabs, rays and an array of birdlife. Every trip is different, depending on the season and tide.
You might get a little splash depending on conditions, but nothing major. It’s all part of the fun of being in a LARC vessel!
Our latest articles about the Paradise Tour
Protecting Paradise: Why Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Matters at 1770 LARC! Tours
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – these three simple principles are more than just buzzwords; they’re essential actions that can create a lasting impact on our planet.
Protecting the Little Tern: A Nationally Threatened Species
Protecting the Little Tern: A nationally threatened species
Pollinators: Why These Tiny Heroes Matter
Pollinators are like tiny heroes as their role in our eco systems is nothing short of extraordinary.