When they were children, everything was organized for them, and everything we did together as a family. As my teens get older, they start to want more independence; their own hotel room and some downtime to talk with friends, that kind of thing. They’re also turning into young adults and soon-to-be independent travelers themselves. Our eldest has already traveled to Europe with friends, and it’s because we know she was visiting safe destinations in Europe for teens that we were happy for her to go.

Of course, we don’t recommend shipping your teens off on a vacation solo until they’re of legal age, but it’s not uncommon for eighteen-plus-year-olds to go interrailing or backpacking across Europe; solo or with company.

Whether your teen is looking to go with friends or you’re planning a trip together as a family, if you’re wondering what the safest destinations in Europe for teenagers are, then we’re happy to share our ten top picks based on our own experience, and also with statistics from the Global Safety Index.

Zurich, Switzerland

• Global Peace Index Score: 1.363
• Crime and Safety Score: 75.8
• Political stability: 16.2
• Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 893

Zurich is a very clean, easy-to-navigate city with excellent healthcare facilities, a low crime rate, and tons of things to do; so that’s why it’s high on our list of safe places in Europe for families with teens. In terms of things to do, there’s enough to keep every day interesting for teens, from swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Zurich, to bike rides along the river, to checking out world-class museums. Our teen would enjoy simply wandering the cobbled streets of the Altstadt (Old Town). It’s also well placed to take day trips to the Alps for the perfect Sound of Music adventure.

You may have heard people say “I’m not getting involved, I’m Switzerland” when put in the middle of conflict. This is because it has a long-standing reputation for political stability and having a strong rule of law, and rarely gets involved in other countries’ business. It has exceptionally low levels of violent crime, so you can explore with peace of mind.

Zurich feels quaint, relaxed, and orderly, so if your older teens feel they want more independence and want to explore alone while parents take a break, you’ll be comforted by the fact that Zurich is one of Europe’s safest and most stable destinations.

Related reading: Tips For Traveling With Teens (Age 13-17) + Where To Go

Reykjavik, Iceland

• Global Peace Index Score: 1.161
• Crime and Safety Score: 75.2
• Political stability: 15.2
• Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 797

Iceland has been crowned the safest country on Earth, and so of course it should be considered on this list. Although not part of the European Union, Iceland is still well connected to Europe and is considered part of the European Economic Area (EEA).

Reykjavik is a fascinating city, filled with brightly painted rooftops, creative and artistic energy, and being just a short drive away from some of the most otherworldly landscapes on Earth, there is so much to inspire your teens here. From whale-watching trips to swimming in geothermal lagoons to hiking across volcanic terrain, visiting thundering waterfalls and exploring lava caves… or simply gazing up at the shimmering Northern Lights. No one leaves Iceland without fond memories and their jaw dragging across the floor.

It also has low crime rates, a strong economy and political climate, and excellent public infrastructure, so anyone visiting can feel quickly at ease. Although safe, it’s worth noting it’s not the cheapest destination to visit with teenagers, so be sure to save your pennies.

Vienna, Austria

• Global Peace Index Score: 1.421
• Crime and Safety Score: 70.5
• Political stability: 23.1
• Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 799

We visited Vienna with our teens on a Danube River Cruise back in the summer of 2023 and not only was it a fascinating destination with so many things for teenagers to do, but it also felt very safe. It has low levels of violent crime and well-developed public services, so we felt we could explore without ever having to look over our shoulders or worry about our teens and tweens.

Vienna has a kind of imperial grandeur about it, paired with youthful energy. Our teens loved exploring the grand palaces, riding the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel at the Prater amusement park, and relaxing on the riverside beaches along the Danube. 

One of the things we loved the most about Vienna was that you didn’t need to spend much, either. You could sit on a terrace outside a cafe and just enjoy the charming architecture, a delicious apfelstrudel, and finish it off with a bit of shopping in boutique stores. It’s also on the Interrail route, so you can pair it with some of the other destinations on this list.

Read more: Exciting Things To Do In Vienna With Teenagers

Copenhagen, Denmark

• Global Peace Index Score: 1.504
• Crime and Safety Score: 73.7
• Political stability: 15.9
• Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 855

Creative, compact, and cycle-friendly, Copenhagen is growing in popularity as a place to visit with teenagers. Our teen would love riding a bike through the colorful neighborhoods or riding the roller coasters at Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. 

Copenhagen has the perfect combination of thrill and chill. You could be strolling along the iconic Nyhavn waterfront one minute and then kayaking through the city’s canals the next. 

And what’s more is that Denmark is consistently ranked among one of the world’s safest, happiest, and most politically stable countries. Copenhagen especially is known for its low levels of violent crime and excellent cycling infrastructure, so you can be sure to have a stress-free time when exploring here. 

Read more: Unique Things To Do In Denmark For Cultural Immersion

Gibraltar

• Global Peace Index Score: N/A
• Crime and Safety Score: 79.77
• Political stability: N/A
• Healthcare Quality: N/A

Gibraltar isn’t the first place you think of when you think of European destinations for teenagers, but it shouldn’t be skipped over, either. This British Overseas Territory is famous for being the last line of defence between Europe and Africa, though don’t let that reputation fool you into thinking it’s a war zone; it’s not. It’s very safe (ranked the 6th safest place in the world). In fact, with less than 40,000 residents, crime is extremely rare, as it has a close-knit community. Its economy is very strong, with high employment rates, so there is virtually no street crime.

Despite belonging to England, this 6.8 square kilometer country has a unique culture that’s a cross between Spanish, British, and Mediterranean. It has the warmth and laid-back vibes of Spain, and the hospitality and etiquette of Britain, and the deliciousness of Mediterranean cuisine. I visited here with friends on my Eurovan tour when I was 22 and LOVED it. I felt very safe and it was small, vibrant, and unique.

In terms of things to do, Gibraltar is best known for its landscape, dominated by the famous Rock of Gibraltar (a 426-meter-high limestone ridge), and the limestone cave network (St Michael’s Cave), which teenagers would love to explore. The cable car up to the top of the Rock is a great activity to do with teenagers as it gives you a great view of the airplanes taking off and landing from the airport. At the top, you’ll find the native Barbary Macaques (which are Europe’s only free-roaming wild monkey population), and incredible views of three countries over two continents. For those who have sturdy legs, walk along the Windsor Bridge, a suspension bridge over a 70-foot-deep ravine, or the Skywalk, for 360-degree views. If your teens love wildlife, there’s an abundance of dolphin spotting tours, too.

Gibraltar is a place you might want to add on to the end of a Spain itinerary. You wouldn’t need more than a few days in Gibraltar; you can see it all in 2-3 days. When I visited, we also popped over to Morocco for the day on the ferry.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

• Global Peace Index Score: 1.619
• Crime and Safety Score: 82.23
• Political stability: 45.9
• Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 644

I am sure your teenagers have heard of, read, or watched Game of Thrones. It’s what put Dubrovnik on the map, although it was always a worthwhile travel destination before it became the setting of Westeros. 

Encircled by ancient stone walls and framed by the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is like a fairytale fantasy come to life. In terms of things to do, teenagers will enjoy exploring the city’s famous medieval ramparts and fortifications, as well as getting out of the UNESCO-listed Old Town to swim in the ocean, take the cable car up Mount Srđ, or hop on a boat to nearby Lokrum Island for swimming, hiking, and spotting resident peacocks. 

Unlike in Game of Thrones, Croatia is a politically stable member of the European Union and is listed as one of the safer destinations in southeastern Europe. Dubrovnik has low levels of violent crime, and because it’s compact and pedestrian-friendly, it’s quite stress-free to explore. 

Read more: Awesome Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia

Ljubljana, Slovenia

• Global Peace Index Score: 1.369
• Crime and Safety Score: 78.2
• Political stability: 26.1
• Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 678

I visited Slovenia on a 10-day tour in July 2026, and it was a country that I never had high on my radar, but after visiting, it will certainly be a country I will return to. As well as ranking as the fourth safest country in the world, Slovenia has so much to do. The country is so small, you can travel across it in 3 hours, so we highly recommend using Ljubljana as a base and exploring from there.

What I loved about Slovenia, and what my teen and tween would love too, is that it’s wonderfully green. I loved cycling along the leafy banks of the Ljubljanica River, riding the funicular to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views, and taking day trips out to go hiking in Triglav National Park, stand-up paddleboarding on the fairytale waters of Lake Bled, and checking out the spectacular Postojna Cave.

The Slovenian capital is also worth exploring; it has lots of cool street art, quirky cafés, and has a kind of youthful energy about it. 

Slovenia is a country that doesn’t get fanfares and whistles, but it’s also one of Europe’s most peaceful and politically stable countries, so we hope this is about to change…

Read more: Best Places to Visit in Slovenia For Nature & History. We stayed at the stunning Heritage Hotel (a friend researched and found it was in the safest area of Ljubljana. This is also a fantastic locally guided bike tour of the city.

Munich, Germany

• Global Peace Index Score: 1.657
• Crime and Safety Score: 78.3
• Political stability: 24
• Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 785

Germany is incredibly cool, and each city is unique. I was torn between Berlin and Munich as a destination to take my teen; Berlin is famously artistic, but Munich has a rich Bavarian culture and access to green spaces for hiking and biking, which would appeal more to our teen. 

Munich has a diverse mix of attractions, from fairytale-like palaces to sprawling parks (don’t miss a chance to watch people surfing on the Eisbach wave in Wildblumenwiese) to some incredible hands-on exhibits at the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest museums of science and technology. 

As the birthplace of Oktoberfest, it has a youthful energy, but it’s not Oktoberfest every day here; outside of beer-drinking month, it’s peaceful and relaxed. It’s also close to the Bavarian Alps, where you can go hiking, mountain biking, or go skiing/snowboarding in the winter. 

Munich has excellent public infrastructure and low-crime rates, and it has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Read more: Unmissable Things To Do In Munich For First Timers!

Oslo, Norway

• Global Peace Index Score: 1.688
• Crime and Safety Score: 65.6
• Political stability: 12.7
• Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 857

If your teen has dreamt of shimmering fjords, forested hills, Viking heritage, and Northern Lights, then Norway is the place to take them. 

The capital, Oslo, has a delightful mix of attractions that combine thrill and chill. Some top things a teenager would like to do are paddle through the Oslofjord on a kayak, go for a cold plunge from one of the harborside beaches (or maybe not!), check out the fascinating Viking Ship Museum, or get out of the city to explore the network of hiking and cycling trails just outside. 

Norway is ranked in the top 10 safest countries in the Global Safety Index, and has a strong democracy, low levels of violent crime, and exceptional public services. It has a kind of peaceful pace; everything is well-maintained, and the myriad of things to do make it a great destination. Fair warning, it’s pricey though!

Valencia, Spain

• Global Peace Index Score: 1.654
• Crime and Safety Score: 62.2
• Political stability: 44
• Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 698

Last but certainly not least, the sun-soaked city of Valencia is one of our top destinations in Spain to take a teenager, and it’s considered very safe. It has a laid-back Mediterranean vibe but also has some world-class attractions; both would appeal to our teenagers.

It boasts Europe’s largest aquarium, the leafy Turia Gardens, golden beaches, and an atmospheric Old Town with vibrant plazas and colorful street art.

Spain is also a politically stable country, and for decades, has had a well-developed tourism infrastructure, so it’s not only safe but easy to travel to and around. It’s also walkable, which makes it easy to explore as a family, and has a strong sense of community, which makes it feel safer.

Read more: Unmissable Things To Do In Valencia, Spain

What do these numbers mean?

In case you’re wondering what these numbers actually mean, here’s a quick overview.

The Global Peace Index is a snapshot of the state of peace in a place. The lower the number, the safer the destination. In 2026, Iceland ranks as the lowest on the state of peace scale, making it the safest place in the world. These scores are calculated by 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators, looking into things like ongoing conflict, societal safety and security, and militarisation. A country with a score of below 1.90 is considered a high risk of peace, 1.91 – 2.35 is considered a medium risk of peace, 2.36 – 2.8 is low risk of peace, and 2.9- 3.3 is considered a very low risk of peace. 

The Crime Rates and Safety Score in this article are based on the Numbeo Crime Stats, which compares information gathered by established scientific and governmental surveys. It looks at the general public’s perception of crime levels, and how people feel about safety during day and nighttime, their concerns about specific crimes (from street crime such as mugging, robbery, car theft), as well as violent crime such as homicides and physical attacks, and property crime. When calculating the safety index, the higher the score, the safer the city. A very unsafe city would score below 20; 20.01- 40 is considered high risk of crime, 40.01-60 is considered moderate risk of crime, 60.01-80 is considered low risk of crime, and anything above 80.01 is very low risk.

In terms of Political Stability, these results come from research by The Fragile States Index and look at the likelihood of conflict, such as a disorderly transfer of government power, armed conflict, and violent demonstrations/social unrest, as well as terrorism and/or regional conflicts. The higher the score, the higher the political instability. The most recent research, conducted in 2024, found the highest score was 111.3 for Somalia, which had the highest risk of political instability, and the lowest was 12.7 for Norway, which had the lowest rate of political instability. 

The quality of healthcare has been assessed by the World Population Review, which used the 2020 Euro Health Consumer Index to rank countries’ healthcare by consumer friendliness. It measured waiting times, results, and generosity. The higher the score, the more accessible the healthcare. Scoring above 750 is considered a high-performing healthcare system, and below 650 is considered lower-performing healthcare. The highest score possible is 1,000, while the minimum possible score is 333.

