Walks and bike paths, Agnes Water and Town of 1770
A friendly little beach town with a very big heart, Agnes Water is an unspoilt jewel nestled along the Queensland coastline. Located between Bundaberg and Rockhampton, Agnes Water offers breathing space from the outside world, making visitors feel as if they are a million miles from civilisation. With genial locals, an abundance of wildlife, spectacular stretches of beach and access to the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, Agnes Water really does have it all.
To help holidaymakers make the most of their leisure time away at Agnes Water and Town of 1770, here are a selection of the top scenic walks worthy of a bookmark for future getaways.
Protecting the Australian bush...
Springs Road, Agnes Water
A few kilometres from Agnes Water town, in the Reedy Creek Reserve, opposite the entry to Springs Beach, nature lovers will discover a hidden local gem. A four hundred metre (or easy fifteen minutes) trail of stepping stones and wooden walkways meander through magical scenery of towering paperbark tea trees and creeping vines. Children will love the enchanted forest ambience, where families can look out for butterflies, native birds and other local wildlife.
Enchanted forest ...
It is essential to pack bug spray as the midgies, mozzies and sandflies will literally take you hostage and eat you alive! The best time to visit is early in the day or late afternoon, around sunset.
Dogs and domestic animals are not permitted on the walk.
Visit Cook's Monument and 1770 Butterfly Walk
641 Captain Cook Drive, Seventeen Seventy
Lt James Cook's Monument Cairn
Up the road from the
1770 Camping Grounds, along Captain Cook Drive, look out for Cook's Monument, the site marking the birthplace of Queensland. On the 24 May 1770, Lieutenant James Cook, together with botanists Joseph Banks and Dr Solander, stepped ashore to survey the land and look for freshwater. This was their second landing in Australia, at the site of the Monument Cairn at 1770.
Local walk information ...
Today, this is the spot in the Joseph Banks Conservation Park, where the easy to moderate 1770 Butterfly Walk, begins. During autumn and winter every year, the Butterfly Walk is inundated with hundreds and thousands of Blue Tiger butterflies during their migration season.
Follow the path to the beach ...
Follow the path to the beach for a swim or a spot of fishing or enjoy the two kilometre walk along the headland to Round Hill Head, meandering through beautiful forest with stunning water views.
...or take the Butterfly Walk along the coastline
The 1770 Butterfly Walk takes around half an hour from the Captain Cook Monument and wraps along the coastline, offering awesome views of Bustard Bay. Make sure to have your camera ready as this totally unique experience provides many
'I wish I had a camera' picture-perfect opportunities. Afterwards, continue on to explore the Headlands Lookout to soak in more panoramic views of the ocean.
1770 Headlands Lookout
Endeavour Street, Seventeen Seventy
A popular lookout
After visiting Cook's Monument, continue further along Captain Cook Drive to reach the amazing 1770 and Headlands Lookout. Visitors will find plenty of parking in this area, even though it is regarded as one of the most popular spots for the best views along the coastline.
There are two main short walks out to the headland - one is only about one hundred metres and the other slightly longer at three hundred and fifty metres. Both are easy to do and suitable for all ages. Walkers will be able to gain access to some of the beaches from these paths, by following the trails. It is advisable to wear good shoes on these trails.
The Discovery Trail starts behind the Museum
71 Springs Road, Agnes Water
For a quiet and leisurely bushwalk without the crowds, the Discovery Trail in Agnes Water is the trail to head for.
The Discovery Trail Map can be found in the parking area of the Museum. This walking trail meanders through natural bush to the Agnes Water Lookout and will take about half an hour for a round trip. The lookout, boasting spectacular scenery and breathtaking views, overlooks Agnes Water Beach and Workman's Beach.
Discovery Trail Map
Park your vehicle at the back of the Museum on Springs Road in Agnes Water. Alternatively, the Discovery Trail and Museum is a short one kilometre walk from the centre of Agnes Water.
During the winter months look out for whales passing through as they migrate on their journey north. Please take bottled water, a hat, sunscreen and a camera. Dogs are permitted on a leash.
Swap your swimming togs and surfboard for a scenic walking trail
Swap your swimming togs and surfboard for a walking trail that will immerse you in the stunning natural surrounds of Agnes Water and the Town of 1770.
All images courtesy of author
