With the closest access point to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, exploring the reef should be at the very top of your list when visiting Agnes Water and the Town of 1770.
Scuba Diving
Are you a certified diver? You’ve come to the right place! With access to nine different reefs and more than 100 dive sites along the Southern Great Barrier Reef, every trip offers something completely unique. From colourful coral bommies and dramatic reef walls to turtles, reef sharks, rays, and endless marine biodiversity, no two dives are ever the same. Whether you’re newly certified or highly experienced, the Southern Great Barrier Reef delivers world-class diving without the crowds.
Snorkel Adventure
Designed for ocean lovers wanting maximum time in the water, this Snorkel Adventure is the ultimate reef experience for confident swimmers and experienced snorkellers. This tour ventures to the outer edges of the reef system, where encounters with larger marine life are more common, including manta rays, turtles, dolphins, and seasonal visitors. With vibrant coral gardens and crystal-clear waters, this is the perfect way to take your snorkelling adventures to the next level.
Try Scuba Diving for the First Time
Tick diving the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list with an unforgettable first scuba diving experience. The SDI two-day Scuba Discovery Course is designed to maximise enjoyment while ensuring comfort and safety every step of the way. Day one includes classroom and pool training, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of scuba diving, how the equipment works, and essential dive skills in a controlled environment. On day two, you’ll head out to the Southern Great Barrier Reef for two incredible ocean dives. With a maximum of just two guests per instructor, this is a highly personalised and supportive experience perfect for beginners.
Learn to Surf at a Hidden Beach
If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, Agnes Water is one of the best places to learn. With warm water, gentle waves, and uncrowded beaches, it’s the perfect introduction to the sport. Our friends at Gnarly Tours run surf lessons at the beautiful Springs Beach. This is a secluded stretch of golden beach surrounded by nature and far away from busy surf breaks. Their lessons are relaxed, fun, and ideal for complete beginners. Expect plenty of laughs, salty hair, and the unforgettable feeling of catching your very first wave.
Bush Tucker & Nature Experience
Just a short drive out of town, the Traveller’s Rest Bush Tracks Tour offers a truly unique and immersive nature experience. Hosted by local guide Michael, this tour provides an authentic connection to the Australian landscape through bush tucker tasting, bird watching, native plants, and storytelling. You’ll gain insight into the local environment, traditional uses of native species, and the incredible biodiversity of the region. Peaceful, educational, and deeply memorable, it’s an experience that gives visitors a completely different perspective on the natural beauty surrounding Agnes Water and 1770.
Sunday Markets
Held every 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month and every Sunday during holiday periods and long weekends. The Agnes Water Markets are the perfect way to start your day. Held at the SES Grounds on the way into 1770, the markets feature a relaxed coastal atmosphere with local stalls, handmade crafts, fresh produce, coffee vans, and delicious food. It’s a great place to meet locals, pick up unique souvenirs, and soak in the laid-back community vibe that makes Agnes Water and 1770 so special.
Ride the Iconic LARC
One of the most unique experiences in Agnes Water and 1770, the iconic pink LARCs are impossible to miss and even more fun to ride. These amphibious vehicles travel seamlessly from land to water, offering a sightseeing experience unlike anywhere else in Australia. Tours range from quick one-hour adventures to full-day expeditions.
The standout experience is the Paradise Tour to the historic Bustard Head Lighthouse, where you’ll journey through remote coastal landscapes, untouched beaches, and learn fascinating stories about the region’s maritime history. It’s quirky, scenic, and an absolute must-do while visiting 1770.
Paddle Through Paradise
The calm waterways of 1770 are perfect for exploring by kayak, offering peaceful scenery and incredible opportunities to spot local wildlife. 1770 Liquid Adventures provides guided kayak tours and hire options suitable for all experience levels. The Nature Tour is a favourite, taking you through serene estuaries and mangrove systems while sharing insights into the local environment and wildlife. Prefer to explore at your own pace? Hire a kayak and spend the day discovering hidden corners of Round Hill Creek.
Tee Off with a View
Our local golf course may be small, but it’s packed with charm, character, and classic laid-back coastal vibes. Surrounded by natural bushland and local wildlife, it offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels. Hire a set of clubs and enjoy a casual round while soaking in the peaceful surroundings — and don’t be surprised if you spot kangaroos relaxing beside the fairways or grazing on the greens. Whether you’re a serious golfer or simply looking for a fun afternoon activity, it’s a great way to slow down and enjoy another side of Agnes Water.
Step Back in Time
For a deeper understanding of the local area, the Agnes Water Museum is well worth a visit. While small in size, it is packed with fascinating stories, photographs, and historical artefacts that showcase the pioneering history of Agnes Water and 1770. Learn about Captain Cook’s landing, early settlers, fishing communities, and how this once remote coastal town evolved into the relaxed seaside destination it is today. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the character and history of the region.