Our Favourite Beachside Reads

There’s no better pastime than relaxing on the beach with a great read! While we all have our favourite authors and genres, there are some wonderful classics that are well worth being added to your list. Check out some of these top titles the next time you’re looking for a great beach read!

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Treasure Island A timeless tale from Robert Louis Stevenson of pirates and buried treasure. Our brave young hero, Jim Hawkins, is on the hunt for pirate booty, coming up against one of the greatest villains in literary history, Long John Silver, who of course, wants the treasure for himself. Lots of action and adventure keep the reader engaged, while Jim’s earnestness and honesty keep the reader invested in his story of derring-do.

Nim’s Island From an island of pirates and buried treasure to an island inhabited by a young girl, her scientist Dad, & her animal pals. Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr is a modern day Robinson Crusoe. When Nim’s father sails off to study plankton, Nim is more than capable of fending for herself for a few days. But when her Dad fails to return home, Nim discovers what true bravery really means.

Robinson Crusoe The original Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe, is another classic story that is worth revisiting even if you’ve read it before. Everyone imagines what it would be like to be stranded on a deserted island, especially fans of Survivor! In this book, you’ll experience the adventures of one man’s efforts to survive for 3 decades, eventually conquering the elements and his own limitations.

The Old Man And The Sea This Nobel Prize winning tale by Ernest Hemingway is a quick read and a definite must from the list of classics. It tells the story of a Cuban fisherman who engages in the fight of his life with a giant marlin. Of course, it runs much deeper than that, but you’ll have to read it to appreciate it for yourself!

The Reef An incredible read for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the Great Barrier Reef. Historian Iain McCalman uses the personal stories of 20 people to illustrate the colourful relationship between man and reef. The author uses his literary talents to engage the reader through tales of exploration, biology, and indigenous history, revealing the splendor of the reef and the importance of preserving it.

Any of these reads are perfect for sinking your toes in the sand and your nose in a book. Just one of the many great perks of living in a coastal haven such as Agnes Water. So the next time you’re headed off for a day at the beach, make sure you take one of these gems along!

Nature Inspired Living

Design trends come and go, but those that are inspired by nature hold a timeless ap-peal. Certain fabrics and materials can evoke a sense of calm and well being, much like what we feel when we are enjoying the great outdoors. Coastal living in Agnes Water offers the perfect opportunity to explore these design elements!

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Raw Timber Wood is an obvious choice when looking for natural design elements. Raw timber can be brought into your home for flooring, exposed beams, or used in accent walls. Tim-ber can also be utilised in furniture pieces such as slab dining tables or kitchen counter-tops to bring a natural element to your living space.

Linen Linens are a heavier, more durable fabric that can add texture and visual appeal to your home design. Made from the fibres of the flax stems, linen is often found in earthy tones that compliment a coastal decor, though nowadays, you can find linens in a wide range of colours. Linen can be added in through bedding or tablecloths, or brought in as accent pieces such as throw cushions.

Stone Stone is the ultimate in natural material for use in home decor. Incorporating stone into your landscaping is a great way to add interest and visual appeal, and of course, it stands up to the elements. Stone can also be brought indoors, fitting particularly well in bathrooms with tiles or bench tops, or as accents throughout the home. Brick is another versatile option to add texture to an accent wall, or around a fireplace and can be left natural or painted to suit your colour scheme.

Seagrass Nothing says beach living like seagrass! Create a coastal oasis with woven baskets or area rugs. Durable and versatile, seagrass can even be used in furniture, such as chairs or headboards. Seagrass is also used in simple pieces like wall hangings or place mats.

Bringing the outdoors in can add a Zen vibe to your home, and create a soothing and relaxing environment. Elements such as water, glass, sunlight and greenery will all con-tribute to your overall design. Using natural materials for furniture, flooring, and fabrics is a beautiful and timeless way to create the coastal home of your dreams in Agnes Wa-ter and Town 1770.

Seaside Landscaping with Native Flora

Shores at Agnes Water offers many options for living the coastal lifestyle of your dreams. But once you’ve settled into your new home, you might be looking to add your own personal touch to your landscaping! Seaside living brings with it a unique environment that requires careful planning to ensure the best results. Plants that are native to Australia are