How to spend 48 hours in Tannum Sands

Tannum Sands is made for lovers of the great outdoors. On its doorstep are some of Queensland’s most iconic locations, including the Southern Great Barrier Reef and Discovery Coast.

Within easy driving range to Gladstone, Bundaberg and the towns of Agnes Waters and 1770, there are so many things to do in and around Tannum Sands – a true hidden gem on the Central Queensland coast.

This sleepy seductress will have you kicking back to neutral in no time at all; here’s how to spend a blissful long weekend in Central Queensland’s Tannum Sands.

Friday

9am | Breakfast, on coastal time

Tannum Sands may be small compared to sister city Gladstone, but her small but mighty café scene is perfect for the visitor who needs good coffee to start the day. IE, situated right next door to the town’s oh-so pretty garden centre, bakes delicious house-made sweets and breakfast staples, even upping its vegan dessert game with slices and protein balls to go.

Vegetarians will hit the jackpot at Junction Café. While not exclusively vegan/veggie, there is a great selection of breakfast and lunch dishes to satisfy. Sweet tooths will want to loiter by the cake display, where freshly made banana bread, hummingbird cake, muffins and mini cupcakes for the kids are on offer. Serving Allpress coffee and selling beans by the bag, this is the hidden gem your Tannum Sands holiday needs.

10:30am | Sea breezes

Hugging the beach between Tannum Sands Surf Lifesaving Club and Discovery Park is Millennium Esplanade; a dedicated coastal walkway adjacent to Tannum Sands Beach. Dotted with BBQ areas, shaded lawns and picnic refuges, it’s a beautiful walk with a coffee in hand after breakfast. Raise the heart rate and climb the stairway to Peter’s Park for gorgeous views of the coastline and esplanade below.

Those with an extra pep in their step should walk south of the esplanade and explore Wild Cattle Island and National Park. On low tide you can easily walk across the sand to the tiny island where bleached driftwood dots the beach. BYO snacks and a picnic blanket for a blissful afternoon—minus the crowds.

12pm | ‘Gone fishing’

The Gladstone region is revered for its incredible fishing spots, but arguably none more so than Lake Awoonga. The unofficial barramundi capital in CQ, this picturesque lake is not only home to barra, but a destination in its own right for water sports enthusiasts, campers and day-trippers.

Surrounded by the mountainous peaks of Mt Castletower National Park, spend a lazy afternoon out in a tinny (which you can rent at the foreshore) waiting for a bite, hire out kayaks and explore the wild edges of Lake Awoonga, or keep dry with a picnic in one of the dedicated shelters and BBQ facilities.

Tip: Hire a rod at Boyne Bait Shop in Tannum Sands before heading out for the day.

Saturday

8:30am | Walk in Captain Cook’s steps

An hour south of Tannum Sands lies the historic, and insanely beautiful coastal towns of Agnes Water and 1770. Encased by breathtaking national parks (Eurimbula National Park to the north and Deepwater National Park to the south), these two tiny coastal hamlets are as remote as they are beautiful. The ocean is warm and crystal-clear, the beaches soft and golden. Frankly, it’s gorgeous here.

Kick-start the day at the 1770 Marina Café. Located at the edge of the marina, drop in for coffee, smoothies and sweet treats ideal for snacking on the beach. Alternatively, pull up at the water’s edge and grab a late breakfast. Take in the views and watch the local pelican contingency floating beside the boats in the marina.

Spend the morning in one of the dozens of sandy cays along the protected foreshore, before cruising 10-minutes down the road for an afternoon of beach time at Agnes Water. Agnes’ 5km of sandy coastline is famous for its surf, so make sure to bring your board.

12:30pm | Satisfy that hunger

There are a number of local eateries to stop at for lunch, but for something special, book a table at Getaway Garden Café; its tropical, Balinese-style garden and all local menu is an oasis from the infamous CQ heat.

Order the acai summer bowl for your daily dose of seasonal tropical fruits or indulge with the breakfast recovery burger. Iced coffee is a non-negotiable. Can’t go wrong!

2pm | Adventure calls

But it’s not all sun soaking in paradise, there are some great things to do in Agnes Water and 1770 fit for all the family; from hopping abord the famous 1770 LARC tour to walking the trails of the adjacent national parks or jumping on a day trip to snorkel the islands of Southern Great Barrier Reef.

5pm | Walk beneath ancient canopies

Hidden away in Reedy Creek Reserve, the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk is a magical end to a perfect beach day. An easy breezy 400m walking track, this little boardwalk is something straight out of a fairy tale. Set amongst hundreds of towering paperbark trees and lush cabbage palms, skip across the path’s stepping-stones and winding pathway which guide you through these oh-so pretty wetlands.

Tip: Budding young wildlife warriors will love spotting the colourful butterflies and green tree frogs along the trail.

Sunday

8am | Set your clock to island time

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Heron Island is world-renowned for its beauty. Just 60km off the coast of Gladstone, it is arguably the Great Barrier Reef’s most easily accessible island for visitors of the region.

Just a 25-minute drive from Tannum Sands, catching the ferry to Heron Island from Gladstone’s marina is a breeze. The dedicated Heron Island ferry departs at 9:30am from the marina and takes just over two hours to arrive at Heron Island. Word of warning; Heron Island WILL bewitch you, so it makes sense if you want to stay forever a night or two (or three). Swot up on our Heron Island guide to make the most of your time on this extraordinary island.

Tip: Got the island-hopping bug? Wilson Island is a cruisy 25-minute boat ride from Heron, taking you even deeper into the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

5pm | Sundowners and a feed at the hottest venue in town

A lazy beer at Gladstone’s achingly cool Auckland House Microbrewery is the perfect end to a perfect day. As the first microbrewery in the city, the waterside venue really turns it on: unparalleled water views, a vast selection of in-house and local brews and a killer menu packed with locally sourced ingredients. It’s tough to beat.