Hostels in Agnes Water - Town of 1770

About Agnes Water - Town of 1770

Agnes Water and Town of 1770 are easy-going beach towns on central Queensland’s Discovery Coast. About 300km of pristine beaches line the shore from Gladstone to Bundaberg, with quiet surfing spots and secluded stretches of sand. The towns are located on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, so you can explore the natural wonder without the crowds. These are great bases for discovering national parks such as Deepwater and Eurimbula, looking out for nesting turtles and native birds including emus, brahminy kites and honeyeaters.

Many Agnes Water and Town of 1770 hostels have direct beach access, or cabins set within 15 acres of tropical gardens. Swing from a hammock surrounded by native plants or take a dip in an on-site pool. In the evening, you can grab beers from the shop next door and sit around a campfire, or play pool in communal lounges. Hostels in Agnes Water and Town of 1770 have fully equipped kitchens and barbecues, while in some hostels you can join other travellers for a shared meal prepared by hostel staff.

Springs Road runs alongside the coast from Paperbark Forest Boardwalk up into the centre of Agnes Water. Along the way, Chinaman’s Beach is a little-known bay sheltered by large rocky ridges on either side. In the centre of Agnes Water, Round Hill Road is home to pubs, surf shops and a supermarket. Captain Cook Drive heads north out of the town up to 1770 and out onto the headland.

Lady Musgrave Island is a coral island on the Great Barrier Reef with its own lagoon. It’s a 90-minute boat ride from 1770 and you can snorkel among colourful reefs and spot marine life including turtles. A few kilometres from Agnes Water, you’ll find Paperbark Forest Trail, a 15-minute trail with wooden walkways and stepping stones. 1770 is one of the best places on Australia’s east coast for watching the sun set over the ocean. Head to the 1770 foreshore and the headland or take to the water on a kayak to watch the spectacle over Bustard Bay.

Walking and cycling are the best ways to get around the towns. The closest airports are in Bundaberg to the south and Rockhampton to the north. Both have domestic connections to Brisbane and around the country. Greyhound buses can take you from Bundaberg to Agnes Water in around 1.5 hours, and Rockhampton to Agnes Water in just under 3 hours. Greyhound also operates buses from Brisbane directly to Agnes Water, taking around 9 hours.