📍Best Fun, Unique & Free Things To Do In 1770, QLD For Road Tripping Outdoor Enthusiasts. (Attractions & Activities.) (2025.)

WONDERING WHAT THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEVENTEEN SEVENTY ARE?

Seventeen Seventy is one of Queensland’s most iconic coastal towns and for good reason, because along with having all the hallmarks of what this requires, such as gorgeous beaches, picturesque waterways, a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere and beautiful, idyllic year-round weather, what sets it over into elite-level status is that with between Joseph Banks Conservation Park, Eurimbula National Park, Round Hill Creek, it only seems to know how to do the front runner key component of spectacular natural beauty epically, so it also has that going for it.

The town is also home to one of the state’s most historically significant locations as it’s the first place famed British global explorer and discoverer of Australia’s east coast, Captain James Cook, first set foot on what would eventually become Queensland, in you guessed it, 1770, which is another thing that makes this town memorable. It is the only place in the world that is a number, not a name, which was changed in 1936 to commemorate this game-changing moment.

Between all the outstanding seascapes, breathtaking national parks, heritage value and enviable lifestyle, it’s easy to see why it is such a revered destination, so here is a deep dive into the best things to do in 1770 that I found during my 5-week Gladstone trip are in this jaw-dropping town that just keeps on giving.

1. See One Of Queensland’s Most Spectacular Headlands.
Joseph Banks Conservation Park. – Free.

Nowhere in 1770 is this top-tier Australian destination’s renowned seaside beauty more exemplified than within its headliner attraction and unmissable highlight, Joseph Banks Conservation Park. The mainland side of its narrow peninsula-like headland is where British explorer, Captain (then Lieutenant) James Cook and his crew, one of whom was the botanists this rugged place is named after, took their first forays into what would eventually become Queensland in 1770, which they couldn’t have picked a more spectacular place to do so.

That’s because within this spectacular peninsula-like headland lies several very short walking trails that lead to some of the most magnificent coastal landscapes that the Queensland mainland has to offer. At the very tip is the spectacular Bustard Bay Lookout, a stunning location that makes you feel like you’re standing at the world’s end thanks to the elevated perspective you get over the ocean, sea cliffs and views back towards the mainland and the trail’s continuation of the straight drive to the car park.

Over the eastern side of the conservation park, the scenery only gets even more jaw-droppingly mesmerizing with Wave Lookout providing a bigger visual impact thanks to the ocean waves lapping at the picturesque sandy cove surrounded by breathtakingly rugged wind-eroded rocks, providing one of the most unforgettable seascapes in the greater Gladstone region!

Further south, there are also two beautiful memorials to the seafarers lost to the ocean including one dedicated to the recent tragedy of the F.V. Dianne, where 6 of the 7 men aboard sadly died. And just behind that was my favourite discovery that wasn’t on the map: a massive column of rock that had collapsed leaving a monumental gap in the cliff face!

And that’s not all. There is also the easy 1.2km one-way Round Hill Creek trail to walk. Starting from the top car park and tracking down the western side, this gentle pathway is a great way to appreciate the headland’s natural vegetation with some informal access points to the coastline and some well-defined ones to the stunning secluded sheltered beach concluding at the lower car park.

This is also where the monument dedicated to Lieutenant Cook’s first landing in Queensland is, and where you can reach the beaches below where they think he placed those first historical footprints. It is also a lovely secluded place to swim in calm protected waters.

Furthermore and perhaps most uniquely, with the headland’s north-south facing orientation and there being so many phenomenal viewpoints to discover within this breathtaking conservation park that punches above its weight in gold, it is also one of the few places along the east coast of mainland Australia where you can watch both the sunrise and the sunset over the ocean, making it the most magical place in 1770 to be at dusk and dawn.

2. Become Immersed In Pristine Coastal Seascapes.
Eurimbula National Park. – Free.

In stark opposition to the rugged coastal cliffs and tiny, picturesque coves that populate the landscapes of Joseph Banks, Eurimbula National Park features endless golden beaches only broken up by the gorgeous sandy creeks making their way to the ocean.

Starting from the northern banks of Round Hill Creek and extending to incorporate Middle Island, this expansive wilderness of pristine foreshore backing onto coastal lowlands, offers the perfect gateway for many remote outdoor adventures.

With a 2WD and careful driving, you can reach the Ganoona Noonga Lookout, and walk the short but moderate 720m climb leading to a stunning viewpoint, unveiling the breadth and beauty of this untamed landscape.

