Want to find out what the best things to do in Agnes Water with kids are for your next family holidays Queensland trip?
Then we’ve got you covered – keep reading!
This charming coastal town located on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef near Gladstone, is fast becoming a hotspot with families eager for a relaxing, down-to-earth and affordable beach getaway in the Sunshine State.
That’s why it’s probably on your radar (and many others by the looks of it), with Agnes Water being voted the top small tourism town for 2021.
What makes Agnes Water a popular destination for families is it serves up some seriously stunning natural offerings, fun outdoor activities and great sunny weather.
From trail hikes, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing and wildlife spotting, you and the kids will be spoilt for choice.
So, to get you ready for your family holidays QLD trip, here are the best things to do in Agnes Water that should also be on your Queensland road trip itinerary.
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10 Best Things To Do In Agnes Water:
1. Surfing Agnes Water Main Beach
One of the top things to do in Agnes Water for families is, of course, getting in and enjoying the water.
And, what better place than at Agnes Water Main Beach. This patrolled beach, which is accessible via the footbridge near the parking area at Tom Jeffery Park, will spoil you with pristine water conditions, warm temperatures and gliding waves.
Not only is Agnes Water Main Beach perfect for young kids to swim and frolic in, but it’s also popular for the older ones and adults to hire a surfboard or paddleboard from Lazy Lizard Surf School and catch the waves – we guarantee you’ll get hooked and visit this beach multiple times a day during your family holidays QLD trip.
As Agnes Water Beach stretches 6kms, you and the family will have plenty of space to go surfing, swimming and paddleboarding.
Also if you bring your pooch on your holiday, there is an area near the car park next to the surf club where you can let your dog off the leash.
TIP: One of the best beach sections is located where the Agnes Waters Caravan Park (also known as Agnes Water Beach Holidays) is located. They also have a beachfront cafe, where you can grab some snacks and refreshments after your surf, swim or SUP session.
If you want to see the beach conditions prior, why not check the Surfcam Agnes Water or Swellnet Agnes Water sites.
2. Explore the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk
One of the most memorable walks in Agnes Water to do with the kids is the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk.
The short but magical walk (taking around 20 minutes) is absolutely stunning and will have you surrounded by hundreds of roaring tall paperbark trees and green cabbage palms. There are also colourful butterflies, fungi and frogs to spot during this walk.
This attraction is FREE and close to the town centre, only a few minutes drive and is suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
Distance is around 400m and the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk features fairly narrow boardwalks and raised (over water) stepping stones – so you won’t be able to bring the pram here.
TIP: It’s more suited for kids that can easily balance and do the stepping stones and navigate the boardwalks.
Don’t forget to bring the camera fully charged as there are some serious instaworthy photos and reels available to capture here.
3. 1770 Headland and Lookout
For one of the best scenic walks and lookouts in the area, you must visit the 1770 Headland and Lookout.
Located in Town of 1770 (Seventeen Seventy), this attraction is only a 15 minutes drive from Agnes Water and will give you 360-degree views of the coast.
It’s FREE and family-friendly taking around 15-30 minutes to complete and is graded easy – so suitable for all ages.
Starting at the 1770 Headland parking area, instantly you’re given coastal views to soak up, but don’t be tempted to just do a quick drive-by photo stop.
Get out of the car, and walk the 250 metre trail. It’ll have you walking through amazing tussock grasslands and a coastal woodland path that leads to the lookout, which features spectacular views of Bustard Bay and the ocean.
From here you can marvel at the long golden beaches and roaring waves crashing into the bay’s rocks. As the water is pristine, you can often spot dolphins, turtles and in the winter see the whales migrating along the coast.
Also while here, be sure to check out the other lookout, which offers just as stunning bay views.
Another cool thing about the 1770 Headland and Lookout is the wildlife spotting. As you walk, you’ll be mesmerized by hundreds of butterflies fluttering above and around you. A wonderful experience and the kids will love to chase the colourful butterflies.
4. Sunset in Town of 1770
While in the Town of 1770 (Seventeen Seventy), why not stick around and take in the sunset views along the 1770 foreshore and headland.
This is a must-do, as it’s one of the only places on the entire east coast of Australia where you can enjoy the sunset over the ocean. A magical experience for sure!
To see the sunset there are a few spots to do this and park. You can park at the marina and walk towards the foreshore, park near the foreshore public toilets or at the 1770 campgrounds.
We recommend getting there early as it can get quite busy, and to time your visit to be there 30 minutes before and after sunset so you can experience it properly. Check out the Sunset Agnes Water Times & Agnes Water Weather site for the latest information to help.
One of our favourite spots to do the Town of 1770 sunset is at Tree Bar. You can enjoy some food and beverages while watching the sun go down, and there is also a fenced playground nearby to keep the young ones occupied as well.
5. Fishing Agnes Waters Chinamans Beach
Up for some fishing in Agnes Water? Then a stellar spot to throw your rod in and test your catching skills is at Chinamans Beach.
