Things to Do in Agnes Water on an East Coast Road Trip
If you're road-tripping Queensland's East Coast in a Wicked Camper, Agnes Water is one of those stops that sneaks up on you, then convinces you to stay longer. Together with the neighbouring town of Seventeen Seventy (1770), this chilled coastal pocket sits on the Discovery Coast, where surf beaches meet national parks and Australian history runs deep.
From rich history to sunrise paddleboarding sessions and some of the best coastal camping in Queensland, here's what to do in Agnes Water on a road trip.
Step Into History at the Town of 1770
Long before it became a favourite stop for campervan travellers, this coastline played a major role in Australia's European history.
On 24 May 1770, Lieutenant James Cook anchored the Endeavour in what he named Bustard Bay, marking the ship's second landing on Australian soil and the first in Queensland. Cook and his crew came ashore at the headland now known as the Town of 1770, where a Captain Cook Monument stands today.
The name Bustard Bay came from a memorable meal: the crew shot and ate a large bustard (wild turkey), which Cook famously described as the best food of the entire voyage.
Explore Nature the Way the Early Botanists Did
Cook's landing wasn't just about navigation, it was a scientific mission led by botanists Sir Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander. The plants they documented here helped shape the world's understanding of Australia's unique ecosystems.
What to Look Out For
- Banksia and eucalypt species first recorded in this region
- Paperbark (Melaleuca) forests, still thriving throughout the area
- Local wildlife including Bush Stone-curlews and Rainbow Bee-eaters
Many of the original plant specimens collected here are still held in museums today, but you can see their living descendants on almost every walk around Agnes Water and 1770.
A Place With Stories Older Than 1770
Long before Cook's arrival, the Gooreng Gooreng people lived and cared for this coastline for thousands of years. Their connection to the land and sea remains central to the region today, celebrated through cultural tours and the annual 1770 Festival.
The town of Agnes Water itself was named after the schooner Agnes, which was lost at sea nearby in 1873, another reminder of how closely this area's history is tied to the ocean.
Hit the National Parks
Agnes Water is perfectly positioned between some of Queensland's most underrated national parks.
Joseph Banks Regional Park
Located right on the 1770 headland, this park features scenic walking tracks with panoramic ocean views. It's one of the few places on Australia's East Coast where you can watch both sunrise and sunset over the water.
Eurimbula National Park
To the north, Eurimbula is all about mangrove creeks, ironbark forests and quiet waterways. Access is via 4WD-only roads or the iconic LARC! amphibious tours departing from the 1770 marina.
Deepwater National Park
South of Agnes Water, this rugged coastal park is a key nesting site for Loggerhead and Flatback turtles (nesting Nov–Jan, hatching Jan–Mar). It's wild, scenic and far less crowded than many East Coast parks.
Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding with a Local Twist
One of the best ways to experience 1770's calm waterways is from the water itself, on a self-guided SUP adventure.1770 SUP offers some great package deals:
- SUP & Lunch – $45: 2 hours SUP hire + fish and chips. Take your shell token to The 1770 Rusty Pelican for your meal.
- SUP & Sip – $17.70: Early morning 1.5 hours SUP hire + coffee, tea, or juice.
Both are bookable online at 1770sup.com.au, every day except Mondays. Paddle in the traditional sea country of the Gooreng Gooreng people while enjoying the view at your own pace.
Surf the Northernmost Break in Australia
Agnes Water is officially home to the northernmost surf beach in Australia. Beyond this point, the Great Barrier Reef starts to soften ocean swells, making surf conditions rare further north.
Main Beach is beginner-friendly and ideal if you’ve never surfed before. Stylez Surf School offers lessons and board hire right on the sand, an easy add-on to your road trip itinerary.
Stay Where Campervans Belong
Agnes Water and 1770 are made for camper travel, with plenty of laid-back places to park up for the night.
Popular Camping & Van-Friendly Stays
- 1770 Camping Ground – Absolute beachfront sites beside the inlet
- NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park – Right on the main surf beach
- 1770 Eco Camp – Secluded, bush-style camping close to town
- Workman's Beach – Affordable council-run camping with a back-to-nature feel
No high-rises, no rush, just classic coastal camping.
Why Agnes Water Belongs on Your Road Trip
Agnes Water isn't flashy and that's exactly the point. It's a place to surf, paddle, camp, explore and actually slow down for a few days.
If you're cruising the East coast in a Wicked Camper, this is one stop that delivers history, nature and easy living.
Pro tip: Plan for at least two nights... Most people wish they stayed longer.
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