Unfortunately, that’s the only place accessible by conventional vehicle, as the rest of the roads are 4WD terrain, which you can use to reach the two rustic campgrounds in the southern half which both sit by the beach on the banks of the Eurimbula and Middle Creeks they are named after. At these places, you can spend the days building sandcastles on the beach, swimming in the waterways and enjoying nights under the stars by the campfire, making it the perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts who love seaside adventures.

And if you have a boat, it’s even better because you can explore the most remote and spectacular areas this national park has to offer, like Middle Island at the far end, home to the heritage-listed Bustard Head Lighthouse and locations that have epic views overlooking Pancake Creek and the entire coastline south of it all the way back to the aforementioned Joseph Banks Conservation Park, north back to 1770.

3. Have An Adventure On An Iconic Amphibious Vehicle.
1770! LARC TOUR. – $.

Visiting Eurimbula National Park is definitely one of the best things to do in Seventeen Seventy. But if you don’t have a boat, exploration is very limited. And it is even more so if you don’t have a 4WD. However, that doesn’t mean visitors have to miss out on seeing this spectacular remote wilderness, because that’s where the town’s iconic 1770! LARC Tours comes in combining the two.

Utilising old ex-U.S. military amphibious vehicles made for transporting cargo in Vietnam, these massive land and water vehicles have been converted into quirky, hot pink transport for taking tourists along the pristine beaches and picturesque creeks of this expansive national park, in what has become quintessential 1770 experience that allows everyone who visits this unforgettable town a spectacular look of what this unspoilt seaside terrain has to offer.

The company offers 3 tours, the 1-hour Afternoon Cruise, which takes you from the marine and traverses across Round Hill Creek, then along the first beach of Eurimbula to the creek of the same name, while the longer LARC & Lunch Tour, goes a bit further before turning around halfway between the Eurimbula and Middle Creek, however, I highly recommend forking out the money for their signature full day Paradise Tour.

This outstanding 7-hour outdoor adventure doesn’t just cover the same terrain as the other two, but also goes significantly further, covering the entire 24km distance to Middle Island. Some of the best parts getting there were spotting the many birds, (unfortunately, no emus on my trip, but they are commonly seen.) the turtle (sadly dead) and the shovelnose ray al hanging out on the beach and bouncing around in the amphibious vehicle during the creek crossings.

But Middle Island was where this tour truly came into its own to become the undisputed highlight of this epic experience. I loved going up the incredibly rugged and befittingly called “Rollercoaster” road which rewarded us a little further along with the most magnificently jaw-dropping beach and creek scenery I’ve ever seen of Pancake Creek emptying into the ocean with the entire beach you came along back to 1770 in full view.

Visiting Bustard Head Lighthouse, Queensland’s oldest coastal lighthouse, the only one still operating that you can tour, and its museum and cemetery was one of the most unique and fascinating aspects of the outing while swimming and sandboarding were fun ways to end the activities and give you an immersive taste of this stunning national park before heading the long way back to town.

It’s important to note that whichever tour you take, they all operate only on particular days and at various times, so if you want to embark on this iconic tour, this is the activity to plan your trip to 1770 around.

Note: Just so you don’t get caught out like I did, for some reason, the mandatory $11 fee for the Paradise Tour is down under the exclusions, so you will have to pay for it when you arrive.

6. Swim, Paddle Or Hydrofoil The Local Creek.
Round Hill Creek. – Free/$.

Round Hill Creek is a huge part of Seventeen Seventy’s landscape, with the town sitting right along its peaceful shores, making it a massive, easily accessible, natural recreational playground where visitors can enjoy a wide scope of aquatic activities.

The sheltered waters from both the headland and the extensive sand bar, make it a gorgeous place to cool off and splash around in the shallows close by, or chill out on a quirky pool floaty with your sunglasses on and a drink in hand. It also has the ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding as there is virtually no choppiness to throw off the already delicate centre balance, perfect for newbies.

For those looking to explore further afield, there is plenty of incredible scenic real estate to go on an immersive full-day kayaking or canoeing adventure to experience the tranquillity this gorgeous creek affords.

It is also a boaties paradise, with miles and miles to explore in a dinghy or sailboat, or if you have the goods, ramp up the thrill-seeking intensity with a jet-ski for solo or couple outings, or water skis, a wakeboard or tube to tow your friends and family behind with and watch them perform tricks successfully or crash out spectacularly failing to do so.

Then there are the more niche activities, such as the hydrofoil and windsurfing for when the breeze picks up. It just depends on what you can bring to the game.

Then, because it is the scenic backdrop to all of 1770’s parks, restaurants and accommodation venues, these are all great places to visit when you come back to shore, especially in the late afternoon as the town orientation is perfectly primed to watch the sun setting over the creek and distant mainland mountains.

