The closest point north of Brisbane to the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, the Town of 1770 is a haven for exploring the magnificent Queensland coastline and surfing its most northern surf beaches. 1770 is also an ideal place to escape the winter chills of more southern points in Australia.

The Town of 1770 was named after the year that James Cook landed on nearby shores. As a result, it is claimed as being the 'Birthplace' of Queensland.

Things to Do and See

Surfing
Agnes Water, 6 km to the south of 1770 is home to the northern-most surf beach in Queensland. Both surfboards and bodyboards are available for hire and there's even a surf school to accommodate beginners.

Fishing
Both estuary and reef fishing are possible in the area, either in Round Hill Creek or on the offshore reefs. Fishing cruises are also available from Agnes Water and the marina in 1770. Or if you like eating the freshest of fish, but don't want to participate in the action, restaurants in the local area will provide your fill.

Wilderness
Pristine rainforests and deserted beaches provide a great base for bushwalking or even a sunset picnic in this tropical paradise. Flora and fauna are preserved in the Joseph Banks Environmental Park providing an area virtually undisturbed since Cook came ashore. This area is both a national secret and nature lover's delight. Deepwater and Eurimbula National Parks add to untouched nature of land-based beauty and there are a number of great places to see views of the surrounding area.

Four-wheel driving is also a popular activity in the local national parks surrounding Round Head, Bustard Bay, Deepwater and Eurimbula.

Discover the Great Barrier Reef
If you want to get up close and personal with marine life, snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef are available on one of the many day-trip excursions. Manta rays, moray eels, coral trout and giant rainbow fish make snorkelling and diving enchanting. Or you can view the beauty of the reef from the comfort of a glass bottom boat. Tours are available from 1770 or from further afield Bundaberg.

Lady Musgrave Island and Fitzroy Reef are both reached by day excursions from the shore. Lady Musgrove Island is a national park, home to a lagoon over eight kilometres in circumference. It is also the perfect place to view starfish, sea urchins, clams and corals that are exposed on the coral cay at low tide. During summer, turtles come ashore to lay their eggs and thousands of seabirds nest. Wilderness camping is also possible on Lady Musgrave Island.

The Birthplace of Queensland
For historians, the area has an added bonus, as the town of 1770 is named after the date of Captain James Cook's historic landing to re-stock supplies and repair the ship after an unexpected introduction to the Great Barrier Reef. The place where Cook first anchored the Endeavour in Bustard Bay in May of the year 1770, is marked by a monument near Round Hill Head. The Town of 1770 is often referred to as the 'Birthplace of Queensland'.

Nearby Miriam Vale Shire is home to a museum of early Queensland settler life as well as James Cook memorabilia and includes aboriginal artefacts, specimens collected by Joseph Banks and an extensive photographic collection.

Who should go?

1770 is a perfect destination for the adventure traveller, the historian, or simply for a romantic or honeymoon escape. You can try your hand at all of the activities above, or simply take time out and sit on one of the many secluded beaches.

When to Go?

1770 is popular when more southern destinations become cool, that is in the autumn, winter and spring from March through to November each year, which also happens to be the 'dry season'.  The temperatures range from 22-30 degrees celcius across the summer months and 10-22 degrees celcius in the winter, with rainfall highest in December through to March.

How to Get to 1770

The town of 1770 is just over one hour's drive (120 kilometres) from Bundaberg and the same distance from Gladstone. Both of these centres have airports that provide regional links into the area. A local bus runs the route between 1770 and Agnes Water 365 days a year.

If you're coming by car, 1770 is about a half a day (5-6 hours) drive north of Brisbane. Driving north of Brisbane, you'll pass the world's largest sand island, Fraser Island and enter the Discovery Coast. The drive itself is half the fun as you travel along beautiful Australian coastline with extensive stretches of beach and national parks. Or, drive to Miriam Vale on the Bruce Highway and then simply follow the signs. Access to 1770 is now fully sealed and tarred from Bundaberg.

Rail access is available through Miriam Vale, or coach connections from Bundaberg.

Staying On

Once you get to 1770 you won't want to leave. Plan on a minimum of 3 nights to touch the surface, but it's much better to take a week or two to really experience this tropical delight and all of the adventures that it has to offer.

1770 and Agnes Water have a range of houses, motels, cottages and holiday cabins to suit most visitors including pet friendly accommodation and something for every budget.

Murphys Pet Friendly Accommodation , Town of 1770 ( $120-160/night )
Fully self-contained house on 50 private acres, about 15 minutes from Agnes Water/1770. Enjoy a BBQ breakfast on the balcony overlooking the valley with your pets by your side. Stroll on your secluded bushland or head to Qld's most northern surf beach

The Shack , Town of 1770 ( $350-500/week )
An original 1960's fibro fishing shack, situated at the best location in town. Across the road from the beach, walk to restaurant, bar and shop.
 
Captain Cook Holiday Village , Town of 1770 ( $50-95/night )
Self contained bungalows, caravan and camping sites. The only self-contained cabin accommodation at 1770. One kilometre to the boat ramp, marina - departure point for Great Barrier Reef cruises. Surf beach access track 900 metres.

Tourist Information Centres

The Discovery Centre
Shop 12, Endeavour Plaza
Captain Cook Drive
Agnes Water QLD 4677
Australia

Phone: +61 (0)7 4974 7002
Fax: +61 (0)7 4974 7005

Photographs courtesy of Tourism Queensland

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Holiday in the Atherton Tableland, Far North Queensland, QLD
Holiday in Natural Bridge, Gold Coast Hinterlands, QLD

Queensland highlights include the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef, thousands of world-class beaches, sun-drenched islands and lush rainforest areas, not to mention the outback areas. For something active try bushwalking, mountain biking, horseriding or golf. To find out what's happening in queensland during your trip visit holiday events QLD. More accommodation is available in the regions surrounding the Fraser Coast.

Brisbane holiday accommodation, Capricorn & Gladstone holiday accommodation, Gold Coast & Hinterlands holiday accommodation, Sunshine coast & Hinterlands holiday accommodation, Whitsundays & Mackay holiday accommodation, Fraser Coast holiday accommodation