Joseph Banks Conservation Park Town of 1770

Round Hill is arguably the best place for a fabulous nature walk near the Town of 1770, yet the pristine surfing beach at Agnes Waters, Wreck Point or just a stroll along the 1770 foreshore boardwalk, are other amazing places to spend some quality time in the peaceful and beautiful natural surroundings of this most wonderful area.

Image of the anchor memorial to the shipwrecked schooner Countess Russell. 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.

View from Round Point over Bustard Bay, Town of 1770. 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.

Looking along Agnes Waters Beach toward Wreck Point., at sundown. 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.