Mountainous camping near Seventeen Seventy

The forested headlands and sandy shores of Seventeen Seventy (or 1770) set the scene for a relaxed beach getaway. Hit the beach to swim or standup paddleboard, go kayaking along the coast, or visit the Captain Cook Monument to learn how the town got its name. Cruises set sail from 1770 to Lady Musgrave Island, part of the southern Great Barrier Reef, where you can snorkel and scuba dive or camp out at a secluded bush campsite. Campsites dot the coast of Seventeen Seventy and neighbouring Agnes Water, many with direct access to the beach.

Beach lovers will find some of Queensland’s most beloved beaches within easy reach of Seventeen Seventy. To the south, head to Bundaberg to spot sea turtles in Mon Repos Regional Park, visit the Bundaberg Rum and Ginger Beer factories, and snorkel along the Coral Coast. To the north, Rockhampton has harbourside dining, mountain lookouts, and island-hopping cruises around the Great Barrier Reef islands.

Beach-goers can enjoy sunny days at Seventeen Seventy year-round, and it’s often warm enough to swim even in winter. Diving and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef is best from June to October, but this is peak season, so book tours well in advance. The coast around Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water is also a breeding site for sea turtles and they come ashore to nest on the beaches between November and March.

• It’s easiest to get to and around Seventeen Seventy with your own transport, but shuttle services and taxis are available.
• Amenities are limited in Seventeen Seventy, but neighboring Agnes Water (a 10-minute drive) has a supermarket and a selection of cafés, restaurants, and shops. 
• Fire bans are common in Queensland during summer and dry periods, so be sure to check local recommendations before lighting a campfire.