Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy are two charming coastal towns found in Queensland, Australia. They offer a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and a laid-back atmosphere. Situated about 100 kilometres north of Bundaberg, these towns are often referred to as the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, making them an ideal destination for travellers seeking a peaceful escape and opportunities for exploration.
Agnes Water, the larger of the two towns, is known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and relaxed vibe. It is a haven for beach lovers, surfers, and those who appreciate nature’s unspoiled beauty. The town is also home to a variety of eco-tourism experiences, from exploring nearby national parks like the Eurimbula and Deepwater Conservation Park, to discovering diverse wildlife and coastal landscapes. Agnes Water is also a popular base for access to Lady Musgrave Island, a beautiful coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef, offering world-class snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Just a few kilometres to the north lies the historic town of 1770, named after the year Captain James Cook first landed on the east coast of Australia. This small, picturesque settlement offers a more intimate feel along with a more quirky nature. It is known for its tranquil beaches, calm waters, and historic significance. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as fishing, kayaking, and bushwalking, as well as learn about the area’s history through the 1770 Headland and the surrounding Captain Cook sites. The town is also a popular spot for watching stunning sunsets over the Coral Sea.
Together, Agnes Water and 1770 form a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty, making them a must-visit destination for those exploring Queensland’s coast. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, these towns offer something for everyone.
Where is Agnes Water from home?
Head north and keep driving! Agnes Water can be located about 4 hours and 390km north of Buderim
When did we visit?
Dad and I visited in February, the last month of summer. We last visited in February of 2023.
Who am I?
My name is Joanne Hattersley. I am a creative and freelance writer who built her website from the ground up.
Why are we going?
It was time to get the 2025 trip calendar underway. I had mentioned Agnes Water/1770 to dad some time back, and as we hadn’t been for a couple of years, we made the decision to take the trip back.
Diary of the trip
Prior to the trip, I had received an email notifying of ‘work being carried out at the campsite with possible disturbances.’ As we had previously been through this at the last NRMA site, I decided to contact the site to explain the situation. Without hesitation, they moved us away from the work to the ‘Seabreeze accessible villa.’ While it was away from the work, we were sad to not be ‘beachfront,’ but you can’t have it all ways!
Sunday 16th February
Day one of the trip. With approximately 390km and a little over 4 hours travelling it was time to hit the road. Time to give Dads new car a real good run! We set off at about 915am and traffic remained good for the journey. We breakfasted before we left and stopped for lunch in Childers.
After arriving in Agnes Water to the NRMA campsite, we checked in and settled in to the cabin. As work was being done around the beachfront cabins (we’d had an issue at another site being next to the ongoing maintenance,) so we asked if it was possible to be moved. This was done with no concerns whatsoever.
The only downside when going away to a 2 bedroom cabin is that the second bedroom usually houses bunk beds and a single. Yes, I am a child, but this child is in her 50s and likes a bit more comfort than a single. Time for cabins to have 2 bedrooms with double beds in both! Rant over!
We put everything away and headed out to get beer, food and a coldie! A walk down to the beach and a sandwich and drink in the cabin finished off our night.
Monday 17th February
Forecast to be 30 degrees, slightly cloudy with some rain, this is what’s known in the photography world as “atmosphere.” We woke to bright sun, blue skies and warm temperatures, unsure as to whether that rain would appear! We headed to Holidays café for breakfast and coffee, eating with a beach and sea view laid out in front of us.
The decision was made to drive to Baffle Creek and Rules Beach, about 55km from our site. We took our time on the drive taking care to note all the scenery. Little things popped up here and there that reminded us of our last trip. We jumped out of the car at intervals to take a few pictures. On the way back we had a “liquid refreshment” pit stop at Baffle Creek Tavern & Zincalumbar. Then it was back to the cabin for a drink and feet up while deciding what to do for dinner.
Dinner was a meal at the local tavern, if I’m being honest, not the best meal we’ve ever had but it filled a gap! A quick drive down to Chinamans Beach finished off the evening.
Tuesday 18th February
The day started today with a sunrise photoshoot for dad at Chinamans Beach. Me? I stayed where I was! After a café bacon and egg roll, it was back to the cabin for a relaxing morning and the chance for dad to catch up on some sleep after his early morning.
A drive out to 1770 was the order of the afternoon so we could walk out to the lookout. Any major walks were off the table through the heat of the day, but the lookout walk was a short one.
Wednesday 19th February
Today was a day to meet up with friends that live up here. Cris Muggeridge is a friend of dads from the days of Noosa Camera Club. As he and his wife live about an hour north of Agnes Water at a place called Tannum Sands, we decided to go and catch up with them.
It was a nice drive up with a few stop/starts here and there to take some pictures. A lovely lunch, afternoon at the pub and a great catch up ended the day. Then it was a drive from Tannum back to Agnes Water.
Thursday 20th February
While Friday was rostered to be the trip home, it ended up being Thursday, a day early. We packed up after breakfast and got on the road. We took our time driving back, keeping off of the Bruce Highway as much as we could. We headed through Taunton, Rosedale, and continued down to Childers. We left the highway at Howard and had a drive through ‘Historic Howard’ to see if there were any potential photographs, but this was not to be. We rejoined the highway and headed south to home.
Once home, the usual ‘after holiday’ jobs are done. Unpacking, washing, leftover food from esky to the fridge and finally deciding what to have for dinner. To make life easy, we slipped straight out to Slipstream Social House. Sadly, they’d sold out of my favourite dessert.
Conclusion
Returning home after a trip blends the bittersweet sense of the holiday’s end with the pure joy and relief of sinking into your own bed for a night’s sleep. Now I’d had that good sleep, it was time to evaluate the trip.
For the conclusion to any holiday, I ask myself these three questions.
- Would I go back again to the village/town?
- Would I stay at the same accommodation?
- Would I recommend the trip?
So, here’s my answers!
- Yes, I would definitely come back to Agnes Water and 1770. It’s quiet, it’s beautiful and it has a quirky sense of self about it. I would limit the time there though. Five days was too long for two people who aren’t the sort to sit on a beach all day.
- Yes, I would stay at the NRMA camps again. They are consistent across Australia and you always know what you’re going to get. However, the cabins do have their faults. The bathroom had one tiny shelf on which to put anything. This meant possessions either being left on the floor of the wet room (definitely not ideal) or having to be taken from bedroom to bathroom for each use.
My other criticism of two bedroom cabins is this. While the second bedroom is usually for kids, there are times where it isn’t. In my situation, we are a dad and daughter travelling together and I am usually in the second room. There should be an option to have a double bed in the second bedroom for situations like this.
- I’d recommend Agnes Water and 1770, definitely if you want quiet and peace!
Church image by Joanne Hattersley.
All other images by Barry Beckham.
