1770 Camping Ground, Seventeen Seventy QLD
Occupying one of the most breathtaking and sought-after parcels of coastal land in Australia, the 1770 Camping Ground is a legendary destination for beach lovers, boaties, and families. This is the definition of absolute waterfront camping; the park is nestled right on the shores of a calm, protected bay in the heart of the tiny, historic township of Seventeen Seventy. The experience here is unparalleled – you can step directly from your campsite onto the sand, watch the kids play safely in the tranquil water, and launch a kayak or paddleboard with ease. The campground is famously one of the few places on Australia’s east coast where you can sit back and watch a spectacular sunset over the water, a daily event that brings the entire park to a standstill.
The atmosphere is pure, relaxed, old-school beach holiday. The sites, a mix of powered and unpowered, are tucked amongst the shade of coastal trees, and while they can be cosy, the million-dollar view more than compensates. The focus is squarely on the magnificent natural surroundings. It’s a hive of activity for water sports, with the adjacent boat ramp providing the launching point for adventures out to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, including Lady Musgrave Island. It’s also the base for the iconic pink LARC! tours that explore the pristine waterways and sand dunes of Bustard Bay.
Despite its remote feel, the campground is well-serviced with clean amenity blocks, laundry facilities, and a small kiosk for essentials. Just a short stroll away is the Tree Restaurant and Bar, perfect for a meal when you don’t feel like cooking. The park is also the perfect starting point for the scenic headland walk to the Captain Cook monument, offering stunning views and a dose of history. Given its incredible location and immense popularity, securing a spot here requires booking many months, sometimes even a year, in advance. It’s a true bucket-list Australian camping experience.
Site Information
- Location: Absolute waterfront in the historic village of Seventeen Seventy.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes. Check site dimensions when booking as many are compact.
- Road Access: Sealed roads.
- Site Surface: Primarily sand and grass mix.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites available. Bookings are absolutely essential and required well in advance.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with management as limits apply, especially in peak season.
- Number of Powered Sites: Available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Available.
Facilities
- Facilities: Amenity blocks with toilets and hot showers, laundry, camp kitchen, BBQs, small kiosk, dump point.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, in communal areas.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; can be patchy for other carriers.
- TV Reception: Fair to good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, for guests.
- Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available on site for guests.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Strictly prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Kayaks/SUPs, fishing gear, boat, camera for sunsets, sand pegs.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the campground.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing in the calm estuary waters and off the nearby headlands.
- Short Walks: Fantastic short walks around the 1770 headland and to local lookouts.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Tree Restaurant & Bar (next door)
- Agnes Water Tavern (approx. 6 km)
- Places to Eat: On-site restaurant, plus a wide range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in nearby Agnes Water.
- Local Attractions:
- LARC! Paradise Tours (departs from the campground)
- Tours to Lady Musgrave Island (Southern Great Barrier Reef)
- 1770 Headland and Captain Cook Monument
- Paperbark Forest Walk
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Captain Cook Holiday Village 1770 (approx. 1 km)
- Agnes Water Beach Holidays (approx. 6 km)
- Workman’s Beach Camping Area (approx. 7 km)
- Next Free Camps: Very limited. Low-cost camping at Workman’s Beach. Nearest major rest area is south of Miriam Vale.
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite for guests. A public dump point is available in Agnes Water.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Agnes Water (approx. 6 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite for guests.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot and humid, ideal for swimming and water sports. This is the peak holiday season. Temperatures average 22°C to 30°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful time to visit with warm, sunny days and lower humidity. The water is still warm and pleasant. Temperatures average 18°C to 28°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The dry season. Days are mild, sunny, and perfect for exploring. Nights can be cool. This is also part of the peak tourist season. Temperatures range from 12°C to 24°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A fantastic season with warming temperatures and generally clear skies. Ideal for all outdoor and water activities. Temperatures average 17°C to 28°C.