If you are wondering what to do in Agnes Water then you can come to the right place. Things to do in Agnes Water include beach hopping, nature walks, wildlife and a little bit of a history lesson on the famous Captain Cook.
Agnes Water lays in-between Rockhampton and Bundaberg on the Queensland coastline of Australia. We arrived after Backpacking Whitsundays, one of the best experiences we have had on the East Coast of Australia.
Agnes Water is a perfect stop if you are on an East Coast trip to break up the long drive.
It is a laid back town which is right next door to the equally laid back town of 1770. Each provides beautiful landscape views and amazing sunsets which will leave you in awe. It’s also a gateway to the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef.
Best time to visit Agnes Water
The best time to visit Agnes Water would be from March-May during autumn. This is when the temperature is still nice and hot but with cooler breezes. You could also visit during the summer months of December – February like we did, however, some days can get unbearably hot and humid.
During October – May it is stinger season. However, a good thing is that is Agnes Water Beach is patrolled and has a stinger net. This means you can safely swim in the sea without the worry of getting stung.
Another bonus visiting during autumn is that in May every year there is a Captain Cook 1770 Festival. This has been running since 1992 and takes place in the town of 1770 a stone’s throw away from Agnes Water.
Where to stay in Agnes Water
Backpackers at 1770 is a great choice for fellow travellers on the road.
They have free onsite parking which is great to not worry about coming back after your adventures.
They also have movie nights and a massive table centred within the hostel which makes an ideal place to meet other backpackers. It is great for the solo backpacker and couples. We stayed here and would stay again.
Check out their latest prices here.
Alternatively, KiteSurf 1770 Beach House is only 400 yards away from the centre of Agnes Water. It features double rooms for couples, dormitories and family rooms.
Check out the latest prices here.
What to do in Agnes Water
Our things to do in Agnes Water will give you an amazingly diverse list you can tick off throughout your visit leaving your sense of adventure fulfilled. There is no specific order to the list so you can decide for yourselves which ones to prioritise.
1. Agnes Water Beach
Agnes Water Beach is the main beach and features golden sands and is perfect for surfers. When we visited it was a windy day and the surfers were out in their numbers enjoying the swell.
The beach stretches 5 km and has lovely views either side of it with sandy mountains and green bushes growing over them.
What’s so unique about this beach is that during October – April marine turtles can be spotted nesting. If you are lucky you could even spot hatchlings!
Baby turtles crawling along the sand eager to live life in the sea.
2. Chinamans Beach
If it’s busy during your time in Agnes Water, then head to Chinamans Beach. This beach is perfect for escaping the crowds.
It differs from Agnes Water Beach by being a bit more secluded and unpatrolled. You are less likely to run into families because of this so naturally, it will be quieter.
Take a stroll with peace and admire the lovely views.
3. Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary & Camp Ground
Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary is just an amazing place.
They are dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of orphaned joeys. Whilst they do this they offer you a unique, up close and personal experience with the kangaroos.
Amongst feeding the kangaroos, the owner gives you an in-depth talk and knowledge lesson on kangaroos. He talks about how they feed, their anatomy and how we as humans can do better and are not worthy of them. It’s a mixed speech
The speech is a bit eyebrow-raising in some places but we did enjoy learning about the daily life of a kangaroo and their characteristics.
If you fall in love with the place so much you don’t want to leave then there is good news; you can camp overnight. It would be incredible to sleep amongst the roo’s there.
You can enquire and get more information on their website here.
4. Reedy Creek Reserve – Paperbark Forest Boardwalk
This protected reserve covers 452 hectares of creek line, but you can roam a small portion of it via the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk.
The walk is fairly short being 400 m but it is considered Grade 3. You will be walking through narrow walkways, hopping over stepping stones and may come across slippery surfaces and fallen debris.
The trail has some stunning views of some of the towering plant life there with some beautiful photo opportunities. As you walk along you will find plaques with information on them regarding the wildlife conservation and plant life in the surrounding areas.