Do you have any safe destinations in Europe for teens that you love?

I jumped. I came up gasping (the water was freezing, wetsuit or not) and swam to the side grinning like an idiot. Then I turned around and watched the next woman do the same thing, and the next, and the whole canyon filled up with the sound of women cheering each other off a cliff. All of us heroines in the story while also supporting the heroines in their story.

That’s the moment I keep coming back to from Slovenia. Eight days earlier I hadn’t met all but two of those women.

Why I was there in the first place

If you’re on my newsletter list, you already know this part. I’m going to be leading women’s group trips with my friend Christina McEvoy through her company, Your Limitless Adventures.

Christina’s been running these since 2022. Mostly women’s trips, with a couples trip once or twice a year. They sell out fast, she’s expanding, and she asked me to come on as a trip leader.

I said yes for a reason that has nothing to do with travel… well maybe a little bit. I believe in doing the thing that stretches you a little. Our girls are teenagers now, one of them in college, and there’s more room in my life than there was 5 years ago. When something new gets handed to you at exactly the moment you have capacity for it, you take it. My soul is ready for something new, a new adventure to embrace as an almost-empty-nester woman with other like-minded women.

Back in May, Christina gathered her trip leaders at a cabin in the mountains outside Salt Lake City for 3 days of leadership training for her women’s adventure travel company. It was useful and inspiring, but nothing replaces being on an actual trip and learning leadership skills that way.

So, when she had a last-minute cancellation on the Slovenia trip in July, I took the spot. July is our quietest month with Y Travel and This Is Raleigh, and we had enough airline points banked to cover a free flight. Everything lined up.

I went to see Slovenia; a country I knew almost nothing about and am now a little bit in love with. But I mostly went to watch. How Christina runs a women’s small group trip. How 15 strangers become a group. What actually makes these work. How I could show up as the best possible trip leader. I learned a lot and am even more excited about this new chapter of my life. 

Here’s my Your Llimitless Adventures review, and what I’d want to know if I were the one thinking about booking.

The trips I’m leading

Quick housekeeping before we get into it, because a few of you will want to skip straight here.

Morocco, October 18 to 28, 2026. Women’s group trip to Morocco. Marrakech, the Dades Valley, the Sahara, Fes. Hot air balloon at sunrise, camels into the dunes, a night in a luxury desert camp, cooking class and ceramics in Fes. From $3,200 USD. Registration closes August 15. Still a few spots available. I’ve been to Morocco for a day before (long story but it was fun). I cannot wait to dive deeper into Morocco! 

Thailand, February 18 to 28, 2027. Women’s group trip to Thailand. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Yao Noi. Elephant sanctuary (the legit one), the Monk’s Trail, kayaking the mangroves at Ao Thalane. From $3,400 USD. I lived in Thailand. This one is personal. It’s been way too long.

Vietnam, March 3 to 11, 2027. Women’s group trip to Vietnam, with an optional 3-day Hoi An add-on. Hanoi, a luxury cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, trekking and bamboo rafting in Pu Luong. From $2,900 USD. I’ve also traveled extensively through Vietnam; it’s one of my favorite countries for a reason. I cannot wait to return. 

Thailand and Vietnam run back-to-back. Two separate trips, but I’m doing them one after the other, so you could theoretically do both. Every trip caps at 14 women. Deposit is $500 and fully refundable for the first 30 days. Payment plans available.

What these trips actually are

Seven to ten days or so. Fourteen women max. A trip leader, a trip photographer, and in most destinations a local guide as well.

The days are built around being immersed in natural beauty and culture. Hiking, canyoning, kayaking, paddleboarding, e-biking, hot air ballooning, camel riding and more adventures ranging from Zen to heart beating. Then cultural activities like cooking classes, markets, elephant sanctuaries, tailors in Hoi An, ceramics in Fes, and more.

Woven through all of it are what Christina calls mindfulness moments. Meditations, journaling, and sharing circle where the group sits down and talks about what’s actually going on in their lives. All of it optional.

Christina picks countries where you spend your days outdoors. Slovenia, Morocco, Vietnam, Peru, Patagonia, Norway, Guatemala, Costa Rica, South Africa, Turkey, French Polynesia. You won’t find a Paris-to-Rome coach tour on her list.

I’ve spent most of my life traveling independently. Seven years full-time on the road with the kids, plus 16 years running a travel blog, which means every trip I take is usually also a job. Group travel was never my thing. It is now (especially small group trips for women) and here’s why.

I made zero decisions for 10 days

I’m sure you’re like me and are overwhelmed and drained by all the planning, managing and decision making you have to do. Not on these trips. You get to just show up and enjoy.

I packed a suitcase, checked it onto the plane, rolled it to a hotel in Ljubljana, and that was the last logistical thought I had for a week and a half. No restaurant research. No route planning. No figuring out where to park, what time the thing opens, whether we booked the right ticket (been there, done that)

I turned up at places without knowing the name of the restaurant we were walking into, and every single one was good.

If you’ve ever come home from a holiday you planned yourself and needed a holiday from the holiday, you’ll understand what I mean. My brain got a rest. That’s rare for me. (I also loved being around British English-speaking peeps in Europe who said holidays! That’s our term for vacation!)

There’s a professional photographer on every trip

I haven’t seen another group trip company do this, and it’s the thing I’d point to first if you’re comparing options.

On our trip, Andrea (Drea) was both trip photographer and second leader (also experienced traveler and guide). She took photos the whole 10 days. Portraits of each of us in the places worth being photographed in. Landscape shots with nobody in them. 5:30am sunrise photos so you don’t have to wake up And, the ones I love most, candids.

Imagine those photos capturing you mid-laugh with a woman you’d met 4 days earlier. Nobody said, “let’s get a picture.” You get the pure memory frozen in time. That’s why it’s good.

Think about what a photographer costs. A Flytographer session in one city for an hour runs a few hundred dollars. This is a professional shooting you for 10 days across an entire country, and the gallery is included in your trip fee.

All 15 of us also dumped our own photos and videos into a shared album. I came home with scores of images of myself and the other women I didn’t have to take. For me that matters professionally but forget the work angle for a second. I have footage of moments I was all the way inside of at the time, instead of hovering at the edge of them holding up a phone. That’s the actual gift. You get to be in your trip and still have it documented.

Adaptability & Flexibility is Key

Every trip breaks somewhere. Mine always have. Travel without flexibility and adaptability and you will break. I broke so many times as a new traveler in my early twenties that now I’m bendier than a palm tree in a hurricane. Things will work out. Lessons always lie in the middle of the challenges. 

Our trip broke on Mount Triglav. The guides changed the route at the last minute, so Christina didn’t have accurate information about the terrain to pass on to us beforehand. It turned out to be harder than a few people had signed up for.

What happened next is the benefit of having group leaders and guides. On this hike, Christina had hired local guides to lead us up the mountain.

Christina talked to the guides and reassessed on the spot. A few women turned back with a guide and spent a very pleasant afternoon in the hotel pool. One woman got sick partway up, and the group closed around her and got her to the top and on to the sleeping hut. I stayed with that group and helped lead it while Christina and Drea took the others to the summit.

The same woman fell and cut her arm. It was minor but the guide called a helicopter to take her to the hospital as a precaution against infection. The women back at the hotel met her at the hospital so she would not be alone. And one of our kind mountain guides picked them up and took them back to the hotel.

Side note: mountain rescue helicopters in Slovenia are free! In plenty of other countries that flight would have cost thousands.

Which brings me to the thing I’ll repeat until you’re sick of it. Get travel insurance. Medical cover is mandatory on Christina’s trips, and it should be mandatory on your own. My flights to Slovenia were delayed and cancelled, I lost a full day and had to overnight in London, and my insurance covered the cost.

Something will go sideways on your trip. What you’re paying for is 14 other women and 2 leaders who sort it out with you. It’s comforting to know you don’t have to do it alone. 

The value of multiple leaders

On another day, the itinerary had us doing two hikes in one day. Christina and Drea read the room, saw everyone was tired, and split the day in two. One group did the mountain hike with Christina. The other did a waterfall hike along the river in the valley with Drea. I did the later as I could not pull away from that stunning Soca River.

Having two leaders is what makes that possible. Two people who can pull off to the side, look at the group as it actually is that day, and rebuild the afternoon. The rest of us continued eating, laughing and chatting over dinner, oblivious to the research they were doing to craft a different day. I loved watching it, and I’ve filed it away for my own trips.

It’s also an asset for Christina, so she has someone to bounce ideas off, to receive feedback from, and lean on to for support as carrying that load on your own is tough. Christina wants these to be the best trips possible so she’s always open to feedback and growth! She’s already decided to change the Mount Triglav hike for future Slovenia trips as it was more than just a moderate hike. Slovenians are built differently!

Edging out your comfort zone

These trips push you. That’s the design. The focus is on women’s adventure travel – it’s good for body, mind, and soul evolution.

I want to be careful here, because “push yourself” gets said cheaply. Here’s how it actually played out for me, twice, in opposite directions.

On Triglav, the final stretch to the summit is a via ferrata. Steep, cabled, exposed. I could have done it physically. But I was at the edge of what I had that day, and the mental piece of a climb like that matters more than the legs. If I’d gone up, I’d have been slow, spent, and holding people back, and the whole thing would have cost me my peace. So, I didn’t go. I’m not sorry.

Another woman felt her fear of heights would be too much. She was not sorry she said no. We ended up with an unplanned adventure anyway getting to the sleeping hut, which created a deep bond with the other ladies and has given us stories and laughter to express for years to come. 

In the canyon, three days later, I jumped off that 6-meter ledge. Same nervous system, completely different read. I knew I could do it; I trusted the guide; the women were behind me. I came out of that canyon having found an activity I’d happily do again anywhere.

The line between those two decisions is the whole skill. Fear that opens you up is worth walking into. Fear that’s going to take your joy and hand you nothing back isn’t, and you’re allowed to say no to it out loud, in front of everybody, on a mountain. And the women on these tours are special; they are supporting and celebrating the decisions you make, not judging or criticizing you. 

Then there was Syna. She learned to ride a bike recently. Recently as in a few months, not years ago. And she got on an e-bike with us for a tour through the hills of Slovenia’s wine country (reminded me of Tuscany ). I was nervous for her. I don’t think she’d argue with that.

She pedaled beside the fear, the whole way, up, down, and smiling. She learned something about her own relationship with fear that afternoon that no one could have told her. Watching that was better than doing it myself. That’s the thing, you can be inspired by the other women on this trip breaking through barriers as well. 

On YLA trips, you can always opt out of the activities. Christina and YLA trip leaders will work with you to find alternative activities! And it’s not all adventure, there’s a balance of calmer activities, with attractions woven in.

Immersion into culture and nature

I thought about this a lot as we kayaked and rafted the rapids of the Soča River.

There’s standing on the wooden swinging bridge, taking the hero shot of clear water snaking through the valley with the mountains stacked up behind it. And then there’s paddling that same water. Swimming in it. Jumping off rocks into it, icy and shocking and worth it.

Both are lovely. Only one of them is still in my body.

That’s what YLA trips are built for. They get you into the land and the culture. You come home having been in the place, with the bruises and the cold-water gasp and the memory of whoever was in the raft next to you. It’s inspired me to weave more adventures like this into my own travels.

We’ve always been good at it, but over the years, as our girls have gotten older, they’ve resisted the nature adventures, and sought out more city experiences. Confession: I followed them into that comfort zone without complaints. (Except last month when Savannah’s dreams had us hiking up mountains on our Majestic Mountain Road trip in California!)

Fifteen women who didn’t know each other

Getting 15 strangers through 10 days of physically demanding travel without any friction is not normal. It happened anyway. Most of us arrived solo. A couple came with a friend. By day three it felt like traveling with women I’d known for years.

A lot of them were in a similar life stage to me. Kids grown or nearly grown, empty nest arriving or already arrived, a few younger women without kids, which made the mix better. Everyone understood roughly where everyone else was and what they wanted from the next chapter.

I learned from, was inspired by, and in awe of each woman for different reasons. I felt like I belonged, which is not an easy feeling to have, especially amongst strangers. I feel safe in saying the other women would have felt the same. 

That’s who these trips attract. Christina’s values sit right on the surface of how she markets them, which quietly filters the room before anyone books. Women arrive already pointed in the same direction.

The mindfulness moments

This is the part I care about most, and the reason Christina asked me to lead.

Meditation and breathwork have been the spine of my life for over 15 years. So, watching someone thread that into a travel itinerary, well, I was paying close attention. As Christina and I are good friends, chatting and masterminding often, I’ve watched how she’s taken this from an idea to a calling in her business. It comes from an authentic desire to elevate and connect women. It’s a no brainer for me to align with that.

The mindfulness moments range. Guided meditation. Journaling prompts. Thought provoking questions. And the circles, where the group sits down and shares what they’re hoping for, what’s frightening them, what’s been hard. That’s where the trip changed gear. Fifteen women realizing how alike they were underneath the surface details. Seeing how so many of the experiences empowered them. It was a safe space to be vulnerable and feel safe and seen.

I got to practice and lead a short I AM meditation while we were floating on paddleboards on Lake Bohinj. Still water, mountains all the way around. I’m fairly sure a few of the ladies fell asleep. Good. That’s the body taking what it needs.

All of it is optional. Every session. If you want to lie there and nap through it, nobody minds. If you want to skip it entirely and go get a coffee, that’s fine too.

