Your All-In-1 Guide To Agnes Water Camping: Best Campgrounds, Rules & More!

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Agnes Water is a beautiful coastal town in the east of Queensland, Australia. It’s home to some of the best sunsets, amazing beaches, sparkling sea views, lush forests, wildlife, hiking trails, and of course, fantastic camping sites – so it’s the ideal spot for your camping trip in Australia.

It’s also most well-known for having the closest access point to Southern Great Barrier Reef – a marine wildlife haven.

Below we’ve put together the ultimate and best camping guide for Agnes Water. From showing you what the campgrounds have to offer, to explaining the rules for camping at Agnes Water, the permits you need (and where to get them), as well as when and where to spot wildlife, this guide has everything you need in one place.

Let’s get started!

CONTENTS:

1. Getting There Within Australia
2. The Best Agnes Water Campgrounds For Views & Fun!
3. Agnes Water Camping: Rules, Regulations & Advice
4. Fishing At Agnes Water
5. Things To Bring When Camping At Agnes Water
6. Things To Do In Agnes Water
7. Places To Eat
8. When To Visit: Weather, Wildlife & Events

Getting There Within Australia

Australia has airports dotted all over the place, so getting to the right part of Queensland should be relatively simple if you’re coming from afar.

And if you’re coming from abroad to Agnes Water, you might not have much camping gear. with you. Luckily, the closest camping store is Camping and Outdoor Supplies off Round Hill Road near the coast.

You can plan your journey within Australia and how you’ll get to Agnes Water with an online journey planner, like this one.

Car

You can use your own car or rent one at the many car rentals dotted around the region to get to Agnes Water.

You will need a vehicle access permit if you’re planning to drive through any of Agnes Water’s national parks or beaches. The main route that leads to the town is Round Hill Road.

Train

From Brisbane, you can get the train to Miriam Vale and then get a taxi or rent a car. This is the fastest way to get there from Brisbane.

If you’re coming from Sydney, you’d have to get a train to Brisbane and so forth. Just keep in mind it will take a long time to get there from both these places – 6 hours up to 23!

Bus

From Brisbane, you can catch the bus to Taunton from Strathfield Station and then drive. It’s a similar story for any other place in Australia – plan how you’ll use public transport here.

Bicycles and E-Bicycles  

Electric Bike and Scooter Hire, Discovery Coast Moped and eBikes Hire, and Kanga Tours Scooter and E-Bike Hire all offer modes of transportation to rent for the duration of your stay at Agnes Water. It’s an easy way to explore what the town has to offer.

Five Of The Best Agnes Water Campgrounds For Views & Fun!

1. Agnes Park Enviro Camp

Next to seaside communities and a serene pasture is Agnes Park Enviro Camp, where children ages 0-5 camp for free!

You can bring along your tent or motorhome to one of the 20 sites. Per guest, it is $10 per night. Campfires and pets are allowed but there are no toilets. Bring your own potable water too.

Activities nearby include boating, fishing, horseback riding, surfing and wildlife watching – so this is a great pick for families looking for an adventurous Agnes Water camping option.

2. Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary and Camp Ground

What says ‘Australia’ more than kangaroos? Take yourself to Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary and Camp Ground to check out these amazing animals as they go about their business. At 5pm and 7am, you can even take part in feeding sessions.

You can also camp here or bring your RV and bear witness to gorgeous views of the sunset over the nearby forest. There are toilets and showers as well as a shared kitchen.

3. 1770 Eco Camp

Eco-style camping is available at the 1770 Eco Camp situated on 42 acres of bushland.

It’s ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers, as it’s closest to the access point of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. It’s also just 8 minutes from Agnes Water Main Beach.

If you don’t fancy camping in a tent or RV, there are glamping opportunities available. Prices start from around $20 a night, depending on what facilities you want. Glamping tents are around $50 a night.

4. Eurimbula Creek Campground

Eurimbula Creek Campground belongs to Queensland National Parks, so you’ll need a permit to drive here. You can also get here by boat, and campfires or generators are allowed.

