Awe-inspiring views can be seen in every direction from this resort town on the shores of the Coral Sea, named for the year that Captain James Cook made landfall.
Experience the rich natural beauty of Seventeen Seventy, a gorgeous seaside village perched on the edge of a peninsula jutting into the Coral Sea. Pristine wilderness reserves and a rugged stretch of coastline make this town a scenic spot to stay for a relaxing retreat. Seventeen Seventy is also an easy stepping stone for adventures in the Great Barrier Reef and Capricorn Coast islands.
Seventeen Seventy has a collection of beautifully sheltered beaches, which stretch along the western flank of the peninsula. Laze on the golden sands or teach the kids to swim in the protected waters of Bustard Bay. Between November and January, you might see turtles clambering up the sandy shore to lay their eggs.
Learn about Australia’s early European settlement when you explore Seventeen Seventy’s collection of historical markers. Check out the Captain Cook Memorial, which commemorates the English explorer’s second landing in Australia.
Continue north to find the rugged bluffs of Round Hill Head and spot the anchor from a shipwreck in the waters. This headland is a pretty spot to watch a sunrise or a sunset. It is one of the only places in eastern Australia where you can see the sun sinking into an ocean horizon.
If you’re ready for a Capricorn Coast adventure, stop by the Seventeen Seventy Marina. From here, you can join reef-fishing charters, canoe trips, sightseeing cruises and scuba-diving tours. Discover the nearby Great Barrier Reef, Lady Musgrave Island, Fitzroy Reef, Pancake Creek or the heritage Bustard Heads Lighthouse.
Four national parks and the Joseph Banks Environmental Park are located near the town and are perfect for daytrips or hiking adventures. For more information about what’s on during your visit, head to the Discovery Centre in the neighboring village of Agnes Water.
Seventeen Seventy is 311 miles (501 kilometers) north of Brisbane. Fly into Gladstone Airport and drive to the village via Miriam Vale. The town has two campgrounds and caravan parks, as well as a selection of vacation cottages and inns. Experience the relaxed pace of the Capricorn Coast in Seventeen Seventy.