The food, the budget, and the gelato run into Italy

You can’t talk about travel without talking about food. I want to experience local culture through their food, and I was worried the adventures would overshadow this. But not so.

Christina books local restaurants, focusing on family owned and farmed to table. And what I loved… you get a menu and you pick. I’ve been on group trips where dinner is a buffet or a set plate with two options, and it flattens the whole experience. This was the opposite of that.

I’m gluten free. Slovenia turned out to be excellent for it, which is out of Christina’s hands but worth knowing. There was a vegetarian in our group, and one allergic to tomatoes and rice, and they ate well too. She and I both ate a lot of salad. There are worse fates. Less guilt about the gelato. We tried many local dishes like local trout, Bled cake, and, all the other ladies said, some of the best pizzas they’ve ever had. (They returned for lunch after Mt Triglav) And I made new coffee friends – Slovenia does a good flat white!

There’s a daily meal budget, different for lunch and dinner. I like that it exists. It’s the only way the trip math works for Christina, and practically speaking it gave me a frame for ordering each day instead of dithering over the menu. You can go over it. If you want the appetizer and the dessert, order them. You track it on the honor system and settle up with her at the end, typically via Venmo. 

Breakfast was included at most of our hotels. Coffee and gelato and anything else you grab during the day is your own money.

Speaking of gelato. Slovenia borders Italy, and we made this our personality for about four days. One night, after a farm-to-table dinner overlooking the vineyards in wine country, Christina and Drea clocked that the entire group wanted gelato and drove us 15 minutes across the border into Italy to get some. (They joy of traveling in Europe)

Nobody planned that. It was a favorite memory of the trip for many.

Total extra spend for me across 10 days: about $250 USD, and some of that was a sauna and hot tub, an elevated meal like lamp chops, (ok a few desserts) and wine in wine country. Next time I’ll skip the Strawberry Soup and ignore the waiter when he says it’s his personal favorite. Should have went the creme brulee! 

Where you sleep, and yes, you’re sharing a room

Accommodation varies a lot by trip, and Christina puts thought into it. Again, on other group trips I’ve taken they’re typically just standard hotel rooms. I want a little more that speak to the character of the local culture.

In Slovenia we had a good hotel in Ljubljana with a serious breakfast buffet, an old parish house on Lake Bled, cabins in the Soča Valley with a sauna, hot tub, and pool (my favorite part of the country), and a family-owned farm stay in wine country for the last couple of nights. Every one of them added something to the trip.

On the trips I’m leading, Vietnam includes 3 nights on a boat in Bai Tu Long Bay. Morocco has the luxury desert camp in the Sahara. Thailand ends on Koh Yao Noi.

Now, the room sharing. Rooms are shared occupancy, you get your own bed wherever the layout allows, and Christina pairs you up before the trip based on what she knows about you. Traveling with a friend means you’re with your friend. Private rooms are sometimes available for an extra fee if you ask early.

I was dreading this. I’m an introvert underneath the extrovert, I need quiet, and after almost 3 years of family life in a tiny travel trailer, when I travel alone, I want my own room.

I was wrong. My roommate was Ali, and I got to know her at a depth that 10 days of polite dinner conversation would never have reached. Ali and I were good at helping each other wake up early, sit on our bags to close them (well that was really my bag) and laugh at so many things – and still are over Facebook and Instagram.

She’s going to be my trip photographer in Thailand, which tells you how well that went. In the Soča Valley cabins we had six of us together and it was the same story. The room sharing is doing more forming friendships work than you think it is.

To Wrap Up (before logistics)

Our motto across three decades of travel, and for this blog, has always been to make your life a story to tell. A story gets built out of moments. You can’t build one out of stuff. Most of which lives in a storage container somewhere.

The stories I tell most often from my own travels are the challenges, the mishaps, the lessons, and the people. People who shaped who I am in big ways and small ones, mostly without ever knowing they did it.

Every reason I travel is sitting inside a YLA trip. I came home from Slovenia with more stories than fit in one post, and with a group of women who nudged the next version of me into place. It was an honor to travel with them, and to learn from them what kind of trip leader I want to be.

I’m more excited about this chapter than anything I’ve started in years. And I’m grateful to the women on this trip who encouraged me with this new leadership role, and to Christina for believing I could do it. That matters more than they’ll ever know.

Getting around

Not your problem. Just jump on in. Rotate your seating when you can to talk to different people. In Slovenia, Christina and Drea drove hired vans and handled all of the driving logistics.

In Morocco, Thailand and Vietnam there’s a local guide and driver with us the whole way. That’s a third leader in the mix, someone who knows the country, the language, the history, and where to eat. When plans need to change, a local is going to solve it faster than any of us.

What it costs and what’s included

Using my 3 trips as the reference:

• Morocco: from $3,200 USD (regular $3,700)
• Thailand: from $3,400 USD (regular $3,900)
• Vietnam: from $2,900 USD (regular $3,400)

Included: all accommodation, all ground transport, domestic flights where the itinerary needs them, local guides and drivers, all excursions and entrance fees, meals (to the daily budget), the mindfulness sessions, and your professional photo gallery.

Not included: international flights, alcohol, tips for guides, personal incidentals, travel insurance, and a small number of specific meals or optional add-ons listed on each trip page.

Required: travel medical insurance. Usually under $100. Get the trip cancellation cover too. Compare rates here.

What I’d tell you to do before you book

• Read the itinerary properly. Day by day. Look at the hikes, the distances, the activity level. Morocco, Thailand and Vietnam don’t have anything like the Triglav ascent, and that’s deliberate. I mean they don’t have alps. Alpine mountaineering isn’t my strength, and I wouldn’t lead a trip built around it. Slovenia and Norway are Christina and Drea’s territories. (Drea departed straight to Norway to lead her first YLA trip!)  Match the trip to your body and interests, not the version of you that you’re planning to become by trip start – life could get in the way of that.
• Email Christina if the page doesn’t answer your questions or concerns about the trip. She replies. Every trip page has her address at the top of the FAQ.
• Train for it. If there’s hiking, go hiking. I could have done more than I did. Work got in the way, though a week in Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia with my daughter carried more of the load than it had any right to.
• Read the pre-trip packet. Christina sends a destination-specific one with weather, tipping, and a packing list. Mine flagged a few items, like a sleeping bag liner that I didn’t own. 
• Arrive a day or two early. This is my strongest recommendation. Jet lag followed by a mountain hike is brutal. Half our group had flight delays and cancellations getting there, me included. I landed a full day later than planned after an unplanned night in London and one extra flight. My buffer day evaporated.
• Then think about adding time on the back end too. A few women tacked Croatia onto their Slovenia trip, before or after. I love cities and our time in Ljubljana was short, so I stayed an extra day at the end and did a bike tour of the city. If you’re flying that far, use the flight. In hindsight I wish I went to Croatia. 
• Budget for extras. I spent around $250. Wine, gelato, coffee, souvenirs, massages. Yours will look different.
• Plan your free time. Christina flags free windows in the itinerary before you leave. We used ours to swim in the Soča River. Others got massages at the cabins. Have a rough idea, and hold it loosely, because delays earlier in the day can eat it.

Is this trip right for you?

Worth being straight about.

These suit you if: you want to be outdoors most days, you’re comfortable being active for a few hours at a stretch, you’re fine sharing a room, you like the idea of arriving without knowing anyone, and the personal growth side of it appeals rather than makes you cringe.

You might struggle if: you need your own room and total control over your schedule, you want a beach and a book, you’d rather not be photographed (you can say no), or 14 women and a lot of conversation sounds like your idea of hard work.

Both answers are fine. Book the trip that fits the person you are.

Frequently asked questions

Come travel with me

I came home from Slovenia with sore legs, a gallery of photos I didn’t have to take, a group chat that hasn’t gone quiet, and a much clearer picture of the kind of trip leader I want to be.

Morocco is in October. Thailand and Vietnam are back-to-back (for me) next February and March, and I’ve lived in one of those countries and spent months in the other. I know what I’m walking you into. And I could not be more excited!! 

If you’re on the fence, or you can’t work out from the website which trip is the right shape for you, email Christina. She’ll tell you the truth about it, including if she thinks you should pick a different one.

Same same but different, every trip. And I’d love to be standing at the bottom of the cliff yelling your name.

I traveled to Slovenia as a participant and I’m a trip leader for Your Limitless Adventures, which means I have an interest in the trips I’m leading. Everything above is what I actually saw and experienced. I was under no obligation to write this; Christina doesn’t even know I am. I wrote it as I love what she is doing, am thrilled to be a part of it, had an epic Slovenia trip, and want amazing women to join me on the trips I’m leading! Because it’s so much fun!

Slovenia specific content coming soon! 

While Lake Como isn’t Italy’s largest lake (that honor belongs to Lake Garda), there’s no denying it is one of the most attractive and is packed with attractions and things to see. If you’re not sure what Lake Como attractions to add to your itinerary, then read on to see the best gems in the area!

1. Visit the lakeside Towns and Villages

From the regional capital, Como, with a population of 85,000, to tiny hamlets, Lake Como’s towns all hold their own charm. If you’re short on time, I suggest you include the following gems in your itinerary when you visit Lake Como.

A thriving city, Como is a shopper’s paradise with the full range of services you’d expect in a large centre. Famous for its silk production, Como is the place to buy silk products, including scarves and ties, at reasonable prices. The historic centre is dominated by the impressive Duomo, which dates back to the 15th century. The focal point of Piazza del Duomo, the cathedral is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The pedestrianized piazza is lined with cafes and restaurants and is as good a spot as any to grab a bite to eat and people-watch. Just a few minutes’ walk from the piazza, Como’s waterfront is lined with parks and is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot day whilst watching boats of all shapes and sizes bob up and down on the lake.

To see the lake from above, catch the funicular (cable car) up to the quiet village of Brunate. There are nice views, a faded pink church to visit, and lots of walking trails for the more energetic.

Bellagio

Perhaps the most well-known town on Lake Como, Bellagio is perfectly located at the point where both arms of the lake meet. The best way to arrive is by boat, as the view will take your breath away. Narrow cobbled streets, built on steep slopes, entice you along them. Lined with quaint buildings, shops, and eateries, it’s easy to spend hours wandering the alleys that snake up from the shore.

The busy lakeside promenade is a hive of activity during summer, with more cafes and restaurants, shops, both ferry terminals, and the public swimming pool located here. You can also board the tourist train here for a short trip around town. Bellagio is also home to two gardens that are open to the public, Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni.

Menaggio

Whilst it doesn’t have any significant attractions, the village of Menaggio has plenty of natural beauty. The lovely lakeside promenade is one of the prettiest on the lake and is busy with water sports in the warmer months. A large public swimming pool with a private beach, mini golf, and an 18-hole golf course are just a few of the ways you can keep yourself occupied in Menaggio.

Varenna

To my mind, Varenna Lake Como is the real jewel and one of the best Lake Como attractions. Gelato-coloured houses cluster around a small harbour just a few steps from one of the best-preserved medieval centres of the region. Whilst it is popular with tourists, Varenna doesn’t seem as overrun as Bellagio (it’s just a 15-minute ferry ride away), and I’ve chosen to stay here on both my visits.

Aside from the gorgeous lakeside setting, the main attraction here is Villa Monastero, once a Cistercian convent. Its extensive gardens are now open to the public and feature plant species from around the world. Above the village on a high cliff sits Castello di Vezio. The walled castle, built around a square tower, has restored battlements and a real drawbridge – and provides great views over the lake below. There are regular falconry displays most days, too!

Tremezzo

Home to the beautiful Villa Carlotta, visitors flock to The Riverira of Tremezzina to wander the gardens and enjoy the art exhibitions on display in this magnificent villa. Also worth a look is the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, on the waterfront and with unsurpassed views across the lake to Bellagio. Built over 100 years ago in the Art Nouveau style, this is an old-world luxury with a modern twist. As well as over 20,000 sq. m. of private grounds, the hotel boasts three swimming pools, including an infinity pool, and a floating pool that sits above the lake – you’ll see it as your ferry approaches the jetty.

You may not be able to afford to stay here and indulge in the facilities (rooms start from 729 Euro per night), but from one of the many restaurants lining the waterfront, you’ll be able to see how the other half live!

2. Visit a Villa on Lake Como

Lake Como must surely boast more luxury villas than anywhere else on earth. You’ll be hard-pressed to decide which ones to see, but three definitely worth visiting are:

Villa Melzi (Bellagio)

An easy stroll from the centre of Bellagio, the park-like gardens of Villa Melzi are a good example of a traditional English-style garden. The garden stretches along the lakefront and is home to a range of plantings, sculptures, a water lily pond, and an Orangery which houses a small museum. The villa is a private residence and is not open to the public, but the gardens can be visited daily from late March until October.

Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)

Prussian princess Carlotta received the villa as a wedding gift from her mother in 1847. Today the villa is open to mortal subjects who can wander amongst the botanic gardens and visit the princess’s former home. Most famous for the rhododendrons and azaleas that bloom in spring, Villa Carlotta’s gardens also include giant sequoia and Cyprus trees, a Japanese garden, tropical plants, and a beautifully tranquil fern valley.

The villa itself is furnished with period furniture and also serves as a gallery, hosting art exhibitions and musical events. Villa Carlotta is open every day from mid-March to late October. It is easily reached on foot from the ferry landing dock at Tremezzo.