This site is located at the mouth of Eurimbula Creek in Eurimbula National Park and has walking access to the beach. Look out for blue gums, pink bloodwoods, casuarinas, and weeping cabbage palms.

5. 1770 Camping Ground

1770 Camping Ground is for those really looking for a stunning setting for their Agnes Water camping holiday, with beachfront sites available to book and a plethora of attractions nearby. Beach campfires are allowed here too! So if you’re looking for beach camping at Agnes Water this is a fantastic campground.

1770 is also famous for its sunset views on its west-facing beach. Just make sure to book at least 12 months in advance – this place is popular!

Pets are not allowed here and prices start from around $40 depending on whether you want powered sites or sites with views.

Agnes Water Camping: Rules, Regulations, and Advice

1. Using Your Car

As mentioned, in National Park areas you need clearance to drive by four-wheel-drive (4WD)/car.

Display this on your windscreen and you’ll be good to go. Caravan/RV travel is not possible in the National Parks.

2. Sites & Their Facilities

Most campsites will have toilets and showers, but the water will not be drinkable. Check for individual rules surrounding campfires and barbeques.

Some sites will allow pets, some won’t – like any campsite that belongs to the National Park.

3. Looking After Yourself & The Area

Watch out for jellyfish when swimming, especially from October to May. They can be toxic, and you can get very ill.

Swimming at Agnes Water Main Beach is quite safe as it is patrolled, but beware of swimming anywhere else, especially in areas next to Deepwater National Park as the waters can be treacherous. Anywhere along the coast will have strong currents at any time of the year. Sharks are also present in the ocean.

Never leave campfires unattended and put them out with water, not sand, as it can stay hot and really hurt bare feet! You also don’t want to start a forest fire.

Don’t feed surrounding wildlife as this has adverse effects on both them and you. Keep food packed away and always carry water with you so you don’t dehydrate in the hot climate.

Everything in National Parks is protected. This includes things like rocks or plants – so don’t touch or take from these sites. Also, don’t take any shortcuts as you could erode the area. Vehicles are also not allowed on the beaches of National Parks.

When cleaning or washing, stay away from natural waterways, streams, rivers, and lakes, as things like soap or shampoo are considered pollutants and can harm wildlife.

Don’t touch any indigenous art or remnants – these represent thousands of years of culture and are priceless. The same goes for any other historic sites.

When visiting the Great Barrier Reef, ensure you are pest-free. This means being free of any insects, eggs, plant parts, seeds, spiders, lizards, toads, rats, mice, and soil. Soil on your gear or clothing can contain harmful pathogens which hurt the reef, so clean this before you leave.

If you must smoke, do it away from others, dispose of your cigarettes, and be aware of wildfire risk.

Call the Queensland Government Wildlife Hotline to report any wildlife incidents – like injured, stranded, or dead animals.

Fishing At Agnes Water

For rock fishing, you can visit Wreck Rock and Agnes Point. Creeks to fish in include Round Hill Creek, Eurimbula Creek, Middle Creek, Jenny Lind Creek and Pancake Creek.

At the Southern Barrier Reef, you will find Fitzroy Lagoon, Boult and Lamont Reefs.

Check fishing zone maps to ensure you are fishing legally in marine parks. There is advice on the Queensland Government website.

The most common catches are Coral Trout, Sweetlip, Red Emperor, Spanish Mackerel etc.

Things To Bring When Camping At Agnes Water

Here are a few things you should consider bringing if you don’t know where to start:

• Medical help is often far away so bring a first aid kit.
• Bins are not provided at many sites so bring a trash bag.
• A fuel or gas stove.
• Collecting firewood is illegal at the National Parks, so bring your own.
• Plenty of water and maybe even a filter.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen.
• A torch with a red filter is recommended to not harm animals’ eyes.
• Binoculars to admire wildlife from a safe distance for both you and them.
• A good camera!

