Town of 1770
Oceania · Australia
See also
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Bundaberg
Australia24.85°S 152.35°E · 17 m
Hervey Bay
Australia25.29°S 152.87°E · 18 m
Rockhampton
Australia23.38°S 150.51°E · 13 m
Rainbow Beach, Queensland
Australia25.90°S 153.08°E · 22 m
Overview
The Town of 1770 and Agnes Water are two neighbouring beachside destinations in Central Queensland, named after Captain Cook's landing on 23 May 1770. Agnes Water offers a more developed feel with patrolled beaches, new apartment complexes, and a shopping precinct, while 1770 itself is quieter with camping areas and the wharf for Reef cruises.
Languages: English
Why go?
The Town of 1770 and Agnes Water are two neighbouring beachside destinations in Central Queensland, named after Captain Cook's landing on 23 May 1770. Agnes Water offers a more developed feel with patrolled beaches, new apartment complexes, and a shopping precinct, while 1770 itself is quieter with camping areas and the wharf for Reef cruises. The area serves as a gateway to the southern Great Barrier Reef, with day trips to Lady Musgrave Island departing from the bay.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
The Town of 1770 and Agnes Water are accessible by road, located near Gladstone in the Capricornia region of Queensland. No specific public transport options are mentioned for arriving from major cities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
If staying at Agnes Water, you can walk to the shops and the beach. For reef excursions, pickup from Agnes Water to 1770 can be arranged. Taxis are available, but there is no other local public transport in the area.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The area can be visited year-round, but stinger season (box jellyfish) runs during the warmer months, with warning signs posted in the bay at 1770. Agnes Water's patrolled beach is usually free of stingers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation options include Agnes Water Beach Club with 1 and 2 bedroom units, Sandcastles 1770 offering 1-4 bedroom apartments 200m from the beach with two pools and a spa, 1770 Getaway with 2 bedroom villas, and Mantra Pavillions Mirage on 1770. Camping is available at the extensive camping area at 1770 itself. Note that much accommodation advertised as '1770' is actually located in Agnes Water.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
The Agnes Water Bakery at the Agnes Water Shopping Centre offers bread, sandwiches, meat pies, and moist caramel mud cake. There are a few restaurants in Agnes Water and two pubs—one in 1770 with views across Bustard Bay, and the Agnes Water Tavern at 1 Tavern St. A pizza restaurant is also available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The Great Barrier Reef is the major attraction, with day boat trips and reef cruises departing from 1770's wharf, including trips to Lady Musgrave Island. The Headland Walk from the end of Captain Cook Drive offers views over the ocean and bay. Agnes Water is the most northerly surf beach on Australia's eastern coast—beaches further north are protected by the Great Barrier Reef. Ocean swimming is available at Agnes Water's patrolled beach, while 1770 has a sheltered bay beach.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Stingers (box jellyfish) are found as far south as 1770 during stinger season, with warning signs posted in the bay. Agnes Water is a patrolled beach and usually free of stingers. Seek advice from lifeguards before entering the water at any beach in the area.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
The destination is part of Central Queensland. Gladstone is the nearest major town, approximately 120 km north, offering larger services and transport connections.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
1770 Getaway
2 bedroom villas
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Agnes Water Beach Club
1 and 2 bedroom units.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Mantra Pavillions Mirage on 1770
Still in Agnes Water, although further towards 1770 and away from the patrolled beach than the other hotels.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Sandcastles 1770
1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments. A 200m walk down the beach access path directly onto the beach. Two swimming pools, and cool water spa. Cafe and restaurant on site.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Agnes Water Bakery
Bread, sandwiches, meat pies. Moist caramel mud cake.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Captain Cook Monument
Captain Cook came ashore here in 1770, and the monument commemorates the event
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
The Great Barrier Reef
Day boat trips to the reef and Lady Musgrave Island depart from 1770's wharf.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Agnes Water Shops
Two supermarkets, souvenirs, and locally made products available at two shopping locations.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Many properties advertised as '1770' are actually in Agnes Water; verify location before booking as prices differ.
Safety
Box jellyfish (stingers) present at 1770 during stinger season. Agnes Water patrolled beach is usually safer.
Transport
No public transport exists between 1770 and Agnes Water; taxis are the only option. Arrange reef cruise pickups in advance.