We saw a few families there as the kids loved running around the entire track. Great for those of you who have some overhyped, sugar-saturated kids who need to burn off some energy.
We would recommend bringing insect repellent as a fair few mosquitoes are flying around ready to bleed you dry.
5. The Discovery Coast Rotary Markets
The Discovery Coast Markets are held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. They are hosted at the SES grounds which are in-between Agnes Water and Town 1770. During the school holidays, they are held every Sunday.
You can browse and haggle the vendors for their wears including bric-a-brac, fresh produce and arts & crafts.
We love a good bargain and these markets provide the perfect opportunity. Don’t miss the markets if you are there to purchase something reminding you of your time at Agnes Water and 1770.
6. Take a tour on a pink LARC
A vehicle that can drive on land and water, the perfect combo.
The LARC is just that and what a way to explore Agnes Water and the town of 1770. By booking a tour you will explore the nearby national parks, a restored light station and the gorgeous waterways.
Check out the amazing tours here.
You will look cool doing it too with its bright pink body paint. Just keep the shades on to play the part.
There are a variety of tours some shorter and some longer which is suitable for everyone. You will gain some great local insight and have a bundle of fun doing so.
7. Deepwater National Park
If you want to put that 4WD to good use then head to Deepwater National Park.
It is only accessed by 4WD so unfortunately, we couldn’t do this ourselves. We only had a little Toyota!
However, you can always take a guided tour, Moondoggie Beach & Bush tours are one of the main companies offering the service.
You will be taken through the parks of diverse vegetation and woodlands. It also has great wildlife such as emus, cockatoos, honeyeaters and turtles.
8. Visit the James Cook Monument
Visiting the Lieutenant James Cook Monument (he was not yet a captain at the time) will give you the answer to the question everyone wants to know, “Why is the town called 1770”?
However, we won’t spoil it for you so make sure you check out this piece of history for yourself.
Not only that but you will be presented with astonishing views of the ocean. It is the perfect place for some lovely photos or to chill for a sunset.
You will often see people fishing there too so bring your rod if you’re keen.
There is a free car park at the monument so take advantage of it, walk down and enjoy the nearby beach. It is accessed by springs road in Agnes Water via captain cook drive in Town 1770.
9. Round Hill Creek walking trail
Taking more advantage of that free parking you can do a 1.2 km trail.
This is a lovely bushwalking experience in Joseph Banks Conservation Park.
Amongst others, it is famously known as the ‘Butterfly Walk’. This is due to blue tiger butterflies flocking to Town 1770 as part of their migration during the autumn and winter months.
10. Wave lookout
Wave lookout is only a 15 min walk away from the Captain Cook Memorial.
On the way, you will be gifted with panoramic views of the ocean. At the end of the walk, there is a platform for you to admire the view from too.
If you are lucky enough to be there in season, whales can be spotted.
11. Bustard bay
An even shorter walk will take you to Bustard Bay. We recommend checking out the Bustard Bay lookout for a different perspective of the crashing waves.
It is named Bustard Bay because James Cook and his crew shot a bustard and ate it. The story goes on to say that James Cook said it was the finest meal he had after leaving England. So he named the place after the animal, Bustard Bay.
Go to the lookout point and take in the views as you re-enact the scene in your mind.
Be careful here as there are unfenced cliff edges, you don’t want to be caught slipping.
12. Marvel the sunset at 1770
This is one of the most stunning sunsets we have seen on our travels and we have seen a lot.
We were driving back from our walking trails near the Captain Cook Memorial and had to pull over to admire the view. The sky was illuminating purple and orange, it looked like an oil painting in a museum.
If you are travelling North from Agnes Water then read our Backpacking Whitsundays guide for one of the most epic experiences in Australia.
If you are travelling down the coast then it would be illegal to not stop by and check out Noosa. It’s a lively small surf town with much to offer.
FAQ
Yes, there is a patrolled beach on Agnes Water Beach.
It only takes 10 min to drive between the 2 towns.
Yes during stinger season but Agnes Water Beach have stinger nets.
Agnes Water has cheaper accommodation and better connected to other towns/cities.
