Rockhampton

North Queensland Road Trip!

We flew into Rockhampton late in the day, picked up a car and decided to make a night of it before heading south. Rockhampton surprised us in the best way. Set along the Fitzroy River, the city has a calm, lived-in feel, and the heritage buildings lining the river are full of colour (lit up beautifully at dusk with clever lighting) and character.

After dinner at a local pub, we wandered along the riverfront esplanade as the light faded. The gardens stretched gently along the river’s edge, with wide paths, palms, and pockets of green that invite an evening stroll. It was warm but comfortable, the river moving quietly beside us, and the whole place felt relaxed and unpretentious. A soft landing after a day of travel, and the perfect way to ease into the slower rhythm of our journey before heading north to 1770.

Next stop – The Town of 1770

There are places you visit because there’s lots to do, and places you visit because there’s very little you have to do.

The town of 1770 is firmly the second kind. It’s a quiet alternative to the more touristy, busy beach destinations. Shh….. don’t tell anyone about it.

We arrived in August, escaping winter where we live further south, and immediately felt that familiar exhale that comes when a place asks nothing of you except to slow down. The town is small, quiet, and deliberately understated. The sort of place where time feels softer and days gently blur into one another.

Other travellers definitely feel the same vibe – no one is in a hurry.

A Town Steeped in History

Despite its relaxed pace, 1770 quietly holds an important place in Australian history. This is where Captain James Cook made his second landfall on Australian soil in May 1770, stepping ashore during his voyage up the east coast aboard the Endeavour.

The Captain Cook Monument and Cairn, sitting near the headland, marks that moment. There’s nothing grand or overdone about it. It’s a very understated monument which somehow feels fitting. You stand there looking out to sea, imagining tall ships and unfamiliar shores, and it’s surprisingly easy to picture how remote and unknown this coastline once was. We wondered why he chose here?

Bustard Head Lookout – Big Views

One of the highlights of our stay was heading up to Bustard Lookout on foot. A long slow climb with a well maintained walking track. The walk offers sweeping views over Bustard Bay and the surrounding coastline, especially beautiful in the softer morning or late afternoon light. On a clear day, the ocean stretches endlessly, and the town below feels even smaller and more peaceful from above.

For those with a bit more time and a 4WD, Bustard Head Lighthouse is another drawcard. It’s Queensland’s first lighthouse, built in 1868. We didn’t venture all the way out this time, but it’s a favourite spot to visiti for for many.

Agnes Water: A Lively Neighbour

Just a short drive away is Agnes Water, which feels like 1770’s slightly more energetic cousin. It’s the most northerly surf beach on the east coast and has a bit more buzz with cafés, a large caravan park, surfing lessons, and a younger crowd.

We had the most delicious fish taco meal at Agnes Water!

We enjoyed dipping between the two: Agnes Water for a coffee or beach walk, then back to 1770 for the quiet evenings and sunsets. It’s a nice balance if you want options without crowds.

Caravan Parks, Camp Chairs, and Long Evenings

We stayed in a fabulous self contained unit overlooking the water. And, if you’re the type that loves life on the road, 1770 has a strong caravan and campervan culture. There are several caravan parks dotted around, many with water views, and the rhythm of the town seems to suit van life perfectly.

Evenings were simple here, with nothing more complicated than enjoying dinner, sitting on the verandah and watching the sky change colour, while listening to the distant sound of water lapping in the bay. There’s no rush here. No pressure to book, plan, or tick anything off a list.

Weather, Fishing, and Doing Very Little

August brought mild days, cool nights, and plenty of sunshine. Ideal weather for walking, sitting, or doing nothing at all. It’s the kind of climate that invites you outside without having to navigate the heat and humidity of further north destinations.

Fishing is clearly a big part of life here. We saw locals and visitors alike casting lines from the shore or heading out early in small boats, returning later with stories rather than schedules. Whether or not the fish were biting seemed almost secondary to the ritual itself.

Why 1770 Stays With You

1770 isn’t flashy. It doesn’t try to impress. And that’s exactly its charm.

It’s a place to rest, to breathe, to remember that travel doesn’t always need to be busy to be meaningful. We left feeling calmer than when we arrived — always a good sign — and quietly grateful that places like this still exist.

Sometimes, the best destinations are the ones that let you slow down enough to notice yourself again.

Next stop – one of our favourite places in Australia – Noosa!

Catherine & Jeff