A beachside weekend getaway
I don't usually post about our travels and outdoor adventures, but this past weekend we went away on a much anticipated holiday to one of my favourite places and I thought it would be fun to share a little piece of this paradise in our corner of the world.
The end of last year was a little average for us and I ended the year feeling pretty physically exhausted and the both of us emotionally drained. So a weekend away together to recharge and celebrate a very belated wedding anniversary was timely!
Agnes Water is a beautiful beach town located at Australia's southern end of the great barrier reef, and the most northerly surf beach on the east coast. It is a popular destination for families, back-packers, caravaners and anyone who has a love for the outdoors. It's one of our favourite places to go to escape, either for a day or a long weekend... and if annual leave permitted we'd probably spend a whole week there!
CAMPING IN STYLE!
There are a few camping grounds and resorts around Agnes Water – this time we stayed at Agnes Water Beach Holidays, a holiday park at the south end of the main beach. They offer a range of different accomodation for different budgets, all situated a stone's throw from the beach, making for an easy and relaxed time away! We stayed in one of the Beach Safari Tents – glamping style – something that has been on our list of things to do since we met! Built on raised timber decking on the hillside with beautiful ocean views and quick and easy access to the beach and caravan park cafe (for great coffee!). We enjoyed some of the best parts of camping, while not sacrificing comfort with an ensuite, hot shower and queen bed!
THINGS TO DO...
There are so many beautiful things to see and do around Agnes Water, and a short drive over to 1770, a neighbouring town significant to Australia's history, completes the list. Most of our weekend was spent swimming, surfing, reading and relaxing at the beach, but a trip to Agnes isn't complete without enjoying one or two things beyond the beach.
✖︎ Hire a stand up paddle board or a kayak from under the trees at 1770. Enjoy paddling around the 1770 waterway – the perfect, safe environment for beginners to learn the basics, or for the experienced to enjoy a serene leisurely paddle.
✖︎ Reef 2 Beach Surf School
✖︎ LARC! TOURS: The amphibian, fondly know as the LARC! – painted a brilliant pink – crosses pristine waterways, travels along the coastline of deserted stretches of sandy beaches to the Bustard Head Lightstation.
✖︎ 1770 Reef Great Barrier Reef Eco Tours
WALKS
✖︎ PAPERBARK FOREST BOARDWALK: This pristine, dense forest of Paper Bark trees and Cabbage Palms, carpeted with Climbing Maiden Hair and the song of birds and sound of frogs is magical.
✖︎ 1770 HEADLAND: Enjoy a short walk out to the headland ending with spectacular views overlooking Bustard Bay and the ocean. Look for dolphins and turtles in the clear waters below or spot white- bellied sea eagles as they fly overhead.
✖︎ Red Rock Walking Trail
✖︎ Discovery Trail
✖︎ Round Hill Creek Walking Trail
EATS
✖︎ FISH & CHIPS: Off the Hook fish and chips is hard to say 'no' to! ✖︎ 1770 GETAWAY GARDEN CAFE: Surrounded by a tropical garden, enjoy breakfast and lunch Sunday to Friday and dinner on Wednesdays and Sundays serving delicious spit roast lamb and wood fired pizza.
✖︎ HOLIDAYS CAFE: Located inside the Agnes Water Beach Holidays Caravan Park with easy access from and a great view of the beach. They serve great coffee, smoothies, burgers and breakfast... and don't mind sandy customers walking in straight off the beach!
✖︎ 1770 BEACH HOTEL: Enjoy a cold one on the deck while you watch the sun set through the trees over the bay.
✖︎ SOL FOODS ORGANIC SHOP & CAFE: Delicious smoothies for the health conscious.
✖︎ If you prefer to pack an esky and a picnic basket, both Agnes Water and 1770 have great bbq facilities.
FOR MORE THINGS TO DO & SEE GO TO:
