The Discovery Coast
The Discovery coast of Queensland stretches from Bundaberg in the south through to the town of Rockhampton and Yepoon in the north and incorporates the Islands and reefs of the Capricorn section of the Great Barrier Reef stretching from Lady Elliot Island in the south to Heron Island and Great Keppel Island in the north. This section of the coastline has experienced unprecedented growth over the last few years with developers becoming very active and completing several new resort projects which now provide a range of holiday accommodation to suit both the domestic and international holidaymaker.
The Capricorn section of the reef is considered by most divers to provide the best diving conditions available. Water clarity generally exceeds 20 meters and it is common for divers to encounter sharks, turtles, large fish and manta rays. There are a multitude of day tours available in the area. Lady Elliot Island can be accessed by air and extended stays are also available at the resort. Day tours by launch or fast catamaran operate regular schedules to Lady Musgrave Island and Lagoon and also Fitzroy reef which is generally considered to be one of the most pristine reefs on the Great Barrier Reef.
Also operating from the town of 1770 is the Larc Tour. This popular tour in an amphibious vehicle accesses the areas on the coastline to the north of the town, visiting the Eurimbula National Park and then moves north to visit the light house on Bustard Head. On the way the tour visits mangrove areas and other beauty spots inaccessible by any other means.
There is also on offering of charter fishing trips and the area is well known as the home of the big one. Day trips as well as extended charters are on offer. The day trip to Lady Musgrave Island is world class. A fast catamaran whisks you to the reef in less than 11/2 hours and the tour includes lunch, snorkelling and a visit to the Island which is also a nesting area for seabirds. This area will remain in your memory for ever with its turquoise waters and coral sand beaches and the diversity of its marine and bird life.
On the mainland the main centre for commerce and accommodation is the Town of Agnes Water. Agnes has a great beach which under the right conditions is the northern most surfing beach on the Australian coastline. Agnes Water also has extensive shopping and accommodation which ranges from backpacker hostels through to top of the range resorts.
The Discovery Coast's Town of 1770 and Agnes Water are linked by kilometres of beautiful beach fronting on to the Coral Sea. Offering access to the Great Barrier Reef, boasting the northernmost surf beaches in Queensland and complete with the laid back village atmosphere beach lovers seek, Town of 1770/Agnes Water is an idyllic escape.
Surrounded by National Parks and hinterland beauty, the Discovery Coast has been luring newcomers since Captain Cook stepped ashore in 1770, lending the Town of 1770 its name. Local accommodation ranges from budget to resorts, motels and self contained units, to seaside properties with million dollar views. It is impossible to miss the regions physical beauty, and it isn't just skin deep. Scratch the surface of the Discovery Coast and uncover your own relaxed sub-tropical paradise.
Drive Times
Town of 1770/Agnes Water to:
Gladstone – 1.5 hours
Bundaberg – 1.5 hours
Rockhampton – 2.5 hours
Hervey Bay – 3 hours
Brisbane – 6 hours
Arlie Beach – 7 hours
Air Access
Flights operate daily from all Australian capital cities to Gladstone, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Hervey Bay. Car hire is available at these airports.
Rail and Bus
Take the Tilt Train to Miriam Vale and connect with a transfer to Town of 1770/Agnes Water
Car Hire
Car Hire is available in Agnes Water
|