Villa Balbianello (Lenno)

Sitting on its own small promontory jutting into the lake, Villa Balbianello was built as a place for quiet reflection back in 1787. Not much has changed today – except when Hollywood calls! Scenes for the 2006 version of Casino Royale and Star Wars Episode II were shot here, and for this reason, the villa attracts many visitors who also admire the well-tended manicured gardens.

Inside the villa, rooms are furnished with 18th-century English and French furniture as well as a collection of Chinese, African and pre-Columbian art. Entry to the villa is by a guided tour only. Open mid-March to mid-November, daily except Mondays and Wednesdays. There is limited access by foot from Lenno on Tuesdays and weekends, so the best option is to take a taxi-boat from Lenno.

3. Enjoy a Lake Cruise on Lake Como

Taking a cruise is one of the best things to do at Lake Como and a good way to see some of the houses of its famous residents, like Richard Branson. The views of the lakeside towns and villages are best seen from the lake, and whilst you can experience these from one of the regular ferry services, a lake cruise is highly recommended.

Cruises depart from many of the lakeside towns (Como, Bellagio, and Varenna to name a few), and a number of different vessels (including a lake steamer) offer various itineraries around the lake.

Another option is Taxiboat Varenna, who offer fantastic cruises on their Venetian-style water taxi. Captain Luca provides interesting and entertaining commentary as you cruise past some of the most spectacular scenery on Lake Como – sunset cruises are available, too. If you want to catch a glimpse of Richard Branson’s villa or George Clooney’s house, this is the way to do it.

4. Enjoy the Lake Como scenery

Be sure to take some time to enjoy what brought you to Lake Como in the first place – the scenery. Everywhere you look, you’ll be greeted with spectacular views, so find a quiet place to sit and appreciate the gorgeous scenery all around you.

5. Hike the Sentiero del Viandante

Looking for more adventurous things to do in Lake Como? How about a 68km hike? Okay, so most people don’t hike the entire Sentiero del Viandante from Abbadia Lariana to Morbegno, because this multi-day hike has been cut up into six sections.

We recommend doing the first section, which takes you from Varenna to the Orrido di Bellano Gorge. Here you have the thrill of hiking over suspended walkways and along rock faces, past the Pioverna River, and into dense forests.

As well as this, you also pass some sleepy villages before stopping off at Vezio Castle. This is the perfect way to experience the beautiful countryside landscape of Lake Como. Be sure to pack your trekking shoes, as this is a moderately-difficult hike!

6. Check Out Como Cathedral

The Como Cathedral, or Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta as it’s known in Italian, is a stunning cathedral in Como and is the official seat of the Bishop of Como. The church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and was built in 1770. It’s one of the most important and beautiful buildings in the Lake Como region.

7. Have a picnic in Villa Carlotta’s Botanical Gardens

Looking for a tranquil place to visit in Lake Como? Then you can’t go wrong with the Botanical Gardens of Villa Carlotta. In fact, it even has a ‘Romantic Garden’ which is full of English Roses and hydrangeas, which makes for the perfect setting for a picnic.

The botanical gardens sit on the grounds of Villa Carlotta, a museum that contains artworks by renowned Italian artists and sculptures, as well as the original furnishings of the original owners. The ‘Italian Garden’ was built around the same time as the Villa. It has all the characteristics of a traditional Italian garden with a clock painted on the roof of the building, trimmed hedges, water features, and Renaissance-inspired statues.

There is also a part of the gardens dedicated to agriculture and is where crops and food products for the villa were grown. The botanic gardens can only be visited by reservation, so be sure to book your entry ticket in advance.

8. Ride the Como-Brunate Funicular Railway

Take a day trip from the City of Como to the village of Brunate on this funicular railway service. The train has been running since 1894, and is the quickest and most scenic way to get to the village. The train runs on a single track up the mountain and takes just 7-minutes. It’s the most relaxing and idyllic 7 minutes you’ll find as you pass through the sweeping Lake Como countryside.

9. Check out The Remains of Porta Torre

Porta Torre is an ancient medieval town that was built in 1192. Not much is left of this town, except the town walls, which are located on the south side of the City of Como. The walls are around 40 meters high and made up of arches, which were used as gates for people coming from Milan.  The tower gate of Como is the most well-preserved part of the wall. It’s free to see the gate, which makes this one of the best free things to do in Lake Como.

10. Marvel at Basilica of Sant’Abbondio

Another stunning church on Lake Como worth visiting is the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio, which was built over a pre-existing 5th-century Palaeo-Christian church. It was rebuilt in 1050 and 1095 in a Romanesque style and was restored again in 1863. It’s located 1km outside the city and was supposed to house several relics that Amantius brought from Rome. It was the bishop’s seat until 1007, when the seat was moved inside the city walls. The church is known for its two bell towers and the stunning external decoration of the choir’s windows. Inside, the basilica is lined with mid-14th-century frescoes on the walls and ceiling as well as intricately designed reliefs.

11. Visit the Tempio Voltiano

Are you looking to learn more about the history and culture of the Lake Como area? Then check out the Tempio Voltiano, a museum in the city of Como. It is dedicated to the scientist and inventor of the electric battery, Alessandro Volta, who was born in Como in 1745.

The building was constructed in 1927 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death. Inside, you can find exhibits relating to scientific achievements, as well as the scientific instruments used by the scientist. You can also see his personal belongings and awards on the first floor.

Is Lake Como worth visiting?

It’s easy to see why celebrities like George Clooney and Richard Branson have purchased their own piece of paradise here and why many people take their holidays to Lake Como. The lake (known as Lago di Como in Italian) is shaped like an upside-down Y, and is lined with lush gardens, luxury villas, and quaint, pretty villages with traditional Roman-style architecture hugging the shore.

It was also the filming location for several Hollywood movies, including Casino Royale, the James Bond movie, and even Star Wars. Just like the Cinque Terre, it’s known for its breathtaking scenery, and it also has a relaxing atmosphere and romantic vibe. The stunning views alone are stunning, but the endless number of activities make it 100% worth visiting!

Getting to Lake Como

Situated in northern Italy and close to the Swiss border, Lake Como is just an hour from Milan, making it the perfect place to take a day trip from Milan. There’s a good road network servicing the towns and villages around Lake Como, but driving can be a bit ‘white-knuckled’, especially during the summer months when it seems that half of Milan flocks to the lake. Many of the roads are particularly narrow and winding, and with Italy’s wannabe F1 drivers sharing the ride with you, driving can be a bit nerve-wracking.

Parking is limited in most of the small villages, so my advice is to check ahead with your accommodation in Como to ensure you’ll have somewhere to park your rental car during your stay. If you don’t have a rental car, the best way to get to Lake Como is by train. We like to use Trainline or Omio to book train tickets in Europe.

The City of Como, at the base of the western arm, is the biggest town on the lake and has a major train station on the Milan to Switzerland line. On the eastern side of the lake, the Varenna-Esino station (Tirano-Lecco-Milan line) is a popular gateway for those staying in Varenna, Bellagio, or villages further north.

Getting around Lake Como

The best way to hop between towns is by the frequent ferry services that operate on Lake Como. Ferries ply both arms of the lake regularly and are a relaxing way to get about. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket offices at each ferry terminal, where you’ll also find the daily schedules displayed. Buses also connect the main towns of Como and Lecco with smaller lakeside towns as well as more remote villages in the surrounding mountains.

Where to eat at Lake Como

There’s no shortage of places to find Italian cuisine around the lake, and in the summertime, the lakeside promenades are busy with visitors dining al fresco, sampling the famous Italian pasta and pizza at the many cafes and restaurants. You’ll generally pay more for a meal with a view, so make sure you check out the dining options away from the waterfront, too. Piazza Cavour is also a popular area to find restaurants and bars serving delicious dishes. Fish is, naturally, a menu specialty.

Best time to visit Lake Como

The best time to visit Lake Como is from May to September, with the hottest months being July and August when average temperatures are around 22°C (72°F). Temperatures can reach as high as 35°C + (95°F +), so it may be wise to check if your Lake Como accommodation has air-conditioning if this is a concern.

If you don’t like crowds, avoid visiting from June until the end of August! By visiting just before and just after the peak months, you may experience cooler weather, but you’ll also have more chance of getting that prized waterfront table for dinner.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, those are the best things to do on Lake Como, and as you can see, there’s so much to see and explore. Whether you’re looking for a private boat tour of the lake or looking to taste the local cuisine, you will find there is so much to ignite your senses at Lake Como. We hope this guide helped you plan your trip and map out your itinerary.

More Italy Travel Tips

Are you planning to visit other parts of Italy? Then you may find these other resources useful…

• TUSCANY: Don’t miss these stunning places to visit in Tuscany and a guide to Chianti towns and how to spend a day in Siena.
• VENICE: Is it a trip to Italy without exploring these best things to do in Venice?
• FLORENCE: For one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, here are amazing things to do in Florence and enjoy this food and wine tour of Florence.
• CINQUE TERRE: Here’s our top things to do in Cinque Terre, including our favorite Cinque Terre boat tour, and here’s a little insight into the personalities of the Five Towns of Cinque Terre and how to spend one day in Cinque Terre.

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These two attractions go hand in hand, since they both offer a way to reach Kuranda Village in the Atherton Tablelands. We took the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway going up, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway down. This is usually the most common way to do it, but you can do it in any order you like. But what is the experience like? And how does it all work? In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting these two Cairns attractions.

A Brief History of the Kuranda Skyrail Cableway

The Kuranda Skyrail experience was opened in August 1995, and at the time was the longest gondola cableway in the world. There’s quite a story behind its construction. Due to it operating above a World Heritage-protected national park, there was no access to the forest by road to build the towers supporting the cableway.

Construction workers and engineers had to hike in and out each day wearing protective gear over their shoes so they did not damage such a divine environment. The material for the towers had to be dropped in pieces by helicopters! So you can rest assured that no part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest was hurt in the process.

Our Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Experience

The Skyrail Cableway is just a 15-minute drive outside of Cairns and departs from the Skyrail’s Smithfield Terminal. The experience begins with an open-air gondola, or canopy glider, which travels for 7.5 km, just metres above the top of the pristine rainforest for a deeper look at this fascinating part of the world.

Tropical North Queensland is one of my favorite regions of Australia. The views out to Cairns and the lush rainforest of the Tableland Valley were impressive. The Kuranda Skyrail cableway experience takes about 1.5 hours one way, which includes two stopovers along the way.

Is Diamond View on Skyrail worth it?

We were in the Diamond View Gondola (an extra fee), which gives you a glass-bottom floor. These carriages can carry a maximum of 5 passengers. If your nerves are up to it, it’s definitely worth paying the extra, as you have beautiful views down to the varying vibrant shades of green of the canopy in varying vibrant shades of green.

When a space in the thick foliage opened up, we could even peek way down the bottom layer of ferns scrambling for the sunlight on the forest floor. We, of course, had to do the obligatory foot shot on the glass floor.

Kuranda Skyrail Cableway Stations

The Skyrail Cableway is 7.5 km long, so of course it will need to stop in a few places for all visitors to stretch their legs. Here are some of the train stations it stops off at and what you can see.

Red Peak Station

At the first stop, the gondola descends into the rainforest canopy at Red Peak. Allow for about 20 minutes to explore this fascinating home of lush fern gardens, climbing palms, rare butterflies, birds and giant kauri trees. There is a Rainforest discovery zone, boardwalk loop and scenic lookout.

Check for times for free ranger-guided tours so you can learn a little more about the flora and fauna of the area.

Barron Falls Station

Coming into Barron Falls Station, you will get glimpses of Barron Falls Gorge. Hop off and spend time soaking up the views of Barron Falls, known as Din Din to the Djabuganydji people. Even though we visited at a time when the water level was not high, it was impressive to imagine what it must be like in full flow during the wet season, which is December to March. There’s a bit of history in the area left over from the hydroelectric days. Walk along the path to check out the old flying fox used to transport people and goods across the gorge during the construction of the power station.

There is a rainforest interpretation centre, which is good for the kids to learn a little more about why this is such a special and protected area. Be aware of any roaming cassowaries, which are frequently spotted in the area. The Edge Lookout is not to be missed. Allow for about 20 minutes at this Skyrail stop.

Kuranda Village

Kuranda is a quaint hinterland village, often referred to as the hippy village of the Atherton Tablelands. Although don’t be expecting the markets to be anything like Byron Bay or Bellingen. There’s not a lot to see and do, although plenty of the people in our community raved about the Kuranda Koala Gardens, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and Birdworld. At this stage, we were getting a little wildlife out and had seen plenty of butterflies already. So we passed.

There are a few market areas, and again, due to being kinda marketed out, we weren’t that overly enthusiastic about them. If you’re not marketed out and would like to do some shopping, the Kuranda Village Markets sell arts and crafts, local handicrafts, jewellery, clothes, and gifts. You can also find artwork by the Kuranda Arts Co-Operative, which is pieces by local artists. I did find (or it chose me) the most divine mookite crystal from Western Australia. How could you not be drawn to the patterns and colours in this rock?

It came right in the midst of my complete awe and fascination with the indigenous way of life and wisdom, so I just had to buy it. It’s a sacred rock that was used by the indigenous tribes in special ceremonies to connect with the Dreamtime and spirit world. I also read online that it helps reduce the signs of aging! Vanity comes racing in! It sits by my bed every evening to work its magic! The village also has many quirky cafes, minigolf, home-made ice cream stalls, and boat cruises along the Barron River or army duck tours (amphibious vehicle) through the Rainforestation Nature Park. Head over to The Edge Lookout for some incredible views across Barron Gorge National Park.

