The quiet coastal Town of 1770 marks where Captain Cook made his first landing in Queensland. Known for its pristine beaches, famous sites and proximity to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, it is the perfect starting point for 1770 reef tours and offers visitors a serene getaway. 1770 also connects visitors to the untouched beauty of Eurimbula and Deepwater National Parks.
Why is it called 1770?
Well, the simple answer is that’s the year Captain Cook landed here! Known to be his second landing on mainland Australia, naming the town “1770” just felt right. Though locally referred to as 1770 in numerical form, the town’s official name is in words, Seventeen Seventy.
What to See: Iconic Landmarks around Town
Captain Cook Monument & Agnes Water Museum
The monument marks where the crew of ‘HMS Endeavour’ carved out the date on a tree when they came ashore. The site is now commemorated as a cairn and is a must-visit for history buffs.
Stop by the museum for a deeper understanding of the region. It houses artifacts, maps, and detailed exhibits on Captain Cook’s journey and the area's maritime heritage. The museum is also a platform for local Indigenous cultures, whose presence predates Cook by tens of thousands of years.
Countess Russell Anchor
Another historical monument is the Countess Russell Anchor, located near Round Hill. The shipwreck's relic recalls the loss of the sailing ship that was carrying 348 migrants. The anchor is said to symbolise the importance of sea trade through sailing ships and immigration in Australia’s history.
Bustard Head Lighthouse
Built in 1868, this was the first lighthouse of Queensland after it became a separate colony. Left to fend for itself, the lighthouse was a victim of nature and deteriorated. It was later restored and now has a museum attached to it as well. Visitors can climb up the lighthouse all the way to the balcony and take some splendid pictures! The Bustard Bay Lighthouse is Queensland’s only operating lighthouse open to the public.
1770 Distillery
Take a sip of the locally brewed wines and fruit liqueurs at the 1770 Distillery. Learn about the artisan skills handed down through generations and the style of distilling in hand-made copper stills. Tasting is free and don’t forget to purchase a bottle to take home!
Apart from these famous sites, there are many national parks and beaches one can also explore. You can also hop on to the famous amphibious boat for a complete trip around the town and its landmarks.
Town of 1770’s Connection to the Reef
Cook didn’t know it at the time, but the reefs and shallow waters he skirted around on his expedition would later be named the famous Great Barrier Reef. The Town of 1770 acts as a gateway to the southern tip of this vast coral system, which houses some of the most remote and untouched reefs. The Capricorn Bunker Group, a collection of almost 22 reef locations, are accessible from 1770, making it the ideal spot to take up a snorkelling or scuba diving trip!
Water-based tours operate from the Town of 1770 and its neighbouring and larger town, Agnes Waters. From snorkelling and scuba diving to island adventures and glass-bottom cruises, there’s plenty on offer for those who don’t mind getting wet to explore the world beneath the turquoise waters!
The Town of 1770 is more than a historical footnote; it’s a destination where history, nature and adventure come together. So, if you’re looking for a place where you can sightsee, sip and snorkel, then 1770 is just the place for you!
Why is it called 1770?
Well, the simple answer is that’s the year Captain Cook landed here! Known to be his second landing on mainland Australia, naming the town “1770” just felt right. Though locally referred to as 1770 in numerical form, the town’s official name is in words, Seventeen Seventy.
What to See: Iconic Landmarks around Town
Captain Cook Monument & Agnes Water Museum
The monument marks where the crew of ‘HMS Endeavour’ carved out the date on a tree when they came ashore. The site is now commemorated as a cairn and is a must-visit for history buffs.
Stop by the museum for a deeper understanding of the region. It houses artifacts, maps, and detailed exhibits on Captain Cook’s journey and the area's maritime heritage. The museum is also a platform for local Indigenous cultures, whose presence predates Cook by tens of thousands of years.
Countess Russell Anchor
Another historical monument is the Countess Russell Anchor, located near Round Hill. The shipwreck's relic recalls the loss of the sailing ship that was carrying 348 migrants. The anchor is said to symbolise the importance of sea trade through sailing ships and immigration in Australia’s history.
Bustard Head Lighthouse
Built in 1868, this was the first lighthouse of Queensland after it became a separate colony. Left to fend for itself, the lighthouse was a victim of nature and deteriorated. It was later restored and now has a museum attached to it as well. Visitors can climb up the lighthouse all the way to the balcony and take some splendid pictures! The Bustard Bay Lighthouse is Queensland’s only operating lighthouse open to the public.
1770 Distillery
Take a sip of the locally brewed wines and fruit liqueurs at the 1770 Distillery. Learn about the artisan skills handed down through generations and the style of distilling in hand-made copper stills. Tasting is free and don’t forget to purchase a bottle to take home!
Apart from these famous sites, there are many national parks and beaches one can also explore. You can also hop on to the famous amphibious boat for a complete trip around the town and its landmarks.
Town of 1770’s Connection to the Reef
Cook didn’t know it at the time, but the reefs and shallow waters he skirted around on his expedition would later be named the famous Great Barrier Reef. The Town of 1770 acts as a gateway to the southern tip of this vast coral system, which houses some of the most remote and untouched reefs. The Capricorn Bunker Group, a collection of almost 22 reef locations, are accessible from 1770, making it the ideal spot to take up a snorkelling or scuba diving trip!
Water-based tours operate from the Town of 1770 and its neighbouring and larger town, Agnes Waters. From snorkelling and scuba diving to island adventures and glass-bottom cruises, there’s plenty on offer for those who don’t mind getting wet to explore the world beneath the turquoise waters!
The Town of 1770 is more than a historical footnote; it’s a destination where history, nature and adventure come together. So, if you’re looking for a place where you can sightsee, sip and snorkel, then 1770 is just the place for you!
