It has stunning beaches, nearby islands and reefs like Far North Queensland, but it has surf – the last place on the Queensland coast to have it. This is of course Agnes Water and the town of 1770!

This is a small spot on the map where time seems to stand still. It reminded me of beach holidays I had with my family as a kid – a blur of salt, sand and fun.

We spent a week exploring and relaxing and these are our favourite things to do!

Swim at Agnes Beach

The main beach in Agnes Water stretches around 5km and is the perfect spot to swim, surf and explore any time of day. We loved that we could take our pup off leash on the northern end, find a private patch of sand and just relax.

There are plenty of dog friendly beaches in Agnes!

Paperbark Forest Boardwalk

Probably one of the most picturesque – and photographed – spots in the area is the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk.

It’s only a 400m walk through the trees but it feels magical and the stepping stones keeping you from the forest floor is fun for kids and the young at heart!

Visit an Island on the reef

There is usually a tour boat that runs out to Lady Musgrave Island but it wasn’t operating on our visit (next time!) and the fishing charters that also visit were fully booked but there is an alternative.

You can take a stunning scenic flight and spend the day exploring the paradise that is Lady Elliot Island. We were there during turtle mating season and it was absolutely incredible. The day flew by and the flight over the waterways of 1770 on way home just added to the magic.

Watch the sunset at 1770

The Town of 1770 is one of only four places on the east coast where you can see the sun set over the water.

You can find a spot on the beach – but you won’t be alone! We got down there early for a swim and enjoyed the cooler air as the sun dipped over the mountains to the west. It really is a beautiful place to have a cold drink and watch the day end.

Visit Cook’s Monument

You can drive almost all the way to the headland and see the monument that marks the spot where Captain Cook’s crew came ashore in 1770 but you can also enjoy a scenic walk from the 1770 foreshore around the headland.

Taking in several incredible elevated views of Round Hill Creek, the walking track offers multiple opportunities to branch off the track and head down to the water for a secluded fish or swim.

This is also known as the 1770 Butterfly Walk. We didn’t experience it but from March to June, it comes alive with thousands of Blue Tiger Butterflies.

You can continue 350m to reach Bustard Bay Lookout and from here you can enjoy sweeping views to the north and south of 1770.

Explore Eurimbula National Park

Having a 4WD meant that we could tow the boat and have a day in Eurimbula National Park.

Along with sandy tracks, dunes, mangroves and eucalyptus forest and the waterways we spent the day fishing, there was also a nice short hike to Ganoonga Noonga Lookout that was well worth a stop.

It is a short 700m climb but you will be rewards with panoramic views over the eastern lowlands and mountain ranges to the west. As an added bonus, we didn’t see another person in the hour we spent here!

You can camp in the National Park at one of two campgrounds but for me, the midgies would have been too much…

Cruise the waterways

The twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 are the perfect place to base yourself if you love discovering kilometres of empty beaches, wonderful waterways and stunning national parks.

We put out little boat in the water at 1770 Marina and went exploring through the calm waterways of the inlet.

Even without a boat, you can hire a kayak or a paddle board and experience it all for yourself.

Trek along Red Rock Walking Trail

South of Springs Beach near the headland is the beginning of the 'Red Rock Trail'. This trail is about 2.5 km long and goes past coves and headlands. Keep your eyes out for turtles and dolphins as you take in the scenery.

Eat fish & chips

Surrounded on all sides by plenty of water, it comes as no surprise that fish & chips was a meal we had more than once on our holiday.

There are three fish & chip shops in Agnes Water & 1770 and we tried two of them.

The Rusty Pelican not only has massive, tasty servings but it also has the best location. Situated right on the water, enjoy your meal any time of day – you might even be lucky to get a good spot for one of those epic 1770 sunsets.

Off The Hook Fish & Chips is right in the middle of town and is probably the most value for money takeaway I have ever had. I couldn’t even finish half my fish.

Have a tipple at 1770 Distillery

Just down the road from our accommodation is the boutique 1770 Distillery. After years honing skills in the distilleries of Tasmania, John now turns locally grown fruits into delicious liquers that you can taste and buy.

Devour flavours like Sunset, full of grapefruit, bush lime, and ginger - the perfect accompaniment for quietly watching the sun go down.

We stayed in a great location with our pup that we booked through Gibson’s Pet Friendly Accommodation but there are so many choices in Agnes and 1770 that you will find the spot perfect for you.

Look for things to do here