Our family has just returned from a magical trip to 1770 and Agnes Waters in Queensland. If you haven’t heard of them before, these idyllic tiny towns are located on the East Coast of Australia about 6 hours from Brisbane. They are well known for their quiet, coastal charm.
Accommodation
We spent five nights staying at 1770 Lagoon Central Apartment Resort, in a two-bedroom, ground floor apartment. We booked our accommodation through local, family owned travel agency Sun City Travel, who had an even better rate then going direct to the hotel. Our room was comprised of two rooms which interconnected and gave us all of the space we needed as a family of five. There were two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two kitchens, two outdoor spaces, two laundries and a large living space. The best part though, was the swim out deck. We could literally swim out onto the pool from our back door. This was so fun for the children, and also meant that when the baby went down for her lunch nap, we could sit back on sun loungers and watch the big kids in the pool.
The resort is in such a perfect spot located on Captain Cook Drive in Agnes Water, it is right between 1770 and the heart of Agnes, making getting around easy. The facilities include a huge lagoon style pool, day spa, onsite restaurant, children’s pool area and more.
Restaurants
We were able to in eat a lot due to the fantastic cooking facilities in our resort room. However, we definitely enjoyed some meals out so I have popped my thoughts below. There is also a large supermarket in Agnes Water as well for all of your cooking supplies. Don’t forget if you accommodation doesn’t have a kitchen you can always head down to the beach and use one of the free BBQs.
The Tree Restaurant – The food wasn’t amazing for the price. Tasty but overpriced. The location is beautiful.
Discovery Cafe – Great little cafe to get a snack at. Lots of pre-made options and they make delicious freshly squeezed juices.
1770 Getaway Garden Cafe – Set in a peaceful, tropical garden setting, Getaway Garden Cafe serves up dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients, as well as fresh juices, loose leaf teas and delicious barista-made Campos coffee. We found it to be fantastic with the children because there was a huge garden for them to run and play in.
1770 Rusty Pelican – Perfect spot for some tasty fish and chips. They also do burgers including a delicious vegetarian option. The location is spot on for sunset, or you can take away.
Round Hill Road Pizza/Bar – Dine in or takeaway down to the beach, either way this pizza is so delicious.
Barraca Food Truck – The sweetest food van with the sweetest family sharing Portuguese food. You must track when down when you are there.
1770 Gelato Co – Possibly the best Gelato I have ever tasted. That is all you need to know!
Beaches
Springs Beach – This beach is located opposite the Paperbark Trail. You can walk down a sandy track to it or drive to get a bit closer. It is great for exploring, walking and getting away from the crowds. It is also where the Red Rock Trail starts.
Sunrise Beach – A beautiful and secluded beach along the Red Rock Trail. A bit of a hike to get to but it is worth it. You might even be lucky enough to spend the day with some kangaroos.
Agnes Water Beach – A large beach in Agnes Water great for walking along. It is also patrolled on weekends and school holidays.
Workman Beach – A quiet beach not far from main Agnes Water, sheltered from northern and southerly winds most of the time.
Chinamans Beach – Access to this beach is via a bitumen track off Springs Road. This is a secluded, quiet, natural beach where you can escape the crowds.
Walks
Paperbark Forest Walk – Drive down Springs Road and look for the large Reedy Creek Reserve sign near a gravel car park on the right-hand side. The trail is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, and the duration is 400m approximately (or about 10 minutes.) You walk over tiny boardwalks and tree stumps to discover the forest’s beauty. This is a special place.
Red Rock Track – A little amount of fitness is required for this one and be prepared to give piggy backs to younger children. I promise you it is worth it though and will take you to some special beaches. You may even sight turtles and a dolphin or two. You find the track first by heading to Springs Beach, then head to the very right of that beach. It involves a good hour of walking, plus stops to enjoy the pristine beaches.
Agnes Water beach – The main beach is huge and perfect for a morning walk along it.
Captain Cook Monument to 1770 Headland – We started our walk at the Captain Cook Monument in 1770 and continued uphill until we got to the 1770 Headland. The walk also took us through Joseph Banks Conservation Park. It was a decent amount of exercise with spectacular views as we wrapped around the coast.
Discovery Trail – The walking trail will take approximately 30 minutes as a round trip. You start at the very back of the museum car park on Springs Road. at the middle of the circuit is a lookout. Agnes Water Beach and Workmans Beach can be viewed from this beautiful lookout. The walk is an interesting mix of coastal and bush.
Other things to do
Deep Water National Park – This one is a lot of fun for 4WD lovers. We had a great time driving through the park to a secluded beach and enjoying a picnic sunset dinner. From Agnes Water travel along Springs Road for 4km, follow the unsealed, sand track to the park’s northern boundary. Deepwater supports diverse birdlife such as emus, red-tailed black-cockatoos, honeyeaters, brahminy kites and waterbirds. Nesting turtles frequent Deepwater Beach from October to April, turtle hatchlings emerge from the nests from January, usually at night.
The Lark – A must must must do! They provide a selection of fun and unique amphibious tours aboard their famous pink LARC!’s. You can explore beautiful, secluded beaches and visit remote National Parks. You can choose anything from a one-hour trip to full day excursion. The one hour was perfect for us with our three little ones. The children got such a laugh sitting on the LARC as it drove in and out of the water. This was a truly special and unique experience for us.
Our five night 1770 and Agnes Water itinerary
Day one – We drove from the Sunshine Coast to 1770 with a stop
off in Childer’s for lunch. Childer’s is about half was about halfway into our
road trip journey. We ate at Insane Caffeine and then walked up and down the
main street to break up the driving.
Day two – Today we did a lot of walking. First, we went to the
Paperbark Trail. Then onto the Red Rock track, where we found this perfect,
secluded beach. Then it was back to the hotel for pool swims. Followed by park
plays and pizza on the beach in 1770 for sunset.
Day three – Today’s adventure in Agnes Water involved a
hike from the Captain Cook Monument along the 1770 headland and back. Then we
went for a splash at Chinaman Beach. Followed by swims in our hotel pool and
homemade burgers for lunch. Then a 4WD adventure through Deepwater Park to a
secluded beach for a picnic dinner. We finished off with gelato for dessert.
Day four – Today was a walk along Agnes Water beach, a trip
to the bakery and delicious brunch at Getaway Cafe. Then lots of pool swims and
relaxing time. We finished the day with Rusty Pelican Fish and Chips for a
sunset dinner.
Day five – Today we walked the Discovery Trail which takes
in the stunning Agnes Water lookout. Went for a splash at Workman Beach. then
swan in our beautiful hotel pool. Went for a ride on The Lark and finished the
day with gelato.
I highly recommend staying at 1770 Lagoons it was the perfect base for our trip. Booking through Suncity Travel was a dream and we got the best rate through them. Most importantly though we supported a small, family business in doing so.
For more adventures with my little loves head to Instagram.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer – Thank you to SunCity travel for discounting our stay in exchange for promotion. However my opinion will always be the same, that they are a wonderful company to deal with and offer fantastic rates!