Seventeen Seventy / Agnes Water

1770 and Agnes Water are two little coastal towns that sit right next to each other on Queensland’s Discovery Coast. 1770 is famous as the place where Captain Cook first came ashore in Queensland, but these days it’s all about calm waters, sunsets over the bay, and a really laid-back vibe. It’s the kind of spot where you can head out for a quiet paddle, go fishing, or just sit with a drink and watch the sun drop into the ocean – one of the few places on the east coast where you actually get that west-facing sunset.

Just down the road, Agnes Water is a bit livelier, with a long surf beach, cafés, and a friendly holiday feel. It’s also the last surf beach as you head north, so it’s popular with surfers and families. From here you can do day trips out to the reef, head into the national parks for bushwalks, or just take it easy and enjoy the slower pace.

Together, 1770 and Agnes Water feel like a pair of small towns that are still unspoiled, with enough to do if you want to be active but plenty of space if you just want to switch off.Read more