The Rainforest Walk

We decided to walk back to Kuranda Railway station for our return trip home via the 3 km rainforest walk. This was a beautiful boardwalk; my favourite part was the final stretch along the esplanade and river. There was the most divine afternoon light which was dappled amongst the melaleuca trees and along the river bank. We even saw a crocodile swimming by (a freshie!). It was so serene.

Except it wasn’t, as our timing was off, so we had to speed-walk along here to get to the train. I was most disappointed as I could have chilled there with that energy for some time. So, give yourself time to explore this walk.

Rainforestation

As mentioned above, the fantastic Djabugay Guided Rainforest Walk that we did is no longer available. However, near Kuranda Village is a wonderful Rainforest and Indigenous Australian experience called Rainforestation. One of the highlights of my time exploring Tropical North Queensland was learning more about the local indigenous life and culture. It includes six packages, but we highly recommend these three unique tours:

1. Army Duck Rainforest Tours: 45-minute rainforest tour on an amphibious World War II Army Duck to learn more about the fauna and flora of this World Heritage Listed area. Includes a visit to the Tropical Fruit Orchard, with over 40 species of exotic tropical fruit trees.
2. Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience: this one-hour experience with local Indigenous Pamagirri Guides will introduce you to the Dreamtime and the customs and ancient traditions of the original custodians of this rainforest land.
3. Koala & Wildlife Park: a self-guided tour in the Koala & Wildlife Park and see crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, snakes, dingoes, a cassowary, and the only Tasmanian Devils in North Queensland.

Our Kuranda Scenic Railway Experience

If you’re into train journeys, great engineering feats, and history, then you’ll love riding the Kuranda train as it winds down along the McDonald Ranges heading back into Cairns. I don’t know much about engineering – nor am I interested – but I was pretty impressed. The Kuranda Scenic Railway stands as a monument to the pioneers.

This famous railway winds its way on a journey of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes between Cairns and Kuranda Terminal. Commentary explaining the railway’s construction, the history of the railways, and the tropical rainforest is given throughout the ride.

It was a pretty journey through the rainforest over bridges and through tunnels hand-made by North Queensland’s pioneers over 100 years ago. We passed a couple of waterfalls tumbling into deep ravines, and stopped to see Barron Falls. I think the view from the Skyrail side was better.

Splurging for a gold-class seat on the train (an extra $48 per person) would be a great option if this was a high on your bucket list thing to do. It includes food and alcohol. Yep. Good train journeys go well with a glass of Shiraz.

Kuranda Scenic Railway Stops & Key Sights

The Kuranda Scenic Railway has only a few stops along the way, but it also passes by some key sights and landmarks, so be sure to have your cameras ready as you ride past. Here are the stops on the Scenic Railway going from Kuranda Village to Cairns.

Barron Falls

If you took the Skyrail Cableway up, you will have passed these falls on the way. However, the views from the Scenic Railway are quite different and worth getting off the train to take a photo of.

Robbs Monument

Robbs Monument is an impressive rock formation that was left behind after the construction of the railway. You do not stop at the monument, but you will see it appear on the left-hand side as you travel from Kuranda to Cairns. The monument was dedicated to John Robb, the man behind the creation of the track. It was said that he and his men braved the dense jungle with modern equipment and their bare hands to create the railway. When it was completed, he prepared a banquet for all of his workers.

Stoney Creek Falls

The Stoney Creek Falls is another stunning waterfall on the scenic railway line. It’s the bridge that passes the waterfall that’s the most impressive feature here though. The train does not stop here, but be sure to look back to marvel at the masterful engineering of the bridge.

Jungara

Another feature you will pass by on the Scenic Railway is Jungara, a scenic area featuring a 180-degree bend around the track.

Freshwater Railway Station

This is the first stop, or last, depending on the direction you take. It’s the stop right before Cairns when taking the railway from Karanda. Freshwater Station offers some incredible sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat in one of the antique railway carriages. The station itself is an attraction, with authentic antique memorabilia and objects throughout the station.

Opening Hours & Entrance Fees

If you choose to experience both the Skyrail and Scenic Railway in one day, you will need to get shuttle bus transfers at the end of it from Freshwater Station to return to your car. Unless you can arrange for someone else to pick you up, a taxi will be quite pricey. You can book your bus or coach transfer directly when booking online, or if you book a tour, it’s most likely included already. But do check this before you book your ticket. You can also book family tickets for the Kuranda Railway (not the Skyrail), which allow two adults and two children. The entrance fees are as follows:

Combined Scenic Railway and Skyrail pass is $120.00 adult, $70.50 child, and makes no difference if you self-drive or take a transfer bus, so you may as well book the bus! Pre-allocated tickets mean you can skip queues, so be sure to purchase your tickets now.

You can check the departure times for the Kuranda Scenic Railway here. Typically, the Kuranda Scenic Railway runs from 8.45am until 5.25pm, but these times are subject to change. The Kuranda Skyrail is open from 8:30am until 5:00pm daily (except Christmas Day).

Final thoughts

So there you have it, this is everything you need to know about the Kuranda Skyrail Cableway and Scenic Railway, and as you can see, it’s quite an adventure! Whether you’re interested in wildlife parks, diverse areas of natural beauty, or just looking for a way to spend some free time, there’s something for everyone on this trip. Before you go, be sure to pack plenty of water and charge your camera batteries. You’ll be spending a full day combining these two attractions, and believe me when I say, there’s a lot to see!

More Tropical North Queensland Tips

Are you thinking of visiting other parts of Tropical North Queensland? Then you might find these other guides helpful:

• Best Things to do in Port Douglas with Kids
• How to visit the Great Barrier Reef
• Spearfishing and hunting in the mangroves of Cooya Beach
• My favorite Queensland beaches you should set foot on.
• The LARC Tour of 1770 (an amphibious ride through a remote and spectacular region)

Nestled amongst the rocks, you’ll find mossy gardens and bright, emerald green plants and fauna. It’s simply a wonder to behold, and a stark contrast from other national parks in Queensland that offer a more tropical vibe. You might even say that Carnarvon Gorge is a tropical oasis. If you’re thinking of visiting but you’re not sure what things to do in Carnarvon Gorge National Park, then you’re in luck, as we’ve listed all the best attractions and landmarks to visit in this incredible National Park in Australia.

Things to do in Carnarvon Gorge National Park

We discovered over a day and a half hiking through the gorge; there was so much to see and do, and so much about its natural landscape to love. There was the lush green grass that reached your ankles, sometimes your knee. The hundreds of wild kangaroos and pretty-faced wallabies jumping around were just as enthusiastic about it.

I would put Carnarvon Gorge up there with one of the best places to see wild roos in Australia. There were THAT many of them and lots of joeys, which our kids loved! Here are some of the top things to do in Carnarvon National Park to make the most out of your visit.

1. Hike the Nature Trail to Carnarvon Creek

There were times walking along the nature trail to Carnarvon Creek when the palm trees, ferns, gum trees, and cycads told me we were back in Cape Tribulation or the Daintree in Tropical North Queensland. At other times, like when we were crossing the creeks on the stepping stones, I felt like I could be in Yosemite in California. Surrounding the trail is nothing but pine trees and steep white sandstone cliffs and jaw-dropping nature.

I felt like Carnarvon was created for me, combining my favourite colours, landscapes, and trees in one place. We didn’t do too many hikes or too strenuous ones since we were travelling with kids, but the Nature Trail was an easy 1.5km round trip. You can follow the Main Gorge walking track from this walk and continue for another 7-8 hours of hiking, if you enjoy the stunning scenery.

We did enjoy cooling off in the creek after our big hike to Moss Garden, however. It was shallow and perfect for the girls to swim and kick around on their boogie boards. We all had a joyful moment when the locals (more roos) came down to join us and drink from the water.

2. Cathedral Cave and Boowinda Gorge

If you fancy a long walk, then you might like to do the 18km hike to Cathedral Cave, just 100 meters away from Boowinda Gorge. This hike takes you to an overhang that sheltered the Aboriginal people for thousands of years. This is one of the best places to see Aboriginal rock art. Don’t skip seeing Boowinda Gorge after seeing the rock art. This narrow, boulder-lined gorge is an adventurer’s paradise.

3. Take the Warrambuh Gorge and Mickey’s Creek Gorge Walk

This was a fantastic walk we did the afternoon we arrived in Carnarvon. It’s on the main walking track to Mickey Creek Gorge, and you turn off to the right about 1km in. We were told Warrambuh was better than Mickey’s, but since it’s only a short 1.5 km return walk and can be done in around an hour, we decided to give it a go. Your kids will love this one as you walk in the steep narrow gorge and have the walls slowly close in on you.

And of course, all kids love stepping stones. It’s a bit of a hop and scramble hike, but it certainly adds to the adventure. Be careful if you’re visiting the park after it rains.

3. Walk the Moss Garden Walk

The Moss Garden walk gives you a great perspective of the gorge and surrounding landscapes. It’s a fairly flat and easy walk along the main Carnarvon Gorge trail, and the views are spectacular. The 7km trail crosses the boulder-strewn creek several times and leads to different walking trails. The girls again loved all the stepping stones, and it was the only time Savannah eagerly agreed to walk.

Moss Garden is the perfect place to sit after your hike. Pull out your snack and cool off in the shade by the small watering hole surrounded by towering dripping sandstone cliffs and a lush covering of ferns, liverworts, and mosses. A small waterfall tumbles over the rocky ledge. Ahh, how’s the serenity?

4. The Rock Pool Hike

The Rock Pool hike is a short 600-metre return hike from the Rock Pool car park, so there is no excuse to miss it. You can rest in the shade of fig and casuarina trees and look out for platypus and turtles. And it’s the only place in the park designated for swimming, so bring your swimsuit.

5. Boolimba Bluff Walk

Get up early to start this 6.4km return hike through some steep sections of the park. The hike is moderately challenging, but the effort will be rewarded when you reach the top of the cliff for views out to the distant ranges at Boolimba Bluff, which towers 200m above Carnarvon Creek.

6. The Art Gallery

The Art Gallery is one of the highlights of the park and contains what is said to be one of the best examples of Aboriginal stencil art in Australia. Over two thousand engravings, ochre stencils, and freehand paintings adorn the 62m-long sandstone walls of this significant Aboriginal site. It’s a 10.8km return hike, so make sure you put on your best hiking shoes and get up early for this one.

7. Galaxy Observatory and Astronomy Talk

Even though we’d only been staring at the stars in Charleville a few nights before our arrival in Carnarvon Gorge, we were so excited to experience it again with the evening stargazing talks at Takkarakka. Actually, we all kind of skipped down the dark dirt road, with the light of our flashlight guiding us to the observatory.

“Let’s go look at the moon again, girls!”

“Yeah, I hope we see Jupiter.”

We learned even more about stars and galaxies and the enormity of our Universe. We even got to look at a star they say is in the process of supernova-ring. Because it is so many light years away, the star is actually already dead! We’re still looking at it from the past. So super cool. And some of those stars up in our sky looking back at us are seeing the Earth during the dinosaur era. So freakin cool!

We got to see the moon again and our talisman, Jupiter, looking as fine as ever with his four visible moons guarding him. Nighttime is also a great time to spot some wildlife, such as possums and yellow-bellied gliders, who prefer to come out at night.

8. Amphitheatre Walk

One of the best places to see the amazing rock formations of Carnarvon Gorge National Park is on the Amphitheatre walk. This 8.6km walk from the visitor centre (or just a 1.2km from the Main Gorge track) takes you to this immense open-top cavern. The cavern was created more than 10,000 years ago by running water. It’s really a marvel to witness.

9. Ward’s Canyon Walk

There are many canyons in Carnarvon Gorge, but none are as impressive as Ward’s Canyon. It’s located just a 540-metre detour from the Main Gorge track, up a steep incline past the Lower Aijon Falls. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted by the world’s largest ferns, King ferns, and other lush vegetation. The rock here is a vivid orange colour, which is caused by the algae that cover it. It’s a stunning, naturally air-conditioned spot that reveals some of the best of nature.

How many days to spend in Carnarvon Gorge NP?

It’s a special place, and certainly worthy of more than the two nights we stayed here. One of the top things to do in Carnarvon Gorge National Park is to go hiking, and there are so many trails and rugged walks you can take. In fact, the Carnarvon Great Walk is a whipping 87km long, and takes around 6–7 days to finish. If you don’t plan on doing the full walk, you should allow at least 3 full days to explore some of the most famous walks and see the highlights of the park.

Is Carnarvon Gorge National Park worth visiting?

We arrived at Carnarvon Gorge National Park after a month of 40+ degree temperatures in Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Outback Queensland. When we started driving into Tropical North Queensland, the dry heat and arid landscapes soon turned into a lush, green, moist oasis. The palm trees and cooler temperatures at Carnarvon were a breath of fresh air (quite literally), and the rocky landscape combined with lush green moss made us feel like we had stepped into the Garden of Eden.

Immediately we felt as though we could collapse into a hammock with a cocktail after a long year of work. Not only was it cooler, but it was now humid heat. I’m one of those weirdos who loves humidity. It bathes me in sweat and makes me feel sticky, but it does not drain me and wipe me out like dry heat does. That stuff just saps out all my moisture and spirit. So before even doing much, we loved Carnarvon Gorge simply for the environment. If that doesn’t say that Carnarvon is worth visiting, then I don’t know what is.