This gorgeous long sandy and secluded beach will have you wrangling fish after fish while watching the rolling waves crash against the shore and rocks.
It is a gem of a spot and should be on any family’s things to do in Agnes Water list.
Even if you’re not into fishing, it’s a perfect beach to enjoy a picnic, go for a walk, laze in the sun, explore the rock pools, build sandcastles and collect seashells. As it’s an unpatrolled beach, it’s not a recommended swimming or surfing spot as currents and waves can get quite rough.
But back to the fishing. With its water conditions and submerged rocks, it makes for some fun fishing adventures. If we can catch a bunch of fish right from the get-go then we’re pretty sure you will have some luck too.
To get to Chinamans Beach, it’s only a 3-minute drive from the town centre along Springs Road. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you drive down to a small car park. The walk to the beach is on bitumen road from the car park, so be sure to wear shoes to and from the beach as there are jagged rocks.
TIP: If you need some bait and equipment be sure to pick this up in the town centre at the Agnes Water Bait and Tackle shop near the local bakery and Foodworks.
6. Agnes Water Museum & Discovery Trail
Did you know that the Town of 1770 was the second landing site in Australia for James Cook and his crew in May 1770?
Amazing right, and of course hence the name ‘Town of 1770’.
This means Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy is full of history and interesting maritime tales.
So, a must-do activity while in Agnes Water is to visit the Agnes Water Museum, which pays tribute to the region’s aboriginal and pioneering past and its unique maritime history.
Entry to the museum is FREE for kids and $3 per adult (cash only), and has a great collection of artifacts to view including James Cook’s log, photos of plants found by botanists Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, as well as, aboriginal artifacts and bark paintings discovered.
The young kids will love strolling through this cute little museum to see all the maritime objects and items including large telescopes, old telephones and a carved-out canoe.
MORE: After exploring the Agnes Water Museum, you can then explore the Discover Trail, which begins behind the museum and entry is via the car park.
This family friendly easy walk (distance around 1km) will take you through the local bushlands and then lead you to a picturesque lookout that overlooks Workman’s Beach and the entire coastline of Agnes Water Main Beach.
7. Playtime at Tom Jeffery Park
When you go on holiday with little children, it’s most likely you’ll spend time at a local playground.
And, one top spot in Agnes Water is Tom Jeffery Park. It’s a cool playground that is super close to the Agnes Water Main Beach and also Agnes Water Beach Holidays Park as well if you decide to go beachside camping and glamping there (we highly recommend this!).
This fully equipped playground features BBQs, picnic tables, parking, toilets and change facilities and has lots of shaded areas to throw out a rug and enjoy a picnic while the kids play.
The playground itself has lots of space and equipment for the kids to enjoy eg. swings, slides, climbing frames and more.
Also if you want to grab a coffee or food, then close by is a cafe/ bar called Codies Place.
8. Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary
As Agnes Water is full of wildlife, it’s a no-brainer that visiting a wildlife sanctuary is on our things to do in Agnes Water list.
And, one of the cutest places to visit in the afternoon with kids is the Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary. This amazing sanctuary cares for injured and orphaned kangaroos and joeys.
For over 10 years the sanctuary has been focused on rehabilitating and releasing these beautiful and iconic Australian animals.
Visiting the kangaroo sanctuary is a wonderful experience that will allow the whole family to get up and close with these furry creatures as they roam freely and learn more about how they are cared for and released.
NOTE: During COVID the sanctuary has temporarily closed access to the public. They may offer bookings via appointments only. Be sure to call (07) 4974 7783 or check their Facebook for any changes and latest updates.
9. Lady Musgrave Island Day Trip
As Agnes Water and Town of 1770 is on the Southern end of the Great Barrier Reef a visit to this world-famous and iconic wonder is a must.
And, one of the closest islands to get you exploring the Great Barrier Reef is Lady Musgrave Island.
It’s a popular activity for families and visitors to Agnes Water/ Town of 1770 and there are tours and day trips to Lady Musgrave Island available to jump on.
On these all-inclusive Lady Musgrave Day Trip tours (meals and equipment included), they’ll have you cruising out to the island where you’ll be able to snorkel its protected lagoon that’s full of marine life and has a coral reef wall that’s almost 10kms long.
Some Lady Musgrave Island tours also offer a glass-bottom boat experience to see the lagoon, its coral and marine life.
You can also get a guided eco-walk on Lady Musgrave Island where you’ll learn about the history and the wildlife.
There are various tour packages and prices for a snorkel day trip start from $220 (adults) and $120 (kids).
10. Jump on a 1770 LARC Tour
For a unique and fun way to see what Agnes Water and Town of 1770 has to offer is by a LARC.
What is a LARC we hear you say? It’s an impressive land and water vehicle that will have you cruising along gorgeous waterways one minute than driving through lush national parks the next.
And, in Agnes Water, they do this and are bold about it! Local operator 1770 LARC Tours run a number of tours aboard their bold pink LARC vehicles taking you off-road and on the water to get up and close with the natural beauty of the region.
