If you are looking for an out of the way place for a beach holiday, look no further than the town of Seventeen Seventy. It is also written as 1770. The town got its name because Lieutenant James Cook landed here in 1770. That is also the reason this is often called the birthplace of Queensland. The tiny little town is located on the tip of the peninsula on Queensland’s Discovery Coast in the Gladstone Region of southern Queensland. The city next to it is Agnes Water, which is also often visited when people holiday in 1770.
Marker at the town of Seventeen Seventy to commemorate the landing of Lieutenant James Cook on 24 May 1770 at that location. Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Replica of James Cook’s ship Endeavor Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Eurimbula National Park Photo Credit: Queensland.com
Hiring a Car for a 1770 Holiday
Gladstone Car Hire Map Photo Credit: Budget.com.au
Seventeen Seventy Map Photo Credit: Google Maps
Seventeen Seventy Map Photo Credit: Google Maps
Seventeen Seventy Map Photo Credit: Google Maps
Seventeen Seventy is located on the southern Queensland coast about a 6 hour drive north of Brisbane. It is nestled in between many other popular spots along the Great Barrier Reef and is a hidden gem with beautiful beaches. Getting there is almost as much fun as being there. You can hire a car in Gladstone, which is just north of 1770. Hiring your own vehicle means being able to see the sights you want and not adhere to any schedules or buses. Click on the link to get a car rental rate quote for the best rates in Australia. Be sure to let your car rental agent know your travel itinerary so that they can ensure you have the best vehicle for your trip. Our helpful car rental agents can also assist you with local maps, holiday tips and pointers, and travel safety information. While in this region, check out other holiday and travel ideas from our blog:
Top 5 Port Cities on the Great Barrier Reef
Mackay’s Endless Holiday Possibilities
Sandy Beaches, Blue Waters, and Whale Watching in Hervey Bay
The Great Barrier Reef National Marine Park
Excursions for Your Great Barrier Reef Holiday
Great Barrier Reef Island Getaways
Visiting the Great Barrier Reef with Kids
Escape to a Tropical Paradise in the Whitsunday Islands
Rockin’ Holiday in Rockhampton
Things to do in Agnes Water and 1770
Agnes Water Main Beach Photo Credit: VisitAgnes1770.com.au
Agnes Water Beach Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Agnes Water Beach Photo Credit: Wikipedia
When you are in 1770 and Agnes Water, you can choose to do many things or just relax on the beach and do nothing at all. Lady Musgrave Island is just off of the Discovery Coast, so that is one of the most popular destinations for visitors here. You can take a cruise or boat charter to the island. Golfing, tennis, and kayaking are popular activities here and so is dragonboating with the local dragon boat club. Of course, surfing, lazing on the beach, and snorkelling are quite popular. Since 1770 is a hidden gem, many of the beaches are secluded and quiet. Then, there is the Great Barrier Reef with daily charters and tours departing to see the reef, the Coral Sea and the islands out there. On land just a little south of Agnes Water is the Paperbark Forest. It is a mystical and magical place that transports you to the land of movies and fairytales while you walk though the 400m pathway. There are a few other bushwalks and beach walks on the Discovery Coast including the 1770 to Round Hill Head walk. Also on land, there are a host of delicious restaurants and cafes preparing and serving local, fresh flavours. Check out Plantations Bar & Restaurant, Sea Grapes Bistro & Wine Bar, 1770 Getaway Cafe, Agnes Water Tavern, Madonna’s Cafe, Latino’s Cafes, Holidays Cafe, Baffle Beer Brewery, Cafe Discovery, and SOL Foods. There are also local spas, salons, and shops to indulge in while you are on holiday and want to pamper yourself or bring home a souvenir.
Why Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water?
Seventeen Seventy’s unique location is what makes it so special for a few reasons. It is located between Brisbane and Cairns, but are located off of the main highway that connects the two and other more popular Queensland coast locations. Because of that, it gets less traffic and tourists so it has remained a sleepy, hidden gem that is perfect if that’s what you are looking for in a holiday spot on the beach. It’s the furthest north location on the Australian east coast where there is still surf. On top of all that, the weather here is a perfect blend of the tropical north and drier south. The winters are warm and summers are hot, but with less rain that most of Northern Queensland, which has a very distinct wet season in the spring and summer. This allows holiday goers to enjoy the outdoor weather and beaches during 1770’s hot summers without expecting daily rain. Another top reason for a beach holiday here, is that it is one of three places on the east coast of Australia where you can experience the sun set into the water. Lastly, the town of 1770 won’t yield to progress because it is protected and future building is prohibited. Much of the Australia that Captain Cook discovered has greatly changed. Yet coincidentally, the first place he landed still remains in pristine condition and very similar to how it looked when he found it back in May of 1770.
Eurimbula National Park
Eurimbula National Park Panorama Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au
Eurimbula National Park Photo Credit: Queensland.com
Eurimbula National Park Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au
Eurimbula Road in Eurimbula National Park Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au
Next to 1770 and Agnes Water are the three sections of Eurimbula National Park. You will need a four wheel drive to access the main section situated on Eurimbula Creek. You can camp overnight in Eurimbula National Park and there is also boat camp access in the park.
Eurimbula National Park Camping
Eurimbula National Park Camping Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au
There are four different camping areas in Eurimbula National park: the Eurimbula Creek camping area, Middle Creek camping area, Rodds Peninsula camping area, and Bustard head camping area. Camping permits are required and must be displayed.
Eurimbula Creek Camping Area
Eurimbula National Park Camping Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au
Eurimbula Creek camp site features shady grounds near the low eucalypt woodland behind Bustard Beach. The camp sites are set up for tent camping beside your car and camper trailers. Facilities include composting toilets, limited rainwater, fire rings, a shelter shed and picnic tables. Boil or treat all water including tap water before drinking or bring your own drinking water.
Middle Creek Camping Area
Middle Creek Camping Area in Eurimbula National Park Camping Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au
The Middle Creek camping area is close to the banks of Middle Creek close to walking paths, fishing spots, and the boat launch for small vessels. You can camp in tents near your car. The facilities at this site include fire rings and composting toilets.
Rodds Peninsula Camping Area
Rodds Peninsula Camping Area Photo Credit: nprsr.qld.gov.au
Rodds Peninsula camping area features boat-based camping by the water’s edge as this site can be reached by boat only. Camping is allowed in tents on the sand and there are no facilities.
Bustard Head Camping Area
Bustard Head camping area is also a boat-based camping spot on the southern side of Pancake Creek. Tent camping is the sand is the only camping here.