Town of 1770

Where the bitumen ends and the Southern Great Barrier Reef begins, the Town of 1770 is a sun-bleached, low-key coastal hamlet that feels like the edge of Queensland. Named after Captain Cook’s landing in 1770, this tiny settlement is the launchpad for some of the state’s most exhilarating marine encounters. Think technicolour coral gardens, sea turtles gliding through gin-clear water, and empty beaches that stretch to the horizon. There’s no high-rise, no chain stores – just a single general store, a pub, and a profound sense of being a long way from anywhere.

Highlights & What to See

• 1770 Marina & LARC Tours: Board an amphibious army vehicle – a LARC – for a rollicking beach-and-bush tour that splashes straight into the ocean. It’s the only way to access the remote sandbars and secret coves of the Bustard Head region.
• Lady Musgrave Island: A pristine coral cay 30 km offshore, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Snorkel with giant clams, reef sharks and rainbow-hued wrasse in the protected lagoon – a world-class day trip from the town.
• Bustard Head Lighthouse: Queensland’s oldest timber lighthouse (1868), perched on a dramatic headland. The short walk rewards with sweeping ocean views and a chance to spot migrating humpback whales (June–November).
• Round Hill Creek: A calm, sandy-bottomed waterway perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding or a lazy float. Hire a tinny from the marina and explore the mangrove-lined inlets at your own pace.
• Joseph Banks Conservation Park: A coastal heathland reserve named after the Endeavour’s botanist. Follow the short walking trails to discover wildflowers, birdlife and the exact spot where Cook first set foot on Australian soil.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers base themselves for 2–3 days, allowing a full day for a Lady Musgrave Island reef tour, another for the LARC or kayaking, and a relaxed afternoon exploring the headland and pub. If you’re self-driving up the coast, it’s a perfect overnight stop to break the journey between Agnes Water and Gladstone – the sunset from the 1770 jetty is not to be missed.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Agnes Water: Just 5 km south, this laid-back surf town has Queensland’s most northerly patrolled beach and a handful of excellent cafes – the perfect place to stock up on supplies.
• Deepwater National Park: A wild, undeveloped stretch of coastline with beach camping, sea turtle nesting (November–March) and superb fishing. Accessible via unsealed roads from Agnes Water.
• Gladstone: The regional hub, 1.5 hours north, with the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum and the gateway to Heron Island – another world-class reef destination.
• Rockhampton & Great Keppel Island: Two hours south-west, Rockhampton is the beef capital with heritage architecture; from there, hop a ferry to Great Keppel Island for more reef and resort vibes.
• Bundaberg: Famous for its rum distillery and the nearby Mon Repos turtle rookery, about 2.5 hours south along the scenic coastal drive.

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