cost of living getting you down? here are our top ten free things to do in agnes water & 1770
1. Get on your bike
Grab your trusty treadly and explore our beautiful region (haven’t got a bike? Not to worry, you can hire one from our shop – Discover 1770 & Agnes Water – located at the service station). Cycling is a great way to get around and from Agnes Water there is a popular bike and walking path all the way to the 1770 foreshore. It’s only 6km so what are you waiting for? Let’s get pedalling.
2. Become a beach bum
Start your beachy exploration at the patrolled Main Beach at Agnes Water, a short stroll from the shops and accommodation. If you’re feeling fit you can follow this beach all the way to the 1770 Headland. Then check out our more secluded beaches to the south including Workman’s, Chinaman’s and Springs. There are plenty more in between but we’re not going to tell you …. we’re not called the Discovery Coast for nothing!
3. Catch a wave
Did you know Main Beach at Agnes Water is famous for being the most northern surf beach on the east coast of Australia? Surfing, boogie boarding and body surfing are all popular here or venture to one of those other beaches you have just discovered to catch a wave all to yourself. And the best part – no stinger suits required.
4. Watch the sun set over the water
Agnes might be famous for its surf but 1770 is famous for awesome sunsets, being one of few places on the east coast of Australia where you can watch the sun set over the ocean. Grab a picnic and watch the show on the 1770 foreshore or wander up to the 1770 Headland for spectacular views. If you’re an early riser you can also catch sunrise over the water at 1770 Headland or anywhere along Main Beach.
5. Tune your tricks at the skatepark
Grab your BMX, skateboard, scooter or roller blades and enjoy our skatepark on Springs Road, just down the road from the museum. Join the local groms and show us your style!
6. Catch dinner
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fishing at 1770 and Agnes Water. Cast into the surf on one of our many beaches, grab a tinny and motor up the estuary at 1770, fish from the headlands or make your way out to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. We can almost hear the BBQ sizzling right now.
7. Discover our National Parks
Take the 4WD to explore our sub-tropical rainforests and coastal vegetation in Eurimbula and Deepwater National Parks, where windy sand tracks take you to hidden creeks and beaches. Climb Ganoonga Noonga lookout and fish at Middle Creek in Eurimbula or find the rockpools at beaches such as Wreck Rock and Flat Rock in Deepwater. If one day is not enough, consider booking a camping site for an extended stay.
8. Spot some wildlife
From November to March turtles come ashore at our local beaches to nest. During winter you can spot whales from 1770 and Agnes Water Headlands. In October the stunning Rainbow Bee-eaters take over the SES grounds to nest in burrows. The sandpit at 1770 becomes home to migratory shorebirds during Spring. Kangaroos are abundant around town. Echidnas waddle over roads. Dolphins play around kayaks. And some days you have to make a path through the Brushturkeys to get to the beach. We have LOTS of wildlife.
9. Brush up on history
Apart from sunsets 1770 is best known for Lieutenant James Cook who anchored the Endeavour in Bustard Bay on 24 May 1770. Take a walk around the interpretative signs on the 1770 Foreshore and walk to the Captain Cook Monument and imagine how this landing (only the second on the Australian mainland, and the first in what was to become Queensland) changed history.
10. Get on the (flat) water
If you’re not surfing then take to the creek at 1770 in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard. Keep your eyes peeled for stingrays and dolphins or paddle over to the sand-spit for pelicans and migratory shore-birds. Alternatively head upstream to explore the mangroves or take a tinny and drop a couple of mud crab pots.
Updated 24.9.20 by lb