It’s a memorable and fun experience for families as they give entertaining historical commentary, all while driving over sandy beaches, cruising through crystal clear waters and pointing out the local wildlife.
The best tours they do for families are their shorter ones being one-hour (afternoon cruise) and two-hour (LARC and lunch) trips.
This will have the family taking in the sights of Round Hill Creek and Eurimbula coastline, embracing some sandbar fun, as well as spotting various local animals including migrating birds.
It’s sure to be a fun activity. Prices start from $40 (adults) and $18 (kids).
Where To Eat In Agnes Water?
Even though Agnes Water is a small seaside town, there is a bunch of food and dining options available.
Some of our top recommended places to eat in Agnes Waters are:
Agnes Water Tavern – if you’re after an Aussie pub bistro lunch or dinner then Agnes Water Tavern is the place to go. They serve up steak, chicken parmigiana, burgers, salads and more to enjoy. Best of all they have a large outdoor area, which is perfect for the kids to eat and have some space to stretch their legs.
Round Hill Road Pizza & Bar – this pizza joint surely knows how to cook up seriously delicious pizza. It was one of the best pizzas we’ve tried on all of our various family holidays QLD trips. So, well done Round Hill Road Pizza!
Getaway Garden Cafe – this picturesque tropical garden cafe does breakfast and lunch right with their fresh local ingredient dishes including avo sweet chili scramble and sauteed mushroom, tasty desserts, as well as, fresh juices, teas and Campos coffee.
Codie’s Place – open from breakfast to dinner this place serves up plenty of classic options including brekkie rolls, burgers, pizza, wraps and salad options for the whole family.
Holidays Cafe – open for breakfast and lunch this place serves healthy food and beverages. Some options include breakfast burritos, acai and muesli bowls, burgers, Asian inspired salads, smoked salmon and fresh wraps.
Drift & Wood Restaurant – with a passion for food, this restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience for all. Cooking up pizzas, seafood, pasta, steak and kids options, they provide full table service and have an inexpensive wine list to match your meal.
Grocery Shops
For those meals that you rather prepare and cook yourself, Agnes Waters has two grocery stores in the town centre being a large FoodWorks and Friendly Grocer.
How To Get To Agnes Water QLD?
Located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef and near Gladstone, Agnes Waters is a close drive from a variety of Queensland towns (eg. Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast and Mackay) and is not too far from the State’s capital city, Brisbane.
So, this makes it a perfect destination to add to your family’s Queensland road trip itinerary.
Below is the travel time and most convenient transport options from a variety of cities to help get you and the family to Agnes Waters for your next family holidays Queensland trip:
- Brisbane to Agnes Waters – Distance 480km. Takes 5.5hrs by car via Bruce Hwy/ M1
- Sydney to Agnes Waters – Distance 1,396km. Fly to Bundaberg (1.5hrs) and drive via Rosedale Rd (1.5hrs)
- Cairns to Agnes Waters – Distance 1,288km. Fly to Bundaberg (2hrs) and drive (1.5hrs)
- Melbourne to Agnes Waters – Distance 1,975km. Fly to Bundaberg (2hrs) and drive (1.5hrs)
- Adelaide to Agnes Waters – Distance 2,297km. Fly to Bundaberg (2.5hrs) and drive (1.5hrs)
- Hobart to Agnes Waters – Distance 2,294km. Fly to Bundaberg (2.5hrs) and drive (1.5hrs)
- Perth to Agnes Waters – Distance 4,579km. Fly to Bundaberg (4hrs) and drive (1.5hrs)
- Darwin to Agnes Waters – Distance 3,145km. Fly to Bundaberg (4hrs) and drive (1.5hrs)
Agnes Water Accommodation Options
If you’re keen on staying in Agnes Water but unsure of where to stay with the kids. Below are some of the best Agnes Water accommodation options for families.
- Agnes Waters Beach Holidays (aka Agnes Waters Caravan Park). This is where you can go beachfront glamping (see photo below)
- Agnes Water Beach Club
- Pavillions on 1770
- Sandcastles 1770 Motel & Resort
- 1770 Lagoons Central Apartments
- 1770 Beach Shacks
- 1770 Sovereign Lodge Resort
- Loka Santi
- Sunrise at 1770 Holidays
Agnes Water Beach Holidays – Beachfront Glamping Tents.
HOT DEALS: Offering the best deals for Queensland accommodation for families including Agnes Water accommodation, be sure to check out the Wotif Agnes Water site, they have some great discounts.
Visiting Agnes Water and Town of 1770 is easily one of the best Queensland holidays with kids to experience. Once you visit, we bet you’ll be planning your family’s return getaway in no time.
MORE: Want more family holidays QLD hotspots to visit? Then why not check out Brisbane. Here are some fun things to do in Brisbane with kids, and it’s a great city stop for those doing a classic Queensland road trip.
Have you been to Agnes Water? Share your top things to do in Agnes Water for other families to know.
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