The only town in Australia to have a fully numerical name, 1770 (or Seventeen Seventy) near Agnes Water in the Gladstone region is a destination often overlooked by travellers looking to experience the beautiful Great Barrier Reef.
Known as the Birthplace of Queensland, 1770, or Seventeen Seventy as it’s otherwise referred to, is a popular destination for those looking to escape the crowds but still enjoy the beauty of the Australian northeast coast.
There are a handful of things to see and do in this laid-back little village (other than simple waterfront relaxation) that will appeal to the outdoorsy type in all of us; here are 10 of the top things to see and do in 1770 and its surrounds.
2.Cultural Tours
Location: 535 Captain Cook Dr, 1770
One of the best ways to explore the region and learn about its rich indigenous culture and history is with an organised tour. 1770 LARC! Tours offer an informative and scenic tour that ticks off all the boxes.
The Goolimbil Walkabout Tour takes visitors on an authentic adventure into Eurimbula National Park with a local indigenous guide. Gain an insight into the history of the Aboriginal culture and learn about the Dreamtime and traditional hunting methods.
You can learn about the lifestyle the indigenous people had in the area including how they lived, what they ate and how to hunted and gathered.
"Led by an Indigenous guide, this tour is an authentic insight into the history of the Aboriginal culture within not only this region but the wider Australian Indigenous community."
Learn about the Dreamtime, dances and cultural interactions in this one great, comprehensive day tour from 1770. Taking a total of 2 hours to complete, this is an awesome adventure for the whole family to enjoy!
Led by an Indigenous guide, this tour is an authentic insight into the history of the Aboriginal culture within not only this region but the wider Australian Indigenous community.
Over the course of the tour you'll explore the local coastal bushland, mangroves wetland and rainforests within the town of 1770.
3.Sunset Kayak
Location: Captain Cook Drive, Seventeen Seventy
Enjoy a dry experience on the waters of 1770 and Agnes Water – if you have the balance – with a kayaking adventure.
Hire a kayak on your own or join in on a guided tour around the region, but either way, kayaking is a great way to combine sightseeing and adventure into one convenient activity.
Local tour company 1770 Liquid Adventures, offers a variety of different tours and hire options for visitors to the Seventeen Seventy region.
"Kayaking around 1770 will provide you with the chance to see some of the local residents living on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, including playful dolphins and large sea turtles. One of the most popular options is a sunset kayak tour.
One of the most popular options is their sunset kayak tour. Join a friendly guide and watch an ocean sunset from your kayak.
The tour has a touch of history too, as you paddle past Captain Cook's landing point and stop at a secluded beach and then onto the headland in search of the plentiful marine life and bird life that are here.
Kayaking is a very easy activity with no experience necessary and is a great way to see the sights and wildlife from the perspective of the ocean rather than on land.
4.Deep Sea Fishing
Location: Various Locations
Fishing is a popular past time in 1770 and on the weekend you’ll often find keen anglers winching their boats into the water carrying enough bait to last them the entire day. Head to the deepwater offshore to cast your line for mackerel, tuna, red emperor or coral trout.
With a number, if great fishing spots close to and a fair way from the shore, you can take your pick of hot spots.
If you’re looking to catch a good mackerel, tuna, red emperor or coral trout, head to the deep water, offshore reefs and cast your line.
Deep Sea Fishing is a popular past time in 1770. If you’re looking to catch a good mackerel, tuna, red emperor or coral trout, head to the deep water, offshore reefs and cast your line."
If you don’t have access to a boat or can’t get a spot on one of the highly sought after fishing charters then you can try your hand fishing from the beach, rocks or even a kayak.
Whichever way you choose to fish, if you’re in the 1770 region you won’t want to leave without throwing in a line, you might even catch your own dinner!
6.Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary
Location: 15 Fitzroy Crescent, Agnes Water
No visit to Australia is complete without meeting some of the adorable local wildlife, and particularly for families travelling around this region, Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary makes for an essential attraction.
A sanctuary for injured and orphaned kangaroos and joeys, the habitat is a wildlife lover’s haven.
Offering visitors the chance to get up close to kangaroos and joeys as they roam about in the large, open-plan sanctuary.
"The park is a sanctuary for injured and orphaned kangaroos and joeys dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing these animals back into the wild."
The Kangaroo Experience provides visitors with a behind-the-scenes experience for a relatively small fee of just $10 per person.
If you can’t tear yourself away from the adorable joeys nestling into their man-made pouches replicating their mother’s pouch, then you can spend the night in the on-site campground.
7.1770 Distillery
Location: 220 Bicentennial Drive, Agnes Water
If you’re a lover of a good liqueur, then you simply must indulge at 1770 Distillery. Taste one or all of their concoctions at their relaxing site in the beautiful 1770.
