Oh Agnes... you are so beautiful, relaxed and special... Yes, it's like that, Agnes really has something very special and is definitely in my top 3 favorites list in all of Australia. And that's why I had to bring my parents and my sister here. Are you wondering why? I'll explain that to you today.
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Great reunion
Airlie Beach is behind us and a long drive ahead of us. After about 9 hours of driving we arrive. I absolutely love the last 20 minutes of the drive. It's all straight ahead and Google Maps shows me that I'm heading straight for the Pacific. After hours of nothing but bush and farmland, Agnes Water lies before us. Somehow like a second home here in Australia. The first time I was here was in 2020 when Covid started. Back then I lived here for 2 months, nicely isolated, with perfect waves for learning to surf, cool spots for fishing and nice locals. The next time I was here was Christmas 23 and from then on almost every weekend during my farm time in Childers, as it was only 2 hours away. Yes, and every time I stayed at the special Cool Bananas Backpacker Hostel. Here you can either stay in an 8-bed room or in your van or roof tent in the parking lot on the property. The prices are good, the people are always nice and relaxed and the place is clean and supervised by Scott, the owner. If you're lucky, the famous fisherman Goshi will be there to catch you fresh tuna, which he shares with the whole hostel every time.
This time we stayed at the Escape 1770 Motel with Lorenzo. It's on an elevated site and overlooks the entire bay of Agnes Water. At the time, we were able to watch the whales from our terrace.
At the end of September, which is still spring, the weather is beautiful. It's not too hot and humid yet and there's no summer rainy season. But even in winter, from June to August, the weather is fantastic. The climate is dry, warm during the day and pleasantly fresh at night.
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The "Top 5 Explorer" list
But now to the important points: What can and should you do in Agnes Water?
Main Beach
My first and easiest item on the list is a walk to Main Beach. Take your book with you, your surfboard or bodyboard and find a shady spot under the trees. The waves are usually rather small, so perfect for practising on your longboard or foamie. On the way, you can grab a delicious coffee at the Holiday Cafè on the campsite. I can also highly recommend the salmon bagel. From there you also have a perfect view of the point break by the rocks and the surfers.
Secret Beach
If you want a little more adventure and a treasure hunt feeling, then I recommend Secret Beach, which is practically behind the rocks of Main Beach. As the name suggests, it is a little secret and not so easy to find. Unless you are an experienced barefoot or flip-flop walker, you should definitely wear sturdy shoes. The easiest way is to go to the Discovery Trail Lookout first. From there you need to take a trail into the bush for about 100 to 200 meters and then turn left onto a path into the bush. After about 30 meters you should have a great view of the hidden beach. Every time I've been there with friends, we've had the whole bay to ourselves.
Springs Beach
Springs Beach is a very beautiful and wide beach, a bit off the beaten track. But the thing is, the beach is less than 10 minutes away by car. From Springs Rd there is a gravel road that looks a bit off-road at first, but you can drive along it without a four-wheel drive (backpacker vans drive along here every day). From the parking lot, a boardwalk leads down to the beach. Look out for large spiders and goannas here. The beach is usually empty and, with a bit of luck, the waves are perfect for surfing. If all the conditions are right, you'll have a right-hand wave that is easily 300 meters long and perfect for mid-length, long or soft boards.
The Red Rock Trail also starts from Springs Beach, a hiking trail that leads across 3 different small bays to, who would have thought it, Red Rock. With enough water, sun protection and some food, you can easily spend half a day or a whole day here.
Agnes Water Markets
Attention all market lovers. The market in Agnes Water, or rather in Seventeen Seventy (the name of the village next door), takes place every 2nd Sunday. Here you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, tasty snacks for in-between meals, handmade jewelry and second-hand clothes. Everything your heart desires. The market takes place on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month at the SES Grounds in Seventeen Seventy.
Town of 1770
And that brings us to the last item on the Explorer list. The town of Seventeen Seventy, just 10 minutes from Agnes by car, owes its name to the oh-so-famous invader Captain Cook, who landed here in, get this: 1770. In addition to the Captain Cook Memorial, I definitely recommend coming to the marina at sunset. From here you have a great view and the sun sets behind the mountains on the other side of the estuary.
If you fancy a spot of fishing, you should definitely try your luck. You may have heard of the Catwalk. Here you can catch big mackerel and tuna at the right time.
Oh yes, and if you don't catch anything, be sure to get the calamari burger at Coral Seafood and Takeaway in Agnes. It's absolutely "off it's head". At the end of the day, have a cold beer at Agnes Water Tavern and the day is perfect.
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This is Agnes
Many people say that Agnes today has the same vibe as Byron Bay did 20 years ago. Unfortunately, I can't judge that, but I can well imagine that it is. Agnes is a dream, so relaxed and so much to discover. Definitely plan it into your trip. The Greyhound bus also stops here. Have fun and safe travels.
Cheers
Jesko
