Situated on what is aptly called, The Discovery Coast, the twin towns of Town of 1770 and Agnes Waters are about 120 kilometres north of Bundaberg in Central Queensland. These tucked away little villages are the perfect places to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and tranquility. There is virtually no traffic on the roads, no traffic lights, no high rise buildings and the only sounds are the sounds of nature. In fact the Town of 1770 is sometimes referred to as the birthplace of Queensland for very good reason.

1770 Hotel

Town of 1770 History

As the name suggests, the Town of 1770 was discovered by Lieutenant James Cook in his ship Endeavour in the year 1770 when he was sailing along the East Coast of Australia. The history books record that Cook came ashore to survey the land and to find some fresh water, and in doing so named the inlet Bustard Bay after a Scrub Turkey (Bustard) he shot for meat.

Round Hill Creek, Town of 1770

Bustard Bay, Round Hill Head, the white sanded beaches, crystal clear waters and the landscape have barely changed a bit since that day in 1770.  Both towns, that are only 6 kilometres apart, have retained that laid-back relaxed atmosphere with many coastal treasures, offshore islands and reefs, fishing estuaries and walking paths to explore. Otherwise just kick back and relax and enjoy the village atmosphere.

Things To Do in 1770 and Agnes Waters

The ten top things to do in Town of Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Waters are:

1. Surf Queensland’s most northern surf beach and world-class reef breaks at Agnes Waters.
   

   Agnes Waters Beach

2. Throw a line in for some beach or rock fishing off one of the beaches, the tidal flow at Round Hill Creek or nearby Baffle Creek.
   

   Round Hill Creek, Town of 1770

3. Trek one of the breathtaking National Park trails at Joseph Banks Conservation Park, Deepwater National Park or Eurimbula National Park.
   

   Joseph Banks Conservation Park

4. Snorkel or scuba dive on the Southern Great Barrier Reef by taking a boat cruise to Lady Musgrave Island that is 75 minutes offshore.
   

   Lady Musgrave Island Image Credit: Australian Traveller

5. Experience the LARC tour on an amphibian vehicle which crosses four tidal creeks and takes you to the Bustard Head Lighthouse.
   

   LARK Amphibian Vehicles

6. Kayak on the creek on a morning or sunset tour.
   

   Sunset Kayak Tour in 1770 Image Credit 1770 Liquid Adventures

7. Uncover the history of the area by visiting Lt James Cook’s ‘Cairn’ and the Countess Russell’s Anchor at 1770 headland.
   

   Lt James Cook Monument

8. Hike along one of the scenic walking tracks including the 1770 Headland and lookout, Red Rock walking trail, Paperbark Forest Boardwalk or the Round Hill Creek trail.
   

   Round Hill Head Lookout

9. Enjoy a day at the beach along the 6 kilometre stretch of majestic golden sands at Agnes Waters.
   

   Workmans Beach, Agnes Waters

10. Watch migrating Humpback Whales from the vantage point on Round Hill Head during July to November.

Where to Stay in 1770 or Agnes Waters

We camped in our caravan at the camping grounds at Agnes Waters at Workman’s Beach Campgrounds. Facilities here include unisex toilets, a cold water beach shower, picnic tables, free gas barbecues and drinking water. There are no powered campsites available and no bookings taken, so it’s first in basis only. It costs around $18 per couple per night to stay here.

The rocky beach near Workman’s Beach Campground

There are several caravan parks in both 1770 and Agnes waters that offer full facilities plus there are other types of accommodation, including holiday apartments or units, beach houses, villas or cottages, luxurious penthouses or bayside fishing shacks. Book your 1770 accommodation here.

Although these towns are a little off the beaten track, 48 kilometres from the highway at Miriam Vale to be precise, I loved this delightful stretch of coastline. It had that perfect mix of enough things to do without blowing the budget, a lovely laid-back ambience, a great choice of accommodation and places to dine, and an intriguing history. It is obviously called The Discovery Coast for a reason.