If you’ve ever dreamt of switching off, slowing down, and letting nature take the wheel for a bit, then let us introduce you to Traveller’s Rest 1770 — a family-run eco-campground that’s quietly (and lovingly) become one of the Discovery Coast’s true hidden gems.
Tucked away on Round Hill Road, this slice of bush paradise is the passion project of Mike and Michi, who swapped life in Kakadu National Park for the coastal breezes of Agnes Water back in 2018. They didn’t just build a campsite; they created a place where people reconnect with the land… and the land reconnects right back.
Their motto?
“Connect People with Nature, and Nature to People.”
And honestly — they nail it.
This isn’t your standard line-up-and-reverse holiday park. Nope. At Traveller’s Rest 1770, you choose your own spot, you settle under the gum trees, and nature does the rest. Think native stingless bees buzzing by, king parrots nesting in custom-built boxes, and kangaroos grazing casually like they own the place (because… they basically do).
And in case you were wondering, this deep love for wildlife is also why you won’t find pets on the property. The roos, kookaburras and feathered locals have the run of the place, and honestly, it’s part of the magic.
Mike and Michi’s journey to Agnes started in 2017, when they travelled Australia looking for the perfect place to raise their family. Fate led them to a beautiful block of land right here on the Discovery Coast, and by March 2020, their dream eco-campground officially opened its gates.
Since then, the community has absolutely wrapped them in a big warm welcome — and they’ve given that love straight back.
They regularly host discounted school excursions, they provide space for environmental groups sorting marine debris or caring for native bees, and they work closely with groups like:
- Australian Native Bee Association
- Tangaroa Blue
- Gladstone Conservation Council
When we say this place is rooted in community spirit — we mean it.
Now let’s talk experiences, because this is where things get seriously special.
Mike isn’t just any tour guide. He’s an accredited Eco and Savannah Guide with more than 27 years’ experience — and fun fact: guests are often stunned that a Kiwi knows so much about Australian bush tucker and bush medicine. His tours are the real deal, filled with knowledge, culture, humour and those “wow, I never knew that” moments.
You can join:
🌙 Moonlit Tales – from Arnhemland to the Coast
Free evening storytelling sessions (Tues, Fri, Sat – weather permitting). Call 0466 065 790 to confirm times.
🌿 BushTracks Eco Tours
Guided bush tucker and bush medicine walk along their stunning new boardwalk.
(Tues–Sat, 9–11am, fee applies)
🐦 Bird Hide Day Passes
For the twitchers and binocular enthusiasts — explore over 120 species spotted on the property. Travellers’ Rest is even listed on eBird! ($10 per day pass)
Traveller’s Rest 1770 holds Ecotourism Certification, and winner in Tourism, Travel & Accommodation 2025 by the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce, and continues to expand with eco-friendly additions — including their brand-new Tiny Houses for guests who want a little luxury with their wilderness.
Every improvement is made with one question in mind:
Does it connect people with nature?
If the answer’s yes — it stays.
Maybe it’s the birdsong in the morning. Maybe it’s the stories shared around the fire. Maybe it’s the way Mike and Michi make every visitor feel like part of the family. Or maybe it’s that rare, beautiful feeling of being completely grounded — in the best possible way.
Whatever it is, Traveller’s Rest 1770 doesn’t just offer a place to camp.
It offers the one thing so many travellers are chasing: real connection.
So pack the tent, and get ready to rediscover the wild side of Agnes Water — one bush track, one bird call, and one moonlit story at a time.
This blog post has been repurposed from the original editorial published in The Coastal Rag, Issue #1280, on 1 November 2025. It first appeared as part of the Discovery Coast Tourism & Commerce Member Spotlight, written by Annie Backhaus. Sharing this story here is part of DCTC’s ongoing member benefit.