The distillery was established as a boutique distillery using locally grown products with the goal to provide a unique experience for locals and tourist.
Choose from Sunset, a mix of grapefruit, bush lime and ginger, Pink Dawn; plums, green apples and ginger, Strawberry Splash; strawberry liqueur, and Daybreak; orange, cinnamon, star anise and secret spices.
Choose from Sunset, a mix of grapefruit, bush lime and ginger, Pink Dawn; plums, green apples and ginger, Strawberry Splash; strawberry liqueur, and Daybreak; orange, cinnamon, star anise and secret spices.
If liqueurs don’t appeal, you won’t be forgotten at 1770 Distillery as they also serve up Di Bella coffee to be enjoyed in their calming garden. The distillery is open five days a week and owners Deb and John are always on hand for a chat.
Stop by the 1770 Distillery and learn more about the distilling process and pick up a unique souvenir for your friends and family or for you to enjoy back at your hotel.
8.Deepwater National Park
Location: Deepwater, QLD
Made up of beaches and coastal vegetation, Deepwater National Park is an ideal destination for those looking to escape crowds and enjoy the Seventeen Seventy region’s natural beauty.
Featuring campgrounds, you can spend a number of days relaxing by the beach and exploring the park with the help of the ground’s various facilities including public toilets, showers and picnic tables.
If you’re an avid fisherman, this is a great spot to cast your line from the beach.
The national park features "deserted beaches, secluded camping areas and wonderful wildlife on the doorstop of the Great Barrier Reef"- Department of Environment and Science.
"If you're looking for an escape from the rat race to a tranquil setting amongst nature and wildlife then the Deepwater National Park near Town of 1770 may be the right fit for you.
Visitors with 4WD vehicles can head off-road here and drive through the eucalypt woodlands. You may even encounter wallabies, emus and bird life along the way.
The creeks offer a great opportunity for recreational activities. If you own a kayak, go for a paddle on the calm, peaceful waters.
Popular camping areas as recommended by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science are at The Wreck Rock and Middle Rock which are just a short walk from the beach.
Finally, if you visit between October to February then there is a chance that you may witness turtles nesting near Wreck Rock. From January to April, these turtles then make the journey to the sea.
If you are looking for an escape from the rat race of the cities to a tranquil setting amongst nature and wildlife- with plenty of recreational activities from preventing boredom- such as kayaking, fishing, 4WD tracks, nature walks and more then the Deepwater National Park near Town of 1770 may be the right fit for you.
9.The Butterfly Walk
Location: Captain Cook Monument, Seventeen Seventy
If your visit to 1770 and Agnes Water falls during Autumn or Winter, you’re in for a treat. Every year, the sight of migratory Blue Tiger Butterflies makes for a magical experience.
very year around the same time the 1770 Butterfly Walk is inundated with hundreds of thousands of butterflies making for an incredible and magical experience.
The walk itself is relatively easy, taking around 15 to 25 minutes to complete from the Captain Cook Monument in 1770.
"For those looking to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Blue Tiger Butterflies, it’s best to plan your visit from March to June."
The walk is a 5 minute drive from town or if it is a nice day then why not rent a bike and enjoy a 30 minute ride in the outdoors with beautiful scenery.
10.Joseph Banks Conservation Park
Location: Seventeen Seventy, QLD
For incredible views over the gorgeous 1770 and Agnes Water region head to Joseph Banks Conservation Park with easy walking trails and spectacular scenery to enjoy.
Providing impressive views across Eurimbula National Park to Bustard Head and Rodds Peninsula, make sure you bring your camera on this adventure! In terms of things to do in the Park, there are various walking trails to amuse visitors.
The Round Hill Creek Track is a 1.2-kilometre trail taking around 40 minutes to traverse the sheltered valleys, freshwater creeks and wattle covered ridges, Wave Lookout is a short 100-metre trail one way leading you to a platform overlooking a picturesque rocky bay.
"Make sure you remember to bring your camera as you will find some of the best ocean views from the lookout points and scenic walking trails within the park."
Thirdly, Bustard Bay Lookout is another short trail taking around 15 minutes to complete and providing sweeping views over the region stretching far out to Bustard Bay.
All three walking tracks are short and moderately graded for any level of fitness but certain parts of the tracks may contain steep hills, steps or rough surfaces.
The Park also features various day-use facilities including picnic areas and toilets for your convenience. Unfortunately, the tracks are not wheelchair accessible.
The park is open 24 hours a day but for your safety it is best to visit in daylight hours only.
FAQs
Is it better to stay in Agnes Water or 1770? ›
Whether to stay in Agnes or 1770 really depends on your individual needs. Agnes is slightly larger, has the majority of the areas amenities, surfing, and more places to stay. 1770 is much smaller and secluded and has calmer waters, fishing, cruises to Lady Musgrove Island, and deep history.
