Looking for all the best things to do in 1770, Queensland? View our day tours to Lady Musgrave Island and the iconic Larc Amphibious bus/boat tours as you discover the golden shores and wildlife of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Looking for all the best things to do in 1770, Queensland? View our day tours to Lady Musgrave Island and the iconic Larc Amphibious bus/boat tours as you discover the golden shores and wildlife of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
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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.
Location: 59km off coast of 1770
No visit to this part of the QLD coast is complete without taking a scenic cruise over to Lady Musgrave Island, one of the most beautiful coral cays on the Great Barrier Reef. A National Park, Lady Musgrave is a flourishing environment filled with an abundance of flora and fauna.
Departing from the 1770 Marina, you can spend the day on the island following the various walking trails through the Pisonia Forest, snorkelling straight off the beach on the marine-rich Great Barrier Reef, or simply relaxing on the picturesque beaches.
The island is also a popular destination for nesting Green Sea and Loggerhead turtles, so be on the lookout for nesting mothers lounging on the beach.
The transparent blue waters and variety of coral types located within Lady Musgrave Island's uniquely sheltered lagoon attract an abundance of marine life. It's thus a great "beginner" option on the Great Barrier Reef that can feel far more secure than snorkelling or diving in more open waters.
"Lady Musgrave Island is a beautiful coral cay surrounded by a healthy and largely unspoilt reef lagoon that showcases the best of the Great Barrier Reef. If you are looking for quiet, secluded and pristine reef- this is our top pick.
You can access this island on a day cruise from 1770 and Bundaberg but if a day trip is not long enough you can camp overnight on this island. How many people can say that they have slept overnight on a coral cay island in the Great Barrier Reef under the stars?
This is one of those truly unique experiences on the Great Barrier Reef, however, with no facilities to speak of, campers will need to be completely self-sufficient with camping permits, shelter, food and drinking water.
If camping is not your style, then don't worry there are plenty of mid-range and luxury resorts back on the mainland in 1770 for you to rest your weary eyes after a day spent exploring one of the most beautiful places on the Great Barrier Reef.
The island enjoys warm temperatures year round and is often described by those who visit as an underwater oasis. Be sure to add a visit to Lady Musgrave Island to your travel itinerary when you visit The Town of 1770.
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.
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.
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!
Explore the Town of 1770 aboard a fun Larc tour travelling to Round Hill Creek and along the Eurimbula National park coastline. If you’re lucky, you may even spot kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.