Queensland is full of magnificent beaches and amazing walks, especially on the East Coast. If you’re visiting Agnes Water and the town of 1770, hiking the Red Rock Trail to Red Rock Beach is one thing you can’t miss. Here’s everything you need to know about the hike!
Red Rock Trail: Where to Park
The starting point of the Red Rock Trail is at the far end of Springs Beach. There is parking available at the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk, but this will add on about 800 meters to your walk. The best option is to take the unpaved track that goes to Springs Beach, with a sign saying unsuitable for some vehicles. There are plenty of parking spaces at the end of the track, among the trees. It was absolutely fine in my Nissan X-Trail, although there are some bumps and potholes so it’s best to just take it easy. It was actually really difficult to find information on where to park online!
Where to Start the Red Rock Trail
You can only get on the Red Rock Trail by walking across to the far end of Springs Beach. It’s a short five-minute walk from the car park down to Springs Beach. Once I was on the beach, it took me 10 minutes to walk to the far side. You’ll see a sign around the bushes that it’s the start of the Red Rock Trail, and there are a few other signposts along the way. It’s a very easy trail to navigate, you won’t get lost!
Along the hike, you’ll pass Honeymoon Bay and Sunrise Beach. These are gorgeous spots, but I really wanted to get to Red Rock Beach! You will also go near several houses that are private property. Be sure to stick to the path, they have private entrances so you don’t want to trespass! But these are clearly marked though, so you shouldn’t have any issues.
Getting to Red Rock Beach
The end point of the Red Rock Trail is the beautiful long beach at the end: Red Rock Beach. You’ll see the rocks along the water, which give both the trail and the beach its name. I loved taking photos here! The trail technically finishes at the far end of the beach, but I only walked about halfway there.
You can go for a dip here, but I chose to hike back to Springs Beach and set up for an afternoon of swimming there. With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, Agnes Water will spoil you!
The Red Rock Trail: Stats
Here’s a quick view at my stats for hiking the Red Rock Trail in Agnes Water.
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Distance: 6.4km (4 miles)
Elevation Gain: 123 meters (405ft)
It took me 1.5 hours, almost exactly, to do the Red Rock Trail and return back to Springs Beach. The sign at the starting point of the hike (in the car park at Springs Beach) recommends 2.5 hours to walk the 3km to Red Rock Beach. I’m not sure whether they assume everyone dawdles, or if they include extra time for swimming and a picnic. But it definitely did not take me that long!
Other Hikes in Agnes Water and 1770
If you’re visiting Agnes Water and 1770, I definitely recommend these walks in the area! I loved my stop here, and definitely could have stayed longer.
- Paperbark Forest Boardwalk (15 minutes) – fantastic walk along the boardwalk to experience the bush
- Discovery Trail (20 minutes) – a great lookout over the Agnes Water beaches and coastline
- Headland Walk (20 minutes) – superb views from Bustard Bay, great for spotting dolphins, sharks, and whales
Planning Your Trip to Agnes Water
If you’re visiting Agnes Water and 1770, you’ll definitely want a car. The parking area for Springs Beach is outside of town – so you’ll either need to drive, or rent a bike. The nearest airport to Agnes Water and 1770 is Gladstone airport. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Where to Stay in Agnes Water and 1770
I only visited for the day, and didn’t stay overnight here. But if I had, these would be my top picks!
Luxury: Sunrise at 1770 Holidays – spacious and luxurious villas, right by the Red Rock Trail (not currently taking bookings)
Mid-Range: 1770 Getaway – closer to Agnes Water, with villa or caravan accommodation
Mid-Range: Seascape Retreat: Time to Slow Down – a lovely apartment with homey touches
Budget: Backpackers at 1770 – a great spot to meet other backpackers, with a convenient shuttle from the coach stop
Camping: NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park – convenient caravan park with amenities in the heart of Agnes Water
Camping: Traveller’s Rest 1770 – for an eco camping experience just outside Agnes Water
Nearest Free Camps: I stayed the night before at Yandaran Hotel, about one hour south of Agnes Water. The night of my visit, I stayed at Lion’s Park Miriam Vale, which is about a 45-minute drive away. Both of these were good free camps where I felt safe, and I recommend them!
Looking for a tour in Agnes Water and 1770? Check out the options below!
The Red Rock Trail is one of the best things to do in Agnes Water. The area is a must-see on any East Coast road trip, and this great hike shouldn’t be missed! I hope this post helps planning your trip to Agnes Water and 1770, and planning your hike on the Red Rock Trail.
Have you hiked the Red Rock Trail in Agnes Water? What was your favorite part?
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