Visit 1770 and Headlands Lookout
Stunning views don't come much better than these. Head up to the incredible 1770 and Headlands Lookout on Captain Cook Drive. There's plenty of parking and I recommend visiting in the afternoon when things have cooled down a little bit and the light is all golden and gorgeous.
Enjoy the region that is Agnes Water and 1770 but remember to apply insect repellent, which will keep the Mosquitos and Midgies (Sand flies) away. They can be prevalent here depending on time of year, winds and other factors.
Stingers (box jellyfish) are found as far south as 1770 during the stinger season. Warning signs are in the bay at 1770.
What is Agnes Water known for? ›Agnes Water is a small coastal town situated in the Gladstone Region, Queensland. Its' the closest access point to Southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. It is known mostly for its amazing beaches and fishing.
Some 6 kilometres north of Agnes Water is the town of 1770, so named after the visit of Lieut James Cook in May 1770. Cook's second landfall in Australia, the first in Queensland, gives rise to the area's claim to be the birthplace of Queensland.
Where is the Butterfly Walk 1770? ›Bush walk along the creek
Visitors to Seventeen Seventy can enjoy a bush walking experience, with a 1.2km walking track in Joseph Banks Conservation Park. This track is also known as the 'butterfly walk'.
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Go on a tour
- Go for a guided tour with 1770 LARC! Tours.
- Go on a tour with 1770 Shuttle and Tours.
- Lady Musgrave Island with 1770 Reef Great Barrier Reef Eco Tours.
- Catch a Fish – fish don't mind if there is a spot of rain… bring some home for dinner.
Town of 1770 is the closest access point to Lady Musgrave Island. Snorkel with turtles, manta rays and an array of marine life. Fully catered and hot drinks available all day. Safe snorkelling environment with resting station, floatation equipment and safety staff.
Agnes Water Beaches In The Summer
If swimming during the winter doesn't sound right to you, you might prefer to visit Agnes Water during the summer. It will be very hot and humid but swimming can definitely help you to feel cooler and the water will be lovely.
Where can I watch the sunset in 1770? ›
Around sunset, people gather along the 1770 foreshore and the headland to watch the sunset over Bustard Bay. Park at the Marina and walk towards 1770 or park near the public toilets, along the foreshore or at the 1770 campgrounds. In winter sunset is as early as 5 pm and in summer as late as 7 pm.
- Paperbark Forest Walk. 269. ...
- 1770 Distillery. 267. ...
- Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary. 144. ...
- Deepwater National Park. National Parks. ...
- Discover 1770 Holiday Shop. 123. ...
- Agnes Water Main Beach. Beaches. ...
- Eurimbula National Park. National Parks. ...
- Agnes Water Museum. History Museums.
Two sharks have been spotted off Agnes Water Main Beach.
Box jellyfish and Irukandji jellyfish can both inflict fatal stings and are found in waters north of 1770.
Is 1770 a surf beach? ›The perfect jumping off point to some of the best islands on the Great Barrier Reef, 1770 is also home to some of the best surf in Queensland.
The twin towns of Agnes Waters and Town of 1770 are small oceanfront villages that are nestled on the southern Great Barrier Reef. Captain James Cook famously landed on the pristine shores in May of 1770 and built on the site. Nowadays there are more reasons to visit other than the yearly re-entactments of the landing!
Why is it called Agnes Water? ›The town is said to have been so named in honour of a coastal schooner, the Agnes, which was lost at sea in 1873, somewhere, it is believed, out to sea from the surf beach. The area was used for sheep and cattle grazing from the 1850s especially around Turkey Beach, some distance to the north.
Millennium Esplanade and Tannum Sands Beach
The waters are patrolled by lifesavers during Spring and Summer, providing a safe way to cool off. With only a small variation in water temperature during the year, you can take a dip virtually all year round.
The twin towns of Agnes Waters and Town of 1770 are small oceanfront villages that are nestled on the southern Great Barrier Reef. Captain James Cook famously landed on the pristine shores in May of 1770 and built on the site. Nowadays there are more reasons to visit other than the yearly re-entactments of the landing!
Around sunset, people gather along the 1770 foreshore and the headland to watch the sunset over Bustard Bay. Park at the Marina and walk towards 1770 or park near the public toilets, along the foreshore or at the 1770 campgrounds. In winter sunset is as early as 5 pm and in summer as late as 7 pm.
How was Agnes Water named? ›
Agnes Water, a coastal town, is 80 km south-east of Gladstone. It faces Queensland's northernmost surf beach, which runs northwards to Round Head Hill and Bustard Bay. Agnes Water was reportedly named after a coastal schooner, the Agnes, lost at sea in 1873, most probably off the surf coast.