Things To Do In Agnes Water

1. Agnes Water Museum

This tiny museum allows you to discover Agnes Water’s maritime history through a series of displays and artefacts. Entry for adults is $4 and children can enter for free.

2. Discovery Trail Lookout

At the back of the museum is an easy walking track named the Discovery Trail. Wander through less than 1km of pathway and spot dams, bridges, and wildlife.

And as a reward for your trek, you are treated to stunning views of Agnes Water and Workman’s Beach from a lookout point.

3. Bush Heritage Paperback Forest Boardwalk

Follow Springs Road from Agnes Water for a beautiful hike through the Paperback Forest which leads to Reedy Creek Reserve. What makes this walk unique is the forest itself – a practically untouched coastal melaleuca forest.

Flora and fauna to look out for are butterflies, frogs, and fungi. Picnic tables are available at the start and end of the trail.

4. Chinaman’s Beach

Chinaman’s Beach is a quiet hidden gem and perfect if you’re looking for an uncrowded patch of coast to spend time at. There are also rock pools which are great to explore with the kids.

This beach is not patrolled, so take care. Pets are allowed only outside of turtle nesting season, which is from November to April.

5. 1770 Liquid Adventures

If you want to experience Agnes Water on…well, the water, then 1770 Liquid Adventures is a great way to do it!

They offer sunset tours on kayaks, nature tours, kayaking with your dog, kayak hires, private tours, and family tours. Prices start from around $35 for more than 2 hours.

6. 1770 Distillery

Try some unique fruit liqueurs made from locally sourced ingredients at 1770 Distillery in Agnes Water. Products include Sunset, Strawberry Splash, Daybreak and Pink Dawn.

Speak with staff and discover their meticulous process whilst trying an array of specially crafted drinks.

Places To Eat

Once you arrive in Agnes Water, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with its plethora of places to eat – here are some of the best spots.

1. Drift and Wood Restaurant and Bar

Drift and Wood Restaurant and Bar is for evenings of indulgence and a perfect change of routine if you’re camping.

From Salt and Pepper Calamari and a Vegan Stack to a Prawn and Chorizo Pappardelle Egg Pasta and, of course, all kinds of pizza! Prices start from around $14 and can reach around $50. Reservations need to be made in advance.

2. Codie’s Place

For breakfast and lunch try Codie’s Place which sells wraps, salads, breakfast dishes and hot food. It’s not cheap, with eggs on toast costing $11. You can also get some dinner here with soups, pasta, salads, and mains on offer.

3. Zuba’s Café and Juice Pty Ltd

Zuba’s Café and Juice Pty Ltd provides authentic East African food in its café and refreshing drinks at the juice bar. Grab lunch and dinner with dishes starting from around $4.00.

Large smoothies cost $10.50, and you can choose from their Sunshine Smoothies, Mango Smoothies, Breakfast Smoothies, Kale Kicks Tea, and Tropical Kale Smoothies. Large Juices cost $9.00.

4. Plantation Bar and Restaurant

Plantation Bar and Restaurant makes use of the Agnes Water region’s fresh food and offers candlelight dining in the evening. Choose from a range of pasta dishes, bread, salads, seafood, kids’ meals, and desserts, including hummingbird cake.

You can also try a poolside breakfast buffet if you’re in the area. Choose between a continental or hot breakfast.

5. Coral Seafood and Takeaways

Calamari, oysters, prawns and fish and chips – Coral Seafood and Takeaways is a lowkey choice for lunch or dinner.

6. Café Discovery

Café Discovery serves delicious breakfasts and meals ranging from burgers to frittatas. You’ll find this café at the heart of Agnes Water in Agnes Central Shopping Centre.

7. Holidays Café

Holidays Café is situated by the sea and sells organic coffees and fresh juices, as well as healthy meals. It’s a great place to bring the kids after running around on the beach. You don’t need to book, just dine inside, or grab a takeaway.

