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| Agnes Water / 1770 | | Print | |
| Monday, 01 October 2007 | |||||
Page 1 of 3 Round Hill and Eurimbula creeks Daybreak over Eurimbula creek Self described as the birthplace of Queensland, Agnes Water / 1770 is a place that is loudly proud of it's historical origins. At the heart of the aptly named Discovery coast, 1770 is the second place that Captain Cook anchored (after Botany Bay in NSW) and later explored by Captain Mathew Flinders. Surprising to me, however, was that I'd never even heard of it until I started traveling the Aussie coastline (high school history teachers, you failed me miserably). It was when I was camping at Iluka that I was first told of 1770. 'If you like this place, you'll love 1770,' I was told. Upon arriving at Agnes Waters (the township residing a few kms out of 1770) I could see why I was told to come here. What I wasn't warned about, however, was that school holidays was exactly the wrong time to plan a visit. Not only are most of the waterside accommodation options filled, idiot hour on the water seems to be a persistently 24 hour phenomenon. I wasn't quite prepared for the sheer numbers of Biting midges (sand flies) either. For these reasons combined, my visit to 1770 was shorter than it otherwise would have been. That said, however, I'll definitely be making an effort to return at a more opportune time. It's just another one of those places that has a lot going for it as a kayak fishing destination and by all reports generally boasts very accommodating weather throughout all seasons of the year.  35cm Flathead, killed quickly Kayak Fishing Around 1770Besides the numerous suspect coastal waters of Bustard Bay (Round Hill head would be likely to produce both reef and pelagic species - Workmans beach looked like a great place to try in the right weather conditions), Round Hill creek offers calm waters that are only likely to make for tough paddling in reasonably strong northerly winds (which is exactly what I encountered). Flathead, Barramundi, Bream and Mangrove Jacks are the most likely of catches in these waters, with Threadfin and Bluefin salmon being a high possibility as well. There are literally kilometres of mangroves to explore in Round Hill creek, as well as submerged trees that are likely to hold fish in good numbers.Nearby Eurimbula creek offers better protection from northerly winds, so I headed for the Bustard Bay campsite at the Eurimbula national park, which is nice and close to the creek. Waters here look very fishy and if you keep your eyes peeled while paddling upstream you'll likely see the telltale signs if dorsal fins that belong to Salmon, both large and small. Whilst they are often rather wary of boaters (even kayaks) if you manage to find them on the bite, you'll be in for a hell of a kayak fishing trip. Barramundi and Mangrove Jacks are also caught in these parts with regular frequency and large Flathead are commonly pulled in closer to and around the mouth. Unfortunately I didn't take out much tackle with me when I fished around Eurimbula creek and was caught off guard without an assortment of popper lures. With continual surface sightings of salmon I couldn't help but wish I had a few of them with me at the time. Whist there are some nice deep patches near the mouth, most of the waters of the creek are pretty shallow and well suited for popper fishing. SummaryIt's unfortunate that I arrived at 1770 when I did. Not only were tourist numbers somewhat annoying (both on the water and at campsites, northerly winds reduced my options and made it difficult to explore as much of the waters around Bustard Bay that would have otherwise been perfectly suited for a kayak fishing adventure. I don't feel like I wasted my time, however, because I did get to see some great wildlife around the Eurimbula National Park (birds and goanna lizards). Fortunately I didn't see any crocodiles there, although I have to admit that a few parts of the Eurimbula creek looked as if they may well live there,  Pauls landing apparently didn't go well for Paul The next time I visit the Agnes Water / 1770 area not only will I make sure it's not during school holidays, I'll be armed with whatver measure I learn best combats the sand flie threat, which has left me looking really rather spotty, not to menion terribly itchy. |
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