Best time to visit Carnarvon Gorge

The best time to visit the national park is during the dry season, which runs from April until September. During the wet season, the trails can be slippery and muddy, which is not much fun.

Another thing to consider is that camping is only available around the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Area during the Easter holidays in April, June-July, September, and October.

Basically, all the school holidays.

However, camping near Big Bend is open all year, as is the Big4 Breeze Holiday Park.

How to get to Carnarvon Gorge

To get to Carnarvon Gorge, you’re going to need a car, since it’s quite a trek and remote. If you’re travelling from Brisbane, head 720km northwest via the Warrego Highway/A2 and Carnarvon Highway. The drive takes around 8 hours.

From Rockhampton, it’s 400km southwest via Capricorn Highway/A4 and Fitzroy Developmental Road/State Route 7, which takes about 4.5 hours. We recommend you fill up your gas tank in Rolleston as there’s no petrol station in the park, and this is the nearest town.

Carnarvon Gorge Camping

There are around 35 campsites in the park, some open all year round. But most of them are suitable for tents, and only a few have facilities for a caravan or camper trailer. You do need a camping permit to camp in the park, which can be obtained here. If you prefer a little more luxury, The BIG4 Carnarvon Gorge Holiday Park campground (formerly known as Takarakka Bush Resort) is in such a beautiful setting just minutes away from the National Park.

Surrounded by green jungle and Carnarvon Creek, we lapped it up after weeks and months in the dry, barren Outback and Top End of Australia. It comes with all the facilities you need, such as a hot shower, picnic area with picnic tables, and clean toilets.

There’s plenty of space and shade and beautiful, clean amenities. There’s a small store for supplies and free wi-fi (slow) near the store. Otherwise, you’re unplugged. Which causes anxiety for us, but for you, it’s perfect! If we didn’t have our online business, we’d be lapping up that natural unplugged serenity. Truth is we still did!

It was so great to return to sit outside the camper with our dinner, with a little rufous bettong, or rat-kangaroo, jumping around. The size of a rabbit, the bettong is the smallest of the kangaroo species in Australia. It’s not the only shy, elusive Australian wildlife you have a very good chance of seeing here. It’s highly likely you’ll see a platypus as well. They hang out in the creek just behind the campsite. (Visit Eungella National Park to see wild platypuses)

They’re pretty easy to find if you are quiet and still. We didn’t and are still yet to see them in the wild. The campground also has many other fun activities and programs during the season, like Sunday roast dinners, guided tours, and helicopter flights. The helicopter takes you over Carnarvon and Moolayember Gorge, which cannot be accessed by land.

The nearby Bandana Station has sunset tours. Reflect upon the timelessness of the ranges whilst splashes of colour illuminate 30km of the escarpment. Enjoy it with instrumental music, a glass of wine, a cheese platter, and a billy tea and damper to wrap up the evening. No one does billy tea and damper like the Queenslanders!

Final thoughts

So there you have it, those are the top things to do at Carnarvon Gorge National Park. As you can see, there’s a lot of great walks to do and some refreshing places to swim. The park is all about disconnecting from the stresses of daily life and reconnecting with nature. We hope this guide helped you plan your visit and gave you some ideas for what to do.

Queensland Travel Tips

Are you planning on visiting other parts of Queensland? Then you may find these resources helpful…

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When you’re used to constantly moving and filling every second you have with action, it’s extremely difficult to just stop and relax. But Maggie forces you to, and that’s why after a couple of days she really grew on me. And to my surprise, in amongst all this relaxation, there were actually quite a lot of things to do on Magnetic Island. After a while, it was time to pull myself out of the hammock and start exploring. Here are some of the top attractions on Magnetic Island I discovered…

Things to do on Magnetic Island

Walks through the bush, stunning sunsets, wild animals, water splashing on your feet, dives off the roofs of boats, shell collecting, and drives up and down the one road in a bright orange mini – there are plenty of great things to do on Magnetic Island. Let’s look at some of the cool Magnetic Island attractions.

1. Zip around Magnetic Island in a Barbie Car / Mini Moke

This was fun – like young backpackers zipping around a Greek Island fun. There aren’t many places you can drive on Maggie, and the bus can easily get you around the island. But there is just something about driving around in a bright orange mini convertible from Isle Hire Car Rental. It’s the definition of cool, and the girls thought we were just IT! It’s also known as a Barbie car, and we can definitely see that – it does look like a life-size doll’s car.

They loved driving up and down the island with their hair whipping back and forth. Each time we’d come to the end of the road, Craig and I would look at each other and say, “Let’s do it again!” It’s especially worth it if there are a few of you to share the costs.

2. Take The Forts Walk and look out for koalas

This fantastic 4km return walking trail takes you to the historic WWII fortifications and infrastructure, as well as passing Arthur Bay Lookout, which offers stellar 360-degree views of the Palm Island Group in the north and Bowling Green Bay National Park in the south. This is the one place on the island you can pretty much be sure you’ll see wild koalas. Magnetic Island has the highest number of koalas in the wild in Australia. We saw one chillin’ up in the tree by the side of the path.

Look out for the mobile juice lady when you get to the bus stop at the end of the walk. A refreshing, healthy, freshly squeezed juice was just what I needed after it.

3. Walk from Horseshoe Bay to Radical Bay

It’s an easy 30-minute walk up and over a hill to Radical Bay from Horseshoe Bay. You can stop at Balding Bay along the way too, which is even more secluded and is a favourite amongst the nudies, which is why we decided to skip it with the girls – we wouldn’t have looked anyway! You can also hike into Radical Bay from the Forts, which is a much longer way to go. You can drive it if you have a 4WD – do not attempt it otherwise you will trash your car. Radical Bay is one of our top beaches in Queensland, so don’t miss this off of your things to do on Magnetic Island list!

4. Take a circumnavigation boat trip around Magnetic Island

One of the best ways to experience Magnetic Island is from the outside looking in at the boulder-strewn headlands, hoop pines, sandy beaches, and fringing coral reefs. We had a great day out, and the girls loved it – well, actually Savannah slept most of the time, which made it a lot more enjoyable for all of us as we could relax a little. We stopped at Florence Bay for snorkelling with the batfish and many other big fish. We were impressed with how warm the water was! The only other way to get to this snorkelling beach is to walk in or by 4WD.

We cruised around to Radical Bay where we anchored for morning tea. We then stopped for a bit of fishing, except there were no fish biting. So we moved to Huntingfield Beach for a BBQ lunch and a play. It’s one of the five beaches on the north side of Magnetic Island only accessible by boat.

Kalyra and I swam to shore for a bit of shell collecting, and after lunch, all the adults had a go at jumping off the roof into the water. Kalrya was our biggest cheerleader, and we became just that little bit cooler as parents in her eyes!

We then cruised back home via the western part of the island, which is vastly different from the other rocky side. This one is more mangrove and sharky! We trawled the whole way home, but the fisherman didn’t pull anything in. It was a really fun day out. Our guide was great – full of interesting stories and grew up on Maggie so had lots of local knowledge to share.

5. Feed the rock wallabies

You can walk around to the rocks at Geoffrey Bay during dusk to feed the many rock wallabies that come bounding down for a nibble on carrots and sweet potato. You can buy a bag of feed from the newsagents next to Arcadia Pub.

6. Walk from Picnic Bay to Hawkings Point’s Lookout

Another great walk is the easy 1.2 km walk from the end of Picnic Bay up to the top of some large granite boulders which are known as the Hawking’s Point Lookout. The lookout rewards you with views over the island to Nelly and Geoffrey bays, and back towards Townsville. Be sure to take a walk along the jetty in Picnic Bay to see some great views of the island behind you.

7. Walk from Nelly Bay to Arcadia

One of the only times we ventured out of the Peppers Resort was to walk along the cliff boardwalk from Nelly Bay to Arcadia (5km one way). It’s an easy walk with lovely views. A great idea would be to walk there for the rock wallaby feeding and then have dinner at Arcadia Pub. Try to time it for Wednesday night when the toad racing is on.

8. Sunset at Horseshoe Bay

If you don’t have a 4WD to get to West Point for the sunset, then Horseshoe Bay is the next prettiest spot. Grab some fish and chips from the takeaway shop, and pull up a palm tree.

9. Spend the day at Alma Bay

The favourite of the beaches for us as a family. There’s a playground here, and the beach was really pretty. It’s quite protected and has shallow water for the kids to swim in.

10. Bush breakfast with Koalas

Breakfast that starts with champagne is always a winner, and the kids loved cooking their toast over an open fire. The Aussie bush breakfast is held in the small wildlife park beside the main hostel area. It’s a cooked buffet breakfast, and the koala sits happily munching his brekkie beside you in a small tree. While you’re having breakfast, the rangers bring around lots of wild animals you can hold – snakes, water dragons, lizards, birds, and koalas.

11. Do nothing, just chill

We’d just returned from a beautiful walk to Radical Bay. It was a short thirty-minute hike over the hill from Horseshoe Bay. Along the way, we saw a small olive snake, and we’d worked up a bit of a sweat that made us appreciate the shade of the huge tree overhanging the beach. The girls built sand castles and squealed as the waves chased them in and out of the water. We sat and watched the world go by. We returned to Horseshoe for sunset with a few hours to spare. There was nothing else to do but sit.

The discomfort of doing nothing was overwhelming. So I got up and moved to the palm tree leaning over to kiss the sand. I moulded into the tree and lay there for the next hour doing nothing. Maggie time grabbed me. This is how I used to do it – before kids made rushing the norm.

I’d slip into a hammock for hours enjoying the gentle swinging with a good book and a softly setting sun. One of my favourite activities had become a long-lost friend. There’s no space for swinging when you’re a parent. I was lucky enough to have stolen this hour on the tree. The kids had found a friend and because I had no other distractions I could just slip into space and be there. If you can stay long enough on Magnetic Island, you’ll soon find yourself shifting into that zone of nothingness filled with beingness. We soon discovered the joy of simple things.

12. Check out the Museum of Underwater Art

Since Magnetic Island resides in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, snorkelling and diving tours are in no short supply. However, if you’ve already seen the Barrier Reef and want to do some snorkelling, perhaps you’d be interested in seeing something a little more unique.

The Museum of Underwater Art is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s an underwater museum of mesmerizing sculptures that reside underwater, have been taken back by the ocean, and provide a home for corals to thrive. It’s the only underwater museum in Australia.

Its ‘Coral Greenhouse’ at John Brewer Reef has won the silver award at the Australian Street Art Awards in the Best Sculpture Park or Trail. The pieces were created by Jason deCaires Taylor, and were built to inspire and educate about reef conservation. The statues have been purposely built to allow for coral to grow, and to help support reef restoration.

13. Visit Rocky Bay

Magnetic Island is not short of small and hidden beaches, but if you want somewhere more secluded and quiet, this beach is for you. It’s located on the south-eastern side of Magnetic Island between Picnic Bay and Nomads Magnetic Island. To get to it, you need to walk down a rocky terrain to reach the beach. Once you arrive, you’ll be blessed by a gorgeous, sheltered beach with light waves and rock pools at low tide. This is the perfect beach to bring a book to and to just sit and chill for a while.

Places to eat on Magnetic Island

Eating out is a little expensive on Magnetic Island, so be prepared. You know the deal, it’s an island. But here are a few places we really enjoyed.

Picnic Bay Hotel

We went to Picnic Bay Hotel for lunch and a cold beer – and got beautiful views and a nice pub lunch. The burgers are especially impressive.

Arcadia Village Hotel

Food at Arcadia Village Hotel is decently priced and typical pub grub with big and tasty servings – possibly the best salt & pepper squid we’ve ever had. Combine it with one of the live music or frog racing evenings. Oh, and there’s a swimming pool for those hot muggy days.

Noodies on the Beach (For Mexican Food)

We found this to be too overpriced for what you got. But, if you’re a Mexican fan, you’ll probably like it. The setting along the main drag of Horseshoe Bay is nice, and if you buy the right drink special you’ll get a sombrero!

Cafe Nourish

Cafe Nourish has lovely coffees here, but a bloody long wait to get them. They also do a decent breakfast. Kalyra said it was the best pancakes she’s ever had. It’s still not my idea of a true healthy cafe – milk doesn’t belong in nourishing smoothies unless it’s almond or coconut.

Thai Again, Nelly Bay

The Thai Again restaurant in Nelly Bay is really good and quite cheap for Maggie. The menu is not extensive, but they do have pizza at the bar too if that is more your grub of choice.

Is Magnetic Island worth visiting?

Magnetic Island is all about relaxing and taking a step out of your daily life to do nothing. That’s something we can all take for granted. The island is quite large, but only boasts around 2000 residents, so it always feels remote and disconnected. With 320 days of sunshine per year, stunning bays and beaches, well-maintained national park reserves, and some world-class dive sites and places to go snorkeling, it’s definitely worth a trip to the east coast of Australia and stopping over at Magnetic Island.

Where to stay on Magnetic Island

Here are just a couple of places we recommend staying on Magnetic Island. We have stayed at each of these places and can vouch that they were great places to stay.

Bounce Magnetic Island (Formerly Selina and YHA Backpackers Bungalow Bay)

If you’re looking for a place to rest on the cheap, or perhaps somewhere to base backpackers, then Bounce Magnetic Island is the place to be (It was formerly Bungalow Bay Selina, and before that the YHA, so it’s the number one hostel choice). You get to stay in one of these cute little bungalows, while mingling with other travellers in their open-air communal areas. It’s nestled in Horseshoe Bay, just a short walk from the beach. There’s also an outdoor deck bar serving food and drinks and an outdoor pool.