7. Explore The Coastal National Parks and Offshore Islands.
From Round Hill Creek. – Free.

With its close proximity to the ocean, you can use the creek as a launchpad for sea-faring adventures to visit some of Gladstone’s best national parks along the coast, such as the aforementioned Eurimbula National Park, Deep Water National Park, south of Agnes Water, and Curtis Island National Park on the island of the same name in Gladstone Harbour, most which have attractions that only boats can reach.

You could also head out even further afield to the remote, unspoilt Great Barrier Reef Islands of Capriconia Cays National Park, such as the aforementioned Lady Musgrave Island. Better yet, all these places have campgrounds, allowing you to explore these breathtaking rugged wildernesses for days or even weeks at a time.

8. Watch The Sun Set Over The Ocean.
Air Sea Rescue Park Boardwalk. – Free.

There are plenty of absolutely breathtaking places in the aforementioned Joseph Banks Conservation Park, but another beautiful place to visit in 1770 is the picturesque Air Sea Rescue Park. Located on Captain Cook Drive along the shoreline of Round Hill Creek, this is a gorgeous location to enjoy a relaxing walk along a fully paved and boardwalked park thanks to its lovely riverine scenery.

And because it is on the western side, it is also a fantastic place to do one of the things that makes this town unique, which is to watch the sun setting over the ocean, which is not something you can often do from the east coast or Australia’s mainland. This makes it the perfect way to cap off the day before heading across the road for dinner or the short commute back to your accommodation.

9. Explore It’s Breathtaking Neighbour.
Agnes Water. – Free.

Of course, no trip to 1770 is complete without visiting its closely associated neighbour, Agnes Water, especially since you have to pass through it to reach the coastal headland paradise. And it’s well worth it too, because there are some phenomenal reasons it shouldn’t be overlooked as it has even more of the breathtaking beauty that makes this tag-team of towns two of Queensland’s elite seaside destinations.

The highlight is the Discovery Trail Lookout, which despite being so close to the CBD in the bushland behind the Visitor Information Centre competes with its neighbour as having one of the most epic seascape sceneries in the greater Gladstone region thanks to it overlooking gorgeous seacliffs surrounding stunning inaccessible coves and pristine rugged coastline as far as the eye can see!

If you have a little more time, I highly recommend walking the 6km return Red Rock Walking Track, which offers even more spectacular seascapes, with two of the best places being the first headland and subsequent two coves that provide such a picturesque snapshot of this outstandingly gorgeous part of Australia.

Agnes Water also presents a fantastic, safe ocean swimming opportunity and alternative to 1770s sheltered headland coves on the western side of Bustard Head as Main Beach is one of only two patrolled beaches in the entire Gladstone region and the only one out of Croc Territory, allowing visitors to safely splash around in the water under the watchful eye of the lifeguards.

Plus, if you love riding waves, or want to learn how to, this is a great place to do so because it’s the northernmost surfing beach in Queensland where decent swells create ideal surfing conditions, perfect as a last hurrah for road trippers before heading inland further north or inland.

Accommodation: Where To Stay In 1770, Queensland.

• Budget: Coral Suite In Resort Complex.
• Mid-Range: The Summit 1770.
• Luxury: 1770 Getaway Villas.

Between Joseph Banks Conservation Park, Eurimbula National Park and Round Hill Creek and being the gateway to the southern Great Barrier Reef islands of Lady Musgrave & Lady Elliot, there are plenty of fantastic fun, unique and free things to do in 1770 that make it one of Queensland’s most renowned meccas for nature lovers looking for a low key destination that delivers on outdoor adventure.

If you are planning to visit 1770, consider looking at these other posts.

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  📍1770 Larc! Paradise Tour: An Honest Review Of The Signature Full-Day Adventure.

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  📍12 Best Gladstone Lookouts Not To Miss! (Plus Other Photogenic Scenic Spots In The City, Coast & Countryside. (2025.)

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  📍Clifftops, Coastlines & National Parks: 5 Epic Lookouts In Agnes Water, QLD Not To Miss! (2025.)

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  📍13 Best Cheap & Free Places To Go Camping In The Gladstone Region. (National Parks & Council Campgrounds.) (2026.)

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  📍Lady Elliot Island Day Tour (From Bundaberg): An Honest Review Of The Spectacular Great Barrier Reef Coral Cay.

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  📍15 Best Unforgettably Fun, Unique & Free Things To Do In Gladstone, QLD. (Attractions & Activities.) (2025.)