Joseph Banks Conservation Park Town of 1770
Just
through the Town of 1770 is a wonderful natural area of grassy hillocks,
spectacular cliff drops and fabulous sea views called Joseph Banks Conservation
Park. The park has several features that make the area more than a must
see place while in the Town of 1770 - Agnes Waters region, plus the
nature walk is one of the easiest and finest you can find along the
coast.
To get to Joseph Banks Conservation Park, travel through the Town of
1770, past the marina and 1770 caravan park, up the hill and turn left
at the T-junction , then follow the road the short distance to the carpark.
From the carpark you can follow the walking tracks that take you to
fenced lookouts, with the middle track taking you out to the point of
Round Hill. The views are spectacular and the walk is an easy 350 meters.
There is a rough track from the carpark down to a fabulous small bay,
ideal for fishing or great photos. It is well worth the effort but the
walk up can leave the unfit a little puffed. There is a rock cairn dedicated
to Captain Cook and the famous botanist
Sir Joseph Banks, who made the second landing on the east coast
of Australia near this point during their voyage in 1770.
Just behind the fenced weather station, a monument has been erected
to the shipwreck memory of the Countess Russell, a 96 tonne sailing
vessel which ran aground at Wreck Point in 1873. The Countess Russell's
anchor has been mounted on a slab of concrete as a lasting reminder
of the difficulties shipping had along the rugged coastline. There are
fabulous views over the Coral Sea past the monument, but please be careful,
as the cliffs are steep and unfenced. Do not venture too close to the
edges as danger awaits those who do not heed safety regulations.
The
man-made boardwalk along the edge of the inlet, near the 1770
caravan park, is a fabulous place to see some amazing estuary wildlife,
mangroves and birds. Good fishing can be experienced along the foreshore
and the park is a pleasant spot for a picnic or BBQ.
Agnes Waters has a fabulous beach that stretches some 5 kms along the
shore line. Beach walks along this stretch are very popular, while you
enjoy a stroll along this pristine beach, keep an eye out for many species
of terns, sea eagles and turtles.
Touted as the most northern surf beach along the east coast, Agnes
Waters town beach has developed a cult following among surfers of all
ages. Before a sealed road opened up the area to tourists, dedicated
surfers made the sometimes heartbreaking journey over atrocious roads
to experience the secluded beach conditions. They were real legends,
and fittingly there are now 2 surfing competitions held at Agnes Waters,
the Cult, Reef 2 Beach Women's Surfest, held in February, and the wildly
popular Reef 2 Beach Longboard Classic held in March, that can be directly
contributed to those intrepid legends of yesteryear.
There
are many quiet areas around the Town of Seventeen Seventy and Agnes
Waters where you can be close to nature. Enjoy your moments in the area
and tell everyone you can about the wonderful natural beauty of this
secluded holiday paradise.