AGNES WATER AND 1770 VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

A Warm Welcome Awaits

Welcome to the relaxed coastal paradise of Agnes Water and the neighbouring Town of 1770, where unspoilt nature invigorates your sense of adventure, and friendly locals can’t wait to show you around.

In the heart of this welcoming, close-knit community lies the accredited Agnes Water / 1770 Visitor Information Centre, your one-stop shop for travel information. At our warm and welcoming centre, we provide a wide range of maps, brochures, gifts and souvenirs. Our team of skilled and knowledgeable Ambassadors possess a wealth of local insights and are ready to offer some top tips on places to go, things to do, where to eat and all the advice you need to discover all the hidden gems of the area.

The tidy twin townships of Agnes Water and Town of 1770 exude a laid-back coastal ambience, setting the scene for a relaxed or adventurous escape amidst spectacular natural landscapes. Uncrowded and unpretentious, this idyllic holiday destination beckons you to immerse your senses in its serenity. Boasting unspoilt beaches, coral cay islands, lush forests and spectacular sunsets, it’s the kind of place that forges a deeper connection with nature and loved ones, creating treasured memories. With excellent fishing and bushwalking on offer, plus plenty of history to uncover and a vibrant local art and craft scene to explore, you’re sure to find your perfect balance of relaxation and action at Agnes Water and Town of 1770.

Our team at the Agnes Water/1770 Visitor Information Centre are proud to call this tranquil township home, and love to assist with itinerary planning, travel bookings, or any other enquiries to help you experience the very best our region has to offer.

Step Into Our Centre

Our centre is a tranquil space reflecting the warm and welcoming spirit of the community in harmony with its natural surrounds.

As you enter, you are surrounded by beautiful tall trees and lush plants – hints of the natural wonder of this place. The melody of birdsong lingers in the air, and in the distance, you may hear the soothing rhythm of the ocean.

Inside the space is bright and vibrant, with a cool coastal charm reflected in its ambience and décor. The centre is decked out in beachy hues, with walls adorned in ocean-inspired artworks and perhaps even some seashell or driftwood accents. The artworks are an evolving collection by local photographers, capturing the essence and beauty of the area, and instilling a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural values of the community.

The visitor centre is a hub of local knowledge, and houses a treasure trove of brochures, maps and guides that will help you explore Agnes Water, 1770 and the surrounding Gladstone area. These informative resources cover the region’s many attractions, activities, dining options, and much more.

Along with this wealth of practical information, complemented by the expert local advice of our friendly team, the centre delivers an immersive experience of Australian culture, inviting you to take a slice of coastal charm home with you. A wide range of Australian and ocean-themed souvenirs are on offer, with a distinctly local touch. These include coastal artworks, beach-themed home décor, and beautiful local handmade crafts. Each local maker shares their story, weaving a colourful narrative that helps create a deeper connection with the artist and local community.

You may also notice the refreshing scent of lemon tea tree wafting in the air. We are proud to stock the Australian-made ‘Good Riddance’ mosquito and midge repellent, with testers available.

Historic Insights

Agnes Water and its neighbouring township of 1770 have a rich natural and cultural history that’s well worth exploring.

Our trained and knowledgeable staff at the Agnes Water/1770 Visitor Information Centre can offer inclusive and engaging insights into the town’s history through personalised, detailed descriptions and assistance for visitors with access needs. Please speak to one of our friendly team members to find out more about this service.

We acknowledge the Ballia, Gurang, Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda people as the traditional custodians of the land.

Town of 1770 holds significant history in terms of European settlement. It is named in commemoration of being the site of Captain James Cook’s second landing on Australian soil on May 24, 1770. This significant event took place during Cook’s first voyage of discovery along the eastern Australian coastline, following his famed landing in Botany Bay. A number of interpretive displays and monuments pay homage to this significant event in Australia’s colonial past.

Learn more about the Indigenous heritage, early explorers, and the town’s evolution at the Discovery Coast Historical Society, located across from the visitor centre. Informative tours help you delve deeper into the history of the area, with the possible inclusion of interactive elements.

Or pay a visit to the Bustard Head Lighthouse on a guided Paradise Tour with 1770 LARC! Tours. Perched high on a headland at the southern tip of Eurimbula National Park, this beacon of safety was constructed in 1868. The tour offers fascinating insights into the area’s rich maritime history, as well as panoramic views of the coast and Coral Sea from the top of the lighthouse.

These days, Agnes Water and 1770 are renowned for their pristine beaches, relaxed coastal lifestyle, family-friendly atmosphere and abundance of nature-based recreational activities. Discover its diversity for yourself!

Local Highlights

Bathed in unspoilt natural beauty and abounding in recreational opportunities, Agnes Water and 1770 offer the perfect place to escape the crowds and immerse your senses in seaside serenity.

Take a barefoot meander along pristine Agnes Water’s Main Beach. Feel the soft, golden sand between your toes and inhale the fresh, salty sea air. Explore the textures of shells and driftwood, and relax to the soothing soundtrack of waves washing the shore. Have a surf or swim in the refreshing Coral Sea. And don’t forget to take in the famous sunsets of 1770, where the dipping sun casts a breathtaking golden glow over the ocean.

These twin townships are also a gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and stunning Lady Musgrave Island. These pristine environments invite you to snorkel, dive and explore amidst natural wonder and abundant marine life.

Take a wander along the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk, through a lush, shaded paradise surrounded by unique flora and birdlife. Or invigorate your senses with an exhilarating hike through the diverse ecosystems of pristine Eurimbula or Deepwater National Parks.

For an exciting amphibious adventure, climb aboard the iconic pink 1770 LARC! Tours vessel for a unique tour traversing land and sea. Explore the waterways, delve into the region’s rich history, and enjoy audio commentary sharing local stories and insights.

Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line at peaceful Round Hill Creek, or experience the thrill of reeling in a big one aboard an offshore fishing charter.

Sample the local art scene with a guided audio tour past some of the proudly local ‘pole art’. This audio tour takes you on a guided loop that starts and ends at the Visitor Centre, sharing the stories behind some of these colourfully painted power poles. This audio guide is available on the Vacayit app or via scanning the QR code on display at the Visitor Centre.

Accessibility

Our skilled and knowledgeable local team love showcasing our region to all visitors, and actively welcome people with access needs.

The Agnes Water / 1770 Visitor Information Centre is located at 71 Springs Road, Agnes Water, in the same building as the town library. At the time of publishing this audio guide, our opening hours were 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm Saturday and 9am to 1pm Sunday. To confirm opening times or for any other enquiries please feel free to contact us directly on 07 4902 1533.

The quickest means of getting to and around Agnes Water and Town of 1770 is self-driving or arranging private transport. Public transport options are quite limited in the area. Queensland Rail’s Tilt Train and Spirit of Queensland services stop at Miriam Vale, approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Agnes Water and Town of 1770. However, Greyhound Australia does offer inter-city bus services that stop at Agnes Water.

The Visitor Information Centre is all on one level, with wide doorways and plenty of space to manoeuvre, making wheelchair accessibility a breeze. Accessible car parking is available, with easy access to the entrance.

Accessible toilets are available onsite at the Visitor Information Centre. There is a grassy area suitable for toileting assistance animals as you enter the centre premises.