Peppers Blue on Blue Resort

If you want more of a comfortable, lux apartment stay on the marina at Nelly Bay, Peppers Blue on Blue is for you. We loved it and definitely suited our need to chill for a while and catch up on work.

How to get to Magnetic Island

To get to Magnetic Island, you will need to catch the Sealink ferry from Townsville’s Breakwater Ferry Terminal to Nelly Bay Terminal on Magnetic Island. The ferry is a vehicle ferry, so you can rent your car in Townsville if you don’t have your own. The ferry takes just 40 minutes and leaves several times a day, seven days a week.

More North Queensland Tips

Are you planning to visit other parts of North Queensland? Then you may like these other guides:

Part boat, part bus, and entirely unforgettable, it rumbles from sandy tracks straight into the waters of Bustard Bay, taking you across a coastline of mangrove-fringed estuaries, secluded beaches and backdrops of stories from Indigenous heritage to Captain Cook’s 1770 landing.

Travelling by LARC is the only way to explore this unique part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef region unless you have your own off-trail vehicle, 4WD, or boat. If you want to know what to expect and what it’s all about, here’s everything you need to know about a Town of 1770 LARC! tour…

Why is it called the Town of 1770?

Seventeen Seventy, or The Town of 1770 as it’s commonly known, is just 6 kilometers north of Agnes Water in the Gladstone Region of Queensland. It’s also a 6-hour drive north of Brisbane and connects to the Southern Great Barrier Reef region of QLD.

It was found by Lieutenant James Cook in May 1770, which is why the town was named Town of 1770. It was his second discovery of Australia, the first in Queensland, and so the area claims to be the birthplace of Queensland. Today, it feels just like it was over 200 years ago when Captain Cook discovered it. And the thousands of years before that, when the Gooreng Gooreng indigenous tribe were the caretakers of the land.

Town of 1770 LARC! Tours

As mentioned earlier, a LARC is a lighter amphibious resupply cargo vessel that was used by soldiers to transport goods in times of war. Think of a boat that can drive on land – incredible!

There are not many companies that offer Town of 1770 LARC tours; in fact, there is only one. 1770 LARC! Tours are the official operator of LARC tours in 1770, and they have four types of tour to choose from: a LARC and lunch tour, which sets off in the morning with a picnic lunch, an afternoon tour, or a custom tour where you can create something special and unique – though this is usually aimed at groups, and a full day tour, named the Paradise Tour. If you have the time, we do think a full-day tour is worth it. We took the full-day LARC Paradise Tour, and it was pretty much paradise.

Neil Mergard, the founder of the Town of 1770 LARC! Tours, was our skipper for the day and has been running these tours for 20 years. His passion for the area has not died one bit, and his knowledge of the area was amazing, as was our tour guide David, who was great at entertaining us all with his jokes and love for the bird life. They might be the only company doing this tour, but if there were competitors, they would certainly be the best.

Stops on the LARC Paradise Tours

If you’re not sure whether the full-day LARC tour is for you, then here are the stops that it takes…

Bustard Bay, Eurimbula National Park

As I was driving along Bustard Bay in the Town of 1770 in a bright pink LARC, I couldn’t help but think this was one of the best experiences in Queensland. The LARC can go where no other vehicle can and gives you the option of both land and water. We were stopping every few seconds to watch out for the abundant wildlife, such as crabs scuttling in the water, pelicans flying into the land, and brown kites circling overhead on alert to catch their prey.

To get to this desolate curved stretch of beach on the coastline of Eurimbula National Park, we had to morph into a boat and chug along the Round Hill Creek, detouring the long way to avoid the soldier crabs marching up the sand bank at low tide. We stopped along the long stretch of beach to collect shells and stretch our legs.

Visiting the Bustard Head Lightstation

Neil made the area come alive with his stories of Captain Cook’s arrival and the various families that travelled through this area and lived at the isolated Bustard Head Lighthouse, Queensland’s first coastal lighthouse and the only operating lighthouse that the public can access. LARC tours give you this exclusive access. Although due to Australian building standards, children under 8 are not allowed to enter.

When it switched to automatic control in the late 80s, the lightkeeper’s cottage was trashed by vandals. A previous lighthouse keeper, Stuart Buchanan, upon visiting several years later, was devastated at what he saw and made it his mission to restore it to its former glory. After years of hard work, his vision and former home returned to their glory. We were shown through the museum filled with light station memorabilia, and then to the historical Bustard Head lightstation.

We learned about its history and restoration project from volunteer guides who work with the LARC and spend 6 weeks at a time living at the lighthouse to keep it maintained. It’s not a bad job.

Getting to the lighthouse was an adventure in itself, as we drove up a steep and bumpy track to Bustard Headland only accessible by the LARC. We could sure use this vehicle ourselves on some other drives around Australia. As we climbed the track, the 360-degree views over Bustard Bay, Pancake Creek, and the mountains behind were truly spectacular. 

Tales of Tragedy

After our interpretive tour of the lighthouse, we walked down to the cemetery, and on the trip back down the headland, Neil told us all the stories of those buried in the graves. We quickly discovered why it’s been named ‘The Lighthouse of Tragedy.’ If you read my guide on the Ghost tour at Port Arthur, you know how I sat on the edge of my seat to hear these tales.

There was the mysterious death of Kate Gibson, whose throat was slit from ear to ear. The coroner put it down as self-inflicted, but Neil’s sleuthing around has shown him that it is physically impossible for someone to kill themselves in this way. All fingers point to the alcoholic husband, Nils, who died not long after of cirrhosis of the liver. 

There were many other deaths of those who lived at the lighthouse caused by shipwrecks, drownings, an abduction, a murder, and several other freak deaths. My favourite story was of the young lighthouse keeper’s daughter, Edith Anderson, who went to work in the nearby Turkey Station and fell in love with a young man, George Daniels. A family friend, and the son of a nearby cattle ranch owner, had it in his head that he was the one who would marry Kate. He convinced her family that he needed to rescue her from Daniel, and he collected her from the station. Daniels ambushed them, shooting him in the stomach and disappearing with Edith. Despite a massive search, they were never to be seen again. After the story appeared on television, Neil had a call from a person claiming to be the great-great granddaughter of the two, who said theirs was truly a love story. They were hidden by the Aboriginal tribes for months until the search party for them was called off, and they lived happily ever after. Aww. Such a lovely story that would be made into a Hollywood movie!

Sandboarding on Middle Island

Across Jenny Lind Creek is a beautiful picnic area on the northern tip of Middle Island where we enjoyed a lunch of cold-cut salad sandwiches, and an afternoon tea of lamingtons and billy tea – that’s tea brewed over a campfire. We were now ready for our afternoon of fun on the towering dunes of Middle Island. Who would have known that hidden behind the coastal scrub were 35m high sand boarding planes?

Because of the slight chill in the air and water, we opted out of skimming across the water in a grand finale and instead stopped on the sand flat at the bottom of the hill. It was wild fun. Kalyra loved jumping on our backs to join us as we tore down the dunes. We couldn’t convince her to go down the highest part on her own, but she took on the smaller dunes and enjoyed racing her daddy.

The Final Stop, Four Tidal Creeks

We were all sad to leave this place of mystery, fun, and serenity to drive back over the vast sandy beaches and four tidal creeks to return home. But there was one last bit of fun for the kids as Neil allowed them to play skipper and drive the LARC back up the beach, dodging the incoming tide and experiencing the thrill of sand passing beneath them.

And to welcome us back to the Town of 1770, we had this magnificent sunset. A paradise end to a paradise day.

Final Thoughts

Our day out exploring the Town of 1770 on a LARC vehicle was one we will never forget, it’s one of our favorite places in Australia. The sheer thrill of our unique amphibious vessels taking us through this remote wilderness, where we could see prolific wildlife and past pristine waterways, was an experience in itself.

Of course, it was exciting sandboarding in the dunes and exploring the lighthouse and lightkeeper’s cottage, but simply being able to drive on land or water was something else. We hope this guide helped you decide whether a Town of 1770 LARC tour is right for you and helped give you an idea of what you can expect!

You can read more in our post on why you should visit the Town of 1770 and nearby Agnes Waters, and more travel ideas for the Southern Great Barrier Reef region of Queensland.

Are you planning on visiting Town of 1770? Have you ever been on a LARC tour? Let us know what you are excited for in the comments.

But again, that depends on the kind of action you’re after. Bright lights and nighttime parties? You’re entering the wrong zone. Quiet and peaceful retreat amongst nature? Now you’re talking. If you’re thinking about making a stop in Baffle Creek but not sure what it’s all about or what there is to see and do there, then keep reading to find out…

What is Baffle Creek known for?

It has a population of about 155 people, according to the census in 2021. Baffle Creek is so small and rural that it’s the ideal retreat for those wanting to return to nature or take a holiday away from the maddening crowds, with stunning scenery and some of the east coast’s best river fishing. Baffle Creek is touted as one of Australia’s last pristine waterways. I’ll let you conjure up what that means for your holiday experience.

Baffle Creek is more river than a creek, with its widest point at over 2 km and a tidal reach of 35 km. The length of the Baffle Creek is 120km and is home to thriving mangrove forests and an abundant array of sea critters and birds.

Baffle Creek is famous for being a protected fishing habitat – Queenfish, tailor, trevally, salmon, grunter, barra, bream, mangrove jack, and whiting. Guests of Broadwater Creek have been known to have caught 16 different species of fish in one day.

I had to text my brother-in-law as soon as I heard that stat. He’s a mad fisherman and, surprisingly, has not heard about The Baffle. I’m pretty sure it’s now at the top of his list, and my sister will be helping to prepare the boat for the family’s next fishing adventure. It’s a haven for fishing enthusiasts, and that’s what makes Baffle Creek so special.

There’s an abundance of wildlife on land in the Baffle Creek region as well: wild kangaroos, echidnas, and we even saw an emu wandering around in the forest in the Deepwater National Park.

Things to do in Baffle Creek

Baffle Creek is a small town and doesn’t have a whole lot of attractions; its main attraction is fishing, which you can do from the shore or from a boat. Aside from fishing, here are some of the best things to do in Baffle Creek.

1. Visit Wreck Rock Beach

We went for a drive to check out the Baffle Creek region, driving through the Deepwater National Park and stopping to visit some of the local beaches. Driving along the dirt road through the jungled palm trees to Wreck Rock gave me the first inhale of what I anticipated the northern part of Queensland to be like – tropical bliss. Wreck Rock Beach is a small, rock-bound beach and the place to come and sit for a while in solitude and just enjoy the moment.

We also stopped off at Rules Beach, which was kind enough to supply us with a natural hammock in the form of a tree branch.

2. Witness Sunrise Over Deepwater Creek

Frank mentioned how pretty the sunrise can be over Deepwater Creek, right out the front of our cabin. Craig got up early the next morning whilst the girls slept in and captured this scene. Thanks to the creek and ocean frontage of Broadwater Haven, some of the region’s best fishing and crabbing can be found just a few steps from your cabin door, without even needing a boat.

3. Go for a Boat Ride

Baffle Creek is private land, so you can rest assured that the only other people accessing the creek alongside you are those staying at Broadwater Haven. If fishing is not your thing, the crystal clear water is super enticing for swimming or a boat ride. Craig and Kalyra went for a spin with Frank, the owner of Broadwater Haven, in a tinny boat whilst I played with Savannah by the shore.

4. Visit Broadwater Haven’s Beach

Just over the creek (a short wade at low tide), you’ll find a pristine stretch of beach, where you might even catch an odd wave or two, although it is open ocean and a bit wild. There’s a small jetty to park your boat. The beach will be all yours for the day. This is Broadwater Haven’s Beach. Frank says the sunrises from here are absolutely sublime.

We didn’t catch one from the beachfront, but the sunrises we saw from the creek bank were a good sign of what could be seen on one of those extraordinary mornings.

If you don’t like to get up before the sun, enjoying an ice-cold sundowner on your balcony or under the oaks by the creek is just as good. If you had a bigger boat and wanted more “river” fishing, then the boat ramp to Baffle Creek is only 9 kms away.

5. Head to the Town of 1770 for a LARC Tour

Although not located in Baffle Creek, the historic Town of 1770 is only a 45-minute drive away and is one of the top attractions in the Gladstone region of Queensland. Like Baffle Creek, it’s known as a remote and wild town with less than 3,000 residents. Although small, it’s famous for being the second place Cook founded when he first landed in Australia, and the first place in Queensland. For that reason, it’s considered the first settlement in Queensland.

The best way to see the town is on a LARC tour, which is an amphibious vehicle that takes you from Bustard Bay to the historic Bustard Heads lighthouse, Middle Island, and drives through four National Parks (Deepwater, Eurimbula, Mount Colosseum, and Round Hill).

Where to stay in Baffle Creek: Broadwater Haven Cabins

We stayed just north of Baffle Creek at Broadwater Haven Cabins on the estuary of Deepwater, Mitchell, Blackwater, and Cow Creeks. This eco-friendly property is owned by Frank and Noela Goetz, who moved here from Gympie 20 years ago.

They’re happy to sit on your deck and chat with you about the local area and their lifestyle, one they are passionate about. They loved the relaxing lifestyle so much, they decided to create a haven for those wishing to escape and connect to the beauty the region has to offer.

