TOWN OF 1770, LARC TOUR.

Agnes Water & The Town Of 1770 has been on our Travel ‘Bucket List’ for a long time, and we are glad we ticked off this gem of an area before it got overpopulated. As far as sleepy little beach towns go, 1770 off the Southern Great Barrier Reef is among the best. A quiet, charming pocket of beautiful beaches and swimming spots mixed with lively restaurants and cafes makes it an ideal place for a family vacation or an escape with loved ones. More than just a pretty face, 1770 (also known as Town of  Seventeen Seventy) has an incredible history. The town is built on the site of the second landing by Captain Cook in May all the way back in, you guessed it, 1770! Each year the locals re-enact the historic landing as part of an annual festival held in May.

For a trip you will never forget, jump aboard the pink LARC - an amphibious craft that will take you for a ride across deserted sandy beaches and pristine estuaries. The ex-military Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo (LARC) vehicle makes a comfortable ride for exploring the natural joys of Bustard Head and Eurimbula National Park.  This is Queensland's only operating Lighthouse open to the public. The LARC is one of those big, hulking vehicles that can drive on land and go in water. It’s also a great way to see another side of 1770 and the local area if you don’t have a boat of your own.

The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and will show you places and animals you wouldn’t have seen otherwise, as well as share local history. The LARC is definitely worth doing and suitable for all ages.

You'll hear the tales of tragedy and triumph as early white settlers and lighthouse keepers struggled to tame this remote wilderness. You will have a guided tour in the light keeper's cottage, now a museum of artefacts and light station memorabilia. You will see some of the prolific wildlife that inhabits the area and you will gasp in awe at the spectacular panoramic view from the balcony of the historic Bustard Head Lighthouse.

And on the way home, you can experience the thrill of sand boarding down the towering dunes of Middle Island. The LARC's (Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo Vessels) are named in honour of Sir Joseph Banks and Dr Daniel Carl Solander, the two eminent botanists who accompanied Lieutenant James Cook aboard the Endeavour on their voyage of discovery. Full day tour includes morning tea, lunch and an Aussie Billy tea.