Eurimbula National Park Gladstone

The Eurimbula sea trail is a fabulous overnight paddling experience for canoeing and kayaking adventurers. Photo credit: Cathy Gatley © Queensland Government

Eurimbula National Park includes the beautiful coastline where Captain James Cook made his first landing in Queensland. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Eurimbula sea trail

Set out for adventure over land and sea on this trail through Eurimbula National Park and the Great Barrier Reef.

Journey type
Canoe/kayak, boat
Distance
Up to 80.5km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 13.5hrs paddling time + overnight stays.
Grade
Unrated

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Boating

Starting from the town of Seventeen Seventy, or 1770, this paddling and boating adventure follows the coastline of Eurimbula National Park, exploring the waters and landscapes of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Discover coastal beaches, estuaries and creeks, rocky headlands and stunning coral reefs. Satisfy your thirst for adventure paddling, boating and bush camping along the way—stay for a day or make it a multi-day trek.

Spot white-bellied sea-eagles soaring above the water in search of prey, and shearwaters, gannets, darters, cormorants, ducks and terns along the sheltered creeks. Glide through creeks and listen for sedgefrogs, marshfrogs and rocketfrogs croaking through the reeds.

Keep lookout for Bustard Head Lighthouse, perched high on the rocky headland.

Getting there and getting around

The Eurimbula sea trail extends along the coast of Eurimbula National Park, from the town of Seventeen Seventy to Bustard Head camping area. Eurimbula National Park is 14km west of Agnes Water on the Central Queensland coast. The road to the 1770 marina boat ramp is accessible to conventional (2WD) vehicles.

  • From the Agnes Water township, follow Captain Cook Drive for 6.6km to the town of Seventeen Seventy.
  • Park at the public car park outside the 1770 marina and launch your vessel at the boat ramp. Alternatively, there is an area next to the 1770 caravan park which provides beach access to launch a canoe or kayak.

Getting around

  • You can travel along the sea trail by boat, canoe or kayak. The estuary route option is only accessible by canoe and kayak.
  • Launch your vessel at the boat ramp at the 1770 marina, or from the beach next to the 1770 caravan park, and follow the coastline to the north-west.
  • Eurimbula Creek camping area is 5km along the trail. GPS location is Zone 56J, Easting 382719 and Northing 7326110. Map location is latitude S24º10'23" and longitude E151º50'43".
  • Middle Creek camping area is 15.1km along the trail. GPS location is Zone 56J, Easting 376334 and Northing 7331243. Map location is latitude S24º07'35" and longitude E151º46'59".
  • Aircraft Beach 29.6km along the trail. GPS location is Zone 56J, Easting 373769 and Northing 7343059. Map location is latitude S24º01'10" and longitude E151º45'31".
  • Rodds Peninsula camping area is 32.3km along the trail, via the estuary route. GPS location is Zone 56J, Easting 369302 and Northing 7340913. Map location is latitude S24º02'18" and longitude E151º42'53".
  • Bustard Head camping area is 37.2km along the trail via the ocean route and 37.3 km via the estuary route. GPS location is Zone 56J, Easting 371984 and Northing 7343494. Map location is latitude S24º00'55" and longitude E151º44'28".
  • Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

A GPS navigational system is essential for safely navigating the Eurimbula sea trail. A hand-held Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or Personal Locator Beacon is recommended.

Opening hours

Eurimbula sea trail is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see: