Things to do in Agnes Water & 1770: The best local advice

Our twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 are all about relaxing, enjoying nature and good old fashioned beachside living. Where at the top of the “to do” list, is a stroll along the water’s edge and time doesn’t particularly serve a purpose. If the quote “no worries mate” was a location then this is where it is!

If ‘kicking back’ isn’t your thing and you find yourself twiddling your thumbs, we’ve compiled an extensive list of things to do in Agnes Water and 1770. Including tours, attractions, free things, festivals, markets and more.

Tours

Go with the people that know their stuff!

1770 LARC! Tours – Truly unique amphibian adventures, travelling the coastlines of Eurimbula National Park and the waterways of Bustard Bay to the historical Bustard Head Lighthouse. Choose from a range of family friendly tour options to suit any schedule.

Dive, Spear, & Sport 1770 – Learn and advance your diving on the Southern GBR. Learn to dive, advance your dive skills, go professional or technical. Whatever your dive journey, DSS1770 have the course to get you there.

1770 Liquid Adventures – Operating kayak tours from the shoreline of 1770, Liquid Adventures offer affordable, fun activities for all ages! Hire a kayak and explore the beautiful waterways of 1770 at your own time, or join one of their guided tours, we highly recommend the Nature Tour!

Gnarly Tours Surf School – Agnes Water is home to one of the most northern surf beaches. The waves are kind and uncrowded making this a perfect safe spot to learn to surf without the pressure.

1770 Reef – 130 seat vessel ‘Orca’ departs daily from 1770 and travels to Lady Musgrave Island for a day of snorkelling, glass bottom boat viewing and a guided island walk.

BushTracks Walking Tour – BushTracks takes you on a journey through native Australian bushland, rich with Bushtucker and Bush Medicines. Learn about traditional and cultural uses of plants, embark on a journey through past and present and learn about cultural burning practices protecting our land.

Free things to do

Because everyone loves free things!

The Butterfly Walk – A year-round delightful 30min track edging along the coastline of 1770 headland. Come March and through to May, this walk becomes alive with not hundreds, but thousands of butterflies!

Discovery Trail – The entrance to the Discovery Trail is located just behind the Agnes Water Museum. This is a fun track to explore and will lead you to the lookout over Agnes Water Main Beach Point, a popular surf spot.

1770 sunset – The Town of 1770 is one of very few locations along the east coast where you can watch the sunset over the water. Quite famous for multi coloured skies, make sure you at least watch one while you are here.

Agnes Water sunrise – If you are an early riser, the sunrise from Agnes Water Main Beach is just as spectacular as a 1770 sunset. Can also be viewed from the 1770 Lookout platform.

Swim 1770 – If floating around in calm water is your thing, head down to the 1770 foreshore. Protected from most weather, the water here is clear and glassy. Perfect for a relaxing dip or a SUP.

Surf Agnes Main – Agnes Water Main Beach is where the waves are at. The surf is kind and great for learning to surf. This is also the only lifeguard patrolled beach in the area.

Points of interest

Learn about the history

Agnes Water Museum – For a small donation you can visit the Agnes Water Museum. You never know what you will find and learn here. A passionate group of local volunteers are more than happy to answer questions and talk about the history of the area.

Captain Cook monument – Also marking the start of the Butterfly walk, the captain cook monument is placed above the landing point of Lieutenant James Cook and his crew back in 1770.

Countess Russell anchor – The original, larger than life anchor on display at the 1770 headland was all that remained after this ship ran aground in 1873. The crew made it ashore but the ship was lost.

Food

Because, c’mon we need to eat

1770 Marina Café – We just have two words for you … Eggs Benedict! You can spend a lot of time and money trying to find the perfect brekkie, lucky for you we’ve done the hard work and can tell you that the 1770 Marina Café eggs bene sitting by the water is jolly hard to beat!

Drift and Wood Restaurant – We just have to tell you about this spot, it’s a local favourite for night time dining. Lovely dinner menu and live music on Sunday’s. Don’t forget to make a booking.

Holidays Beach Café – Need to check the surf and eat at the same time?… No worries, ‘kill two birds with one stone’ at this seaside café. Right on the doorstep of the Agnes Water point break.

Rusty Pelican – You haven’t had fish and chips until you’ve had these fish and chips. Not to mention next level burgers and signature dawg rolls.

Barraca By The Sea – Delicious Fresh Mediterranean inspired meals. Located at the 1770 Marina, add in a 1770 sunset and you’ve got an easy romantic date night.

Markets

Local fresh produce, original art & souvenirs

Discovery Coast Rotary Markets – Every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of each month and every Sunday during holiday periods. Located at the SES grounds

Alternate markets – Wrong weekend for the rotary markets? On alternate Sundays you will find a fresh produce stall at the 1770 Marina and some crafty markets at Captain Cook Holiday Village.

Holiday markets – During the school holidays twilight markets will be popping up at Tom Jeffery Park.

National Parks

Get away from the crowds

Deep Water National Park– Stretches from the edge of Agnes Water and south towards Baffle Creek. It hosts some spectacular waterways and provides access to remote beach locations.

Eurimbula National Park – Great for a family camping escape, Eurimbula extends to the North of the town of 1770, the full length of Bustard Bay. Two established QPWS campgrounds are located within this park.

Festivals

Annual Events

Agnes Blues, Roots and Rock Festival – Unforgettably intimate, showcasing high calibre performers in a beautiful coastal destination.  Discover new music, enjoy festival favourites, and get up and personal while learning new skills in one of the unique and inspiring performer led festival workshops.

1770 Festival – The 1770 Festival is an annual festival celebrating our community, with re-enactment of Cook’s landing, street parade, live entertainment of arts and music, all on Gooreng Gooreng Country in the Southern Great Barrier Reef region of Queensland.

Water activities

Topping off an already amazing list is every water sport known to man. Knock yourself out with:

• Boating
• Surfing
• Kayaking
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Kitesurfing
• Paddling
• Snorkelling
• Sailing
• Spearfishing

and of course LARCing!

Where else in the world you can find a single location that offers all this? Happy exploring!