Cool Bananas Fly, Surf and Eat at 1770

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Three activities in Agnes Water and 1770, timed around the weather over a few days: a surf lesson on a reef-sheltered beach, a flight where you take the controls of a small plane, and a meal out at the Town of 1770.

Days

3 days

Start / finish

Agnes Water / Agnes Water

Return

See itinerary for details

Tour style

Three booked activities, stay where you like

Accommodation

Not included

Transport

Trip out to 1770 for the meal; own way to Agnes Water

Meals

One meal at 1770 (breakfast, lunch or dinner)

Route

Map of Cool Bananas Fly, Surf and Eat at 1770

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Included experiences

Agnes Water beach — surf lesson in reef-sheltered waters
Over Agnes Water and 1770 — take the controls of a small plane
Town of 1770 — breakfast, lunch or dinner out

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

GETTING STARTED IN AGNES WATER

Your three activities are run from Cool Bananas, the hostel on Springs Road in Agnes Water, a 200 metre walk from the beach and the Greyhound stop. You can stay anywhere in Agnes Water or 1770, as beds aren't part of this pack. There's no fixed running order: the surf lesson depends on the waves, so lesson times are posted at the hostel and online, and the flight and the meal fit in around it over your few days in town. Agnes Water is the most northerly surf beach on Queensland's east coast.

ON THE BOARD: YOUR SURF LESSON

The Great Barrier Reef starts just off this stretch of coast and breaks up the big ocean swells, so the waves reaching Agnes Water beach are smaller and steadier than on most surf beaches. That makes it one of the best places in Australia to stand up for the first time. You begin on the sand with paddling and the pop-up, then head into the white water to catch your first waves. Bring your swimmers, a towel and water.

IN THE PILOT'S SEAT: YOUR FLIGHT

The flight can be any time of day, usually around lunch. After a briefing, you take off over the 1770 marina and, if you want to, take the controls yourself, with your pilot beside you all the way. From the air you see Bustard Bay, where Captain James Cook anchored and came ashore in May 1770, his first landing in what is now Queensland, plus the shifting sand flats of Round Hill Creek and the long arc of Agnes Water beach. The weight limit for the flight is 90 kg.

A MEAL OUT AT 1770

Then you're taken out to the Town of 1770, on the headland a few kilometres north of Agnes Water, for breakfast, lunch or dinner, your choice. The town is named for the year of Cook's visit, and it is one of the few spots on Queensland's east coast where the sun sets over the sea, which makes dinner here worth the timing.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Cool Bananas Backpackers, 2 Springs Road, Agnes Water.
Departure time: Surf lesson times depend on the weather and are posted at the hostel. The flight can be any time of day, usually around lunch.
Fitness: Moderate. You need to be comfortable in the surf for the lesson.
Please note: The flight has a 90 kg weight limit. Accommodation is not included.

What to bring

Water
Towel
Swimwear

What is included

1 surf lesson
1 hands-on flying tour
1 meal at 1770 (breakfast, lunch or dinner)
Trip out to 1770 for the meal

Not included

Accommodation
Travel to Agnes Water

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.