Agnes Water accommodation from AU$143

The small village of 1770 (formally known as Seventeen Seventy) is one of the most important sites in Australia’s history and marks the location of Captain James Cook’s second landing in 1770. The village was originally named Round Hill, but its name was changed in 1970 to commemorate the bicentennial of Captain Cook’s landing. Today, you can visit this site, with a marker placed to commemorate this historic event. 1770 even holds a festival in celebration, called the Captain Cook 1770 Festival, each year over a weekend in May, when locals and tourists flock to the area to enjoy art exhibitions, live entertainment and fireworks over the bay.

Head south towards Agnes Water and you’ll be able to visit the most northerly beach along Australia’s east coast. Over 5km of golden sands and crystal-clear water beckon you to choose your very own spot in paradise. Lay down a towel and relax to the sounds of the surf or take a dip in the ocean. Agnes Water Beach is also one of Australia’s best surfing areas, with tall waves and a regular swell. Hire a board or take a lesson and get ready to tackle the surf! If surfing is a bit too extreme for your liking, strap on a diving or snorkelling mask. As the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Agnes Water is perfect for those who want to see the colourful corals, fish and other marine life this underwater treasure trove holds, without having to visit the busy tourist areas further north. Keep an eye out during November to March and you might even spot an elusive Loggerhead Turtle!

Get dry and explore one of the 1770 and Agnes Water’s surrounding national parks. Take a stroll along the beach of the Eurimbula National Park and Joseph Banks Conservation Park to see stretches of blue sea or discover a forest of coastal plants and freshwater streams at the Deepwater National Park. Keen to see some Australian wildlife? Then head to the Round Hill Nature reserve, a densely wooded area home to Western blue-tongued lizards and birds like the fabulous Pink Cockatoo, the rare and tiny Red-lored Whistler and the well-camouflaged Southern Scrub Robin.

Getting to this natural paradise is as easy as heading to Bundaberg or Gladstone, which are both an hour’s drive away from Agnes Water and 1770. Alternatively, drive or catch a coach from Brisbane and enjoy the views. However you get here, don’t forget to book your Agnes Water hotel and 1770 accommodation – paradise awaits!