Now this is top notch escapism.
Located on a beachfront town in the tropics of Queensland, 1770 Beach Shacks are located in a semi remote, tiny and completely unspoiled slice of Australian paradise. Inspired by a Robinson Crusoe theme, this is “island paradise” in its most provocative and sensuous form. Though not actually on an island, it does feel that way.
LOCATION
The towns of 1770 and Agnes Water are located on the sub-tropical coastline north of Fraser Island and south of the Whitsundays, about 90 mins drive from Bundaberg in the south or Gladstone in the north.
The commonly called “Seventeen Seventy” and Agnes Water can be accessed by road, rail and air and are only separated by 5 kilometres. The town of 1770 is named after the visit of Captain James Cook (then Lieutenant) in May 1770. This was Cook’s second landfall in Australia, the first being Botany Bay NSW.
ACCOMMODATION
The first two Beach Shacks were built in 1996 upon one of two blocks of land that were owned by the previous proprietors. On the second block was the owners/manager’s residence which is an original quaint building called The Stone Cottage, so named as the exterior is clad with local smooth estuary rocks.
Jan and David purchased the two blocks in 1998 and have since built two additional bungalows, continuing the deserted tropical island theme across all. There are four self-catering, free-standing pole house bungalows, consisting of one studio and three two-bedroom shacks. The interior design makes use of timber throughout to enhance the vibe which the owners have so carefully perpetuated.
Additionally, guests will discover that each bungalow has been built higher than the one in front to ensure that no guest will lose out on the spectacular ocean views.
THE VIBE
There is an unmistakable vibe to be found in the shacks. Created not only by the surroundings but by the creative touches like old casement windows, corrugated iron lined walls in the bathroom and hand-made furnishings. Handcrafted push out timber shutter windows, perfect for those tropical downpours, keeps the place dry and cool while melaleuca sapling trunk railings adorn the front decking.
It is exactly what you dreamt an island paradise would look like when you were a child, when all you could think of were sword fights with pirates, ocean sunsets and waking up to the sound and smell of the ocean. Yarrrr!
THE STAFF
The team running 1770 Beach Shacks include the office/property manager and three cleaning staff who are all locally employed and trained. Owners Jan and David believe that building relations is the sole purpose of their business and whenever they bring on a new staff member, they have to be on the same page.
“Our staff represent us and our accommodation,” Jan says, “So it is definitely a team effort.”
This includes great customer services, addressing the important details such as honest and open communication, meeting and greeting guests on arrival and personally escorting them to the bungalows at check in.
“Our bungalows are self-catering and we respect our guest’s privacy,” Jan explains, “So we keep a low profile but make it known that we are there to help if needed.”
THINGS TO DO
If chilling in your beach shack watching the ocean while drinking an exotic cocktail in a coconut isn’t quite your thing, there is a lot to do. 1770 is built around a peaceful swimming beach , known as the 1770 Inlet. It is a no through town, so it has scarce traffic. The town is also near a headland, and surrounded by ocean. There are lots of coves and bays, conservation parks and a peaceful calm water swimming beach.
The neighbouring town Agnes Water is 5 kilometres away with Queensland’s most northerly surfing beach. Close to the Great Barrier Reef 1770 is the jump off point for a day cruise to Lady Musgrave Island for snorkelling and diving, which is 90 minutes away by boat.
The local wildlife is incredible, including birds, kangaroos, wallabies, the strange and mythic echidnas and goannas. There are also many walking tracks and trails for nature lovers. And all of this is only a 90 minute drive to the airports.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
This is the sub-tropics so when outdoors, wear sun protection, including sunscreen and a hat. Bring appropriate footwear and keep eyes on the walking tracks and always carry adequate amounts of drinking water.
Don’t panic if you feel like you’ve washed up onto an island paradise.
PRICE. $210 – $295 for a couple per night per bungalow. Extra people above a couple, $20-$40 each per night per bungalow.
ADDRESS: 578 Captain Cook Drive, Seventeen Seventy, QLD 4677
TELEPHONE NUMBER: +61 488 032 645
EMAIL: info@1770beachshacks.com
WEBSITE: www.1770beachshacks.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/1770beachshacks