The beautiful warm day, birds singing, slight breeze, the smell of gorgeous lemon-scented Australian bush plants off my balcony made me wish we were staying so much longer. A time to disconnect to reconnect was exactly what I needed.

Frank and Noela are keen to get their little place on the map, but not so much as to steal away its charm. Their park has 10 eco-friendly 4-star waterfront self-contained cabins, which sleep up to 6. They’re well thought out, modern, and comfortable. But you don’t even need to worry about the cabins; it’s the scenery and outdoor activity you’ve come to spend most of your time interacting with. It’s far too pretty to spend indoors.

Final thoughts

Finishing off a magical day at Broadwater Haven can only be done one way: around the campfire with a glass of red wine under a sky blazoned with stars. The Baffle and Broadwater Haven will take you back to a time when life was far less complicated, and nature was all you cared about interacting with. There’s nothing too baffling about that.

More Capricorn Coast Queensland Tips

Planning on visiting other parts of the Capricorn Coast? Here are some other helpful guides…

• Go to Carnarvon Gorgee National Park if you want to see kangaroos
• 5 day itinerary for the Sandstone Wilderness
• Quick getaway to Great Keppel Island
• Why you should visit Agnes Waters and the Town of 1770
• Stunning and adventurous things to do in Queensland
• Crocs, bat poo and owl spew – education in Rockhampton

Agnes Water is the kind of place where flip-flops are formal wear and the pace of life is measured in waves per minute. This laid-back hamlet is home to Queensland’s northernmost surf beach and is just a seashell’s toss away from Town of 1770, named after the year in which Lieutenant James Cook made his second Australian landfall.

If you’ve heard of the twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 and are thinking of visiting, you’ll find there are so many things to do in Agnes Water and 1770 besides getting familiar with the history. Though a small place, there’s a ton of adventure and nostalgia to discover here.

A brief history of Agnes Water and Town of 1770

Before you get sucked into the tourist attractions and activities, it’s well worth educating yourself on the history of these towns so you can appreciate them better.

The discovery of Australia by Cook is obviously one I know well. But, it’s a hard one to connect to as the shores of Botany Bay are now covered with high-rises, large highways, and planes flying overhead. The same with Sydney Harbour. I try to imagine what it must have looked like when the First Fleet arrived to start the penal colony in 1788. It’s a murky visualization as there is far too much concrete now covering the view.

Except when you get to the Town of 1770 and Agnes Water, and you explore the nearby beaches and creeks and headlands that Cook and his crew sailed past – here, you can really connect to the story. Its natural beauty has been unchanged for thousands of years. I could imagine the wonder they felt meeting furry animals hopping along the beach guided by their tails, stingrays gliding along the sandy floor of the river, and dolphins guiding the nose of the Endeavour into a safe anchorage.

I could imagine Joseph Banks’ confusion and awe as he came across hundreds of species of plants he’d never seen before: pandanus palms, banksias, Eucalypts, hibiscus flowers, and small forested valleys filled with beautiful blue butterflies.

This is the Town of 1770 and Agnes Water. Town of 1770 was the second place that Cook found when he first landed in Australia, and the first in Queensland. For that reason, it’s considered the first settlement in Queensland. The longer I stayed, the longer I wanted to stay. There’s a beauty and rawness here that gets under your skin. It has everything a traveler will need, yet not many venture here.

Things to do in Agnes Water and 1770

1. Go kayaking with Liquid Adventures

1770 Liquid Adventures is owned by a German and an Aussie couple, Janina and Simon, who are adventure travelers who met while diving in the Caribbean. They totally understood our vibe and what travelers are really looking for in an experience, especially with kids. We chose the best day to kayak on the waterways around Round Hill Creek – barely a ripple, crystal clear, and the sun was shining down.

We joined Janina for a guided family kayaking adventure paddling up the creek to Butterfly Beach, where we stopped for morning tea, a play with the butterflies, and good old bubble-busting fun on the beach.

I loved how Janina catered for the kids with games and with an awesome animal spotting chart tied to the kayak. Kalyra loved identifying the birds we met along the way, like the Oyster Catcher and black-headed tern. Both the girls loved paddling and were disappointed when the tour ended.

We’re really keen to return one day to experience their sunset tour – a paddle up the creek followed by a glass of wine on the beach with a magnificent sunset. The time of the day when you’re most likely to kayak alongside dolphins. Magic!

2. Go on a Town of 1770 LARC Tour

Easily a highlight of this area was our LARC Paradise Tour. We saw and experienced so many amazing things in the Town of 1770, both on the water and on land, and most of those things we saw from a tour in one of these iconic pink amphibious vehicles. If you only have a short time to explore the Town of 1770, then a full-day tour on a LARC is a great way to see all the highlights in one visit.

You’ll leave from Bustard Bay and pass the historic Bustard Heads lighthouse, go sandboarding on Middle Island, and drive through four National Parks (Deepwater, Eurimbula, Mount Colosseum, and Round Hill). It was a lot of fun, and Kalyra now has a new hobby – sand boarding!

This tour is noted down as one of my favorite activities from our 18-month Australia road trip.

3. Cruise to Lady Musgrave Island

It was a rough 75-minute boat ride out and back, but Lady Musgrave Island was worth it. The Town of 1770 is on the doorstep of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and Lady Musgrave Island is your own piece of paradise that connects to the Coral Sea.

We moored up at the floating pontoon and enjoyed a glass-bottom boat tour and snorkeling in the protected Lagoon. We went ashore for a guided island walk and never wanted to leave!

4. Watch a sunset in the Town of 1770

Come early with your chair, a drink, and some cheese and dips, and join the crowds watching the sun dip below the ocean horizon. Sunset in the Town of 1770 is the place to be. It’s truly spectacular, so serene, and really not too crowded. The Town of 1770 is sleepy, quiet, and undeveloped. Only a few houses sit on the side of the hills with magnificent views of Round Hill Creek and the well-known stunning sunsets. It’s one of only three places on Australia’s east coast where you can see the sunset over the water.

The Town of 1770 is also a protected area, so all future building has ceased. It’s almost in the pristine condition it was in 1770 when Captain Cook first sailed past Round Hill Headland to rest his ship, the Endeavour.

5. Or watch the sunset at Agnes Water

If you want something a little different, Agnes Water has a beautiful sunset from the beach. You won’t get it setting over the water, but dropping behind the small foliage-filled hill is equally as beautiful, and the colours in the sky light up Agnes’ prettiness.

6. Learn how to Surf at Agnes Water Main Beach

Surfing lessons in Agnes Waters are some of the cheapest you’ll find in the country. The waves on the lifesaver-patrolled Agnes Beach look pretty good to learn on, and there’s plenty of bodyboarders enjoying the waves here too. They were clean and small when we were there, and there were a few beginner surfers nailing the standing-up technique.

In Agnes Water, you’ll find the most northern surf beach on the East Coast of Australia, which is also where the annual Reef 2 Beach 1770 Longboard Surfing event takes place each March. The beaches here are also safe for swimming as it’s a patrolled beaches and have lifeguards during peak seasons.

We didn’t have the chance to take up a lesson here, but we heard they’re cheap and a lot of fun. If you don’t know how to surf, then what better souvenir to take home with you than a new skill!

7. Do the easy Paperbark Forest Walk

We were alerted to the Paperbark Forest Walk by one of our Facebook community members. The trailhead is only about 3 kms south of Agnes, opposite Springs Beach, and the whole hike is family-friendly and easy to do. The Paperbark Forest Boardwalk Trail is a short 10-minute (400m) out-and-back hike from Agnes Water. The trail takes you through some of the most wonderful nature in Reedy Creek Reserve.

The girls loved pretending they were witches riding on their broomsticks down the wooden boardwalk and hopping along the stepping pylons above the swamp. It was quite mystical and magical. The reserve is home to a well-preserved coastal melaleuca forest and is full of paperbark trees. The forest is so green and wild, it feels like you’ve stepped into a jungle.

The forest is another hot spot for migrating butterflies and is also home to many species of native Australian frogs. The trail is really easy and suitable for young children, but not for those with mobility issues, since you have a few water crossings and obstacles to step over.

8. Walk the 1770 to Round Hill Head Walk

There’s a beautiful 2km walk from the 1770 campground along the headland through the forest to the Round Hill Head. The views along the way across Eurimbula National Park to Bustard Headway lookout are pretty special too. Put your binoculars in your backpack if you are visiting between July and October, as this is whale-watching season. You may just see a humpback whale breach in the distance. There’s also one section of the forest that’s filled with beautiful blue tiger butterflies (just above Butterfly Beach).

If you want to see these butterflies properly, then take the Butterfly Walk. Every year, between March and May, thousands of these butterflies migrate through Agnes Water and the Town of 1770. The Butterfly Walking Trail is located near the Captain Cook Monument and is where you are more likely to see them, since the walk is exposed to the sunlight (butterflies love sunlight).

9. Admire the secluded Pancake Creek

Another beautiful spot in Agnes Water is Pancake Creek, which is inaccessible by land, so you must take a tour to reach it. However, it’s undeniably worth it. This untouched paradise is where tropical bushland meets the coastline. You can snorkel here, and it’s possible to spot turtles and dugongs feasting on the seagrass. Then, go for a swim and relax at ‘Secret Beach.’ If you’re looking for your own slice of paradise, this is it.

10. Go whale-watching

Australia’s East Coast is a hot spot for humpback whales and dolphins during their migration season after giving birth to their calves (July through to October, sometimes early November). Many people flock to Hervey Bay to see them, since this is where they are most active, but you can actually see them in the waters from Agnes Water, too.

A great place to see them is along the Discovery Trail, which takes you to several lookout points. It’s a lovely walk and only takes around 30 minutes, though of course, if you do see whales, you’ll likely want to stop and stay for a while. The trailhead for the Discovery Trail is behind the Agnes Water Museum on Springs Road in Agnes Water. It’s a loop trail, so you will finish here too.

11. Relax on the secluded Chinaman’s Beach

If you want a quieter beach away from the surf crowds, then Chinamans Beach is the spot. You can find this beach via a short hike over rocky escarpments on a bitumen track, which is just off Springs Road. This is a natural beach with rock pools, gentle waves, and a popular fishing spot for locals. Bring your fishing rod and a picnic, and you’re prepared for a perfect day at the beach. You should note that this is an unpatrolled beach, so keep an eye on your children and stay safe.

12. Enjoy live music at the Agnes Blues Roots and Rock Festival

Every year in February, Agnes Water becomes the host of the Blues, Roots and Rock Festival. Over three days, this vibrant festival brings some of the biggest names in Blues and Rock to the stage, as well as offering food vendors and markets. Ticket sales raise funds for over 10 local charities and organisations. If you’re in town in February, be sure to check it out.

13. Dine at The Tree Restaurant, Seventeen Seventy

The Tree Restaurant is located inside the 1770 Beach Hotel, and is a little on the expensive side, but the food is good, and the views are amazing. Catch the sunset first and have a drink in the Tree Bar before moving into the restaurant.

Where to stay in Agnes Water

If you’re thinking you’ve been convinced and are ready to make the trip to Agnes Water and Town of 1770, then you might be wondering where to stay. We stayed at the NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park, formerly known as Agnes Water Beach Caravan Park, in a Treetops Chalet. They were really cute, and if you can get one right on the beach, you will be in for a good stay.

They are a little small, though, so if you have a large family or need a lot of space, you might want to look at a cabin or campsite. We had to keep most of our luggage in our car. We preferred the location of this site to the campground at 1770, which is more basic and quite popular for being right on the bay and front row seats for the sunset. You can view more places to stay in Agnes Water and 1770 in this interactive map:

Getting to Town of 1770

The Town of 1770 and Agnes Water are a little diversion from the main highway between Brisbane and Cairns, so it doesn’t see the high volume of traffic and tourists. Therefore, you may miss the turning if you’re not looking for it! Agnes Water is approximately 477 kilometers from Brisbane, which takes about 5.5 hours to drive. The town of 1770 is another 6 kilometers north of Agnes Water.

From the Sunshine Coast, it’s a 4.5-hour drive. They are located in the Gladstone region of Queensland. You will find cheap flights to Bundaberg airport in the south, and from here it’s a 1.5-hour drive.

What’s the difference between the Town of 1770 and Agnes Water?

I’m glad we weren’t the only ones confused! Agnes Water is about 6 km south of the Town of 1770. Agnes Water is the ocean town where you’ll find the surf and a fantastic beach. It also has most of the cafes, shops, and room for development. The Town of 1770 is on the Round Hill Creek and is much quieter and smaller. This is where you jump on your cruises and do your water tours and activities. They each have their unique points, but I think we slightly preferred to stay in Agnes Waters near the beach and drive into the Town of 1770.

Final thoughts

Now, we don’t want to send you there in droves, but we also can’t keep Agnes Water and 1770 a secret from you. We think you should definitely be pinning it to your Australian Bucket List. We first heard of it years ago from friends who visited and stayed awhile, and they say it’s their favorite place in Australia.

After that, we heard about it several times from more travellers who stumbled upon it by accident and were amazed at how beautiful and magnetic it was. Both towns have something special and unique about them. Whether you’re looking for historic landmarks, adventurous activities, or a lazy day by the beach, you can find all this and more here.

We hope this guide helped convince you to visit these hidden gems in Queensland and gave you some ideas for things to do to add to your itinerary.