The beaches of the Discovery Coast titillate your senses … you can feel the sand between your toes, smell the aromas wafting from the local beach cafes, relax and be in awe of the magical and breathtaking sunsets over Bustard Bay, listen to the waves breaking at Agnes Water first point and you can taste the salt on your lips after a dip in the cool ocean.

From the surf beaches at Agnes Water to the calm waters of 1770 to the local secret hideaways at … sorry I can’t tell you!

Whether you like surfing, snorkeling, boating, walking the dog, swimming, sun-baking, bird watching (of the feathered kind), turtle patrolling,  painting and photographing, fishing or just building sandcastles … there is something for everyone on the Discovery Coast. Known for being the southern most tip of the Great Barrier Reef and the northern most surf beach … the Discovery Coast is a beach lovers delight!

Turkey Beach is a little coastal  fishing village north of Agnes Water and approximately 50 km south of Gladstone. Turn off the Bruce Highway near Borroren or take a 4WD via Eurimbula National Park from Agnes Water (weather permitting).  Turkey Beach is  known for fishing and crabbing up the mangrove inlets. It is sheltered by Rodd’s Peninsula and has a Dugong Sanctuary. There is no area set aside for caravans and camping is not permitted. There is a small protected area near the boat ramp for swimming.

 

Seventeen Seventy or the Town of 1770 gets its name because Lt James Cook came ashore there in 1770. Seventeen Seventy is know for its safe swimming and sheltered anchorage.  It is a favourite beach for families with a caravan and camping park right on the beachfront. Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP) and kayak hire are available along the beach and there are several places to eat nearby. There is a boat ramp at the Marina and a view of the sunset over the water in Bustard Bay not often seen on the east coast.

Agnes Water Main Beach is a patrolled surf beach (life guards on duty at certain times.) The beach stretches all the way to Seventeen Seventy headland. There is not always parking close to the beach when the surf is pumping or if there is a surfing or surf life saving competition. There is currently an upgrade of facilities. Great surf for longboards with the best wave being at the Point. Surfing lessons are available from local businesses. Camping and accommodation are available on and near the beach.

Chinaman’s Beach is opposite the desalination plant down a winding road to a secluded quiet place where you can escape from the crowd. It is an unpatrolled beach.

Springs Beach is a local secret and great for surfing. It is a bit of a hike down to the sea and coming back up the hill carrying your board or a small camera can be hard work! Red Rock Walking Trail at Springs Beach is about 2.5km and is a great way to see the coastline.

Deepwater National Park is accessible by 4WD from Agnes Water or from Baffle. The long stretch of  natural beach is via the access roads to Flat Rock, Middle Rock and Wreck Rock. Camping is allowed at Middle Rock and there are camping and toilet facilities at Wreck Rock. Camping permits are required at the allocated camping grounds by phoning 13 74 68 or via the website www.qld.gov.au/camping.

Eurimbula National Park beaches are accessible by 4WD (tours available), bike or boat … or you can take a trip on the Larc! Camping permits are required at the allocated camping grounds by phoning 137468 or via the website www.qld.gov.au/camping. There is no on-site self registration available. Camping is available at Eurimbula Creek and Middle with toilet facilities and Rodds Peninsula and Bustard Head with no toilet facilities. Check road conditions.

Workman’s Beach is just a short distance from Agnes Water … turn left off Springs Road opposite the skate park.  It is an unpatrolled surf beach sheltered from northern and southerly winds most of the time. It holds a nice wave when the sand bank is right.  Access to the beach is along a 200m slightly steep path. There is a camping ground available at the top of the hill which is pet friendly and partly shaded. There are toilets (including disabled), BBQ and cold shower facilities. For more information on the camping please visit: www.gladstone.qld.au/camping.

 

Rules Beach is several miles long and is the only beach left on the Discovery Coast on which you can legally drive a four wheel drive vehicle. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service allows paid camping at Mitchell Creek, seven kilometres north of Rules Beach but it is only accessible via the beach. Permits are required and must be obtained in advance.

 

This article has been kindly supplied by the Coastal Rag