8. 1770 Getaway Garden Café

At 1770 Getaway Garden Café you’ll find unique menu items such as Goat Cheese Scramble and Fruit and Nut Toast.

Prepare for brilliantly photogenic food for both breakfast and lunch – for which you can try a Vietnamese Chicken Salad or a Moroccan Duck and Sweet Potato Salad amongst much more.

9. Round Hill Road Pizza and Bar

As the name suggests, Round Hill Road Pizza and Bar sells all types of pizza with vegan toppings, gluten-free bases and Half and Half toppings. Place an order and pick it up – ideal for taking back to where you’re staying.

10. Latino Café

This is another café which is suited to families with its simple and wholesome menu items and friendly atmosphere. But if you’re not hungry, why not stop by for a quick coffee?

11. Agnes Water Tavern

Grab a beer at Agnes Water Tavern which is great for a social get-together. They also sell classic dishes like fish and chips and burgers.

When To Visit: Weather, Wildlife & Events

You may want to coincide your visit to Agnes Water camping trip with the following events, sights, and conditions.

Weather

Agnes Water is on the coast of Queensland, so you will experience a mild subtropical climate all year round. It is warmest during Australian summer, which is from November to February and can reach 91 degrees Fahrenheit.  Nights are also warm and quite humid.

Spring, autumn and winter are all still pleasantly mild times to visit, with temperatures hitting 78 degrees Fahrenheit. So, whether you’re visiting for Christmas or Easter, the weather should treat you well.

Wildlife

Remember to keep an eye out for jellyfish all year round!

On the beaches and sand dunes, you might see loggerhead, flatback and green turtles from November to January as they begin to nest. From January to March, you might spot both adults and hatchlings heading towards the sea. Admire them, but don’t touch them or scare them. Don’t stand anywhere near or on the nests as hatchlings below can suffocate.

Walking the beach at a high tide and a full moon is the best time to see mothers lay their eggs. But walking along any beach in Agnes Water at sunrise or sunset is also a wonderful experience.

A myriad of bird species can be spotted all year round, especially in spring. These include kingfishers that nest in estuaries, honeyeaters which hang around swamps, and cockatoos which can be spotted in lowland swamps.

During the evenings you might see the powerful owl which hunts through the night. You can also spot the rare glider in the evenings, which has a yellow belly and hangs around eucalypt plants.

Of course, kangaroos will be spotted here and there all year round, but the peak season is summer – December to February. National Parks in Agnes Water are also famous for their emus, paperback forests, banksias, and wattles. You can spot possums too.

At and around the Southern Great Barrier Reef, you will find up to 931 species of animal and organisms all year round. These include:

• The false killer whale
• The Australian humpback dolphin
• The spinner dolphin, amongst other species
• The humpback whale
• The dingo
• The red fox
• Rats
• The swamp wallaby, amongst other species
• The silvereye (islands)
• The tree martin, amongst other species
• The little grassbird, amongst other species
• The eastern barn owl…
• Many types of algae (some are toxic)
• Fungi
• And much, much more!

Humpback whales can be spotted out on the horizon from the shore – look out for sprays of water, and sometimes they can jump out too!

Humpback whales tend to migrate towards the north from June to August, and then they go back from September to November. You have a good chance of seeing them during migration periods.

Events

There are plenty of events to organize your trip around:

• The Agnes Blues Roots and Rock Festival takes place annually across one weekend in February. Here you will be greeted by over 30 bands, and you will get to experience 3 days of music if you get a 3-day pass. Or you can simply pay for a workshop.
• You can also get free entry to the annual 1770 Festival during summer.
• In December you can browse the Twilight Artisan Christmas markets for some handmade goodies.
• In November Christmas workshops take place at Captain Creek Community Sport and Recreation Centre. Learn how to make decorations and 3D fiber art.
• Remember that Christmas is a great time to visit if you’re looking for a warm place to spend the holidays.
• At Easter, you will also find Twilight Artisan Easter markets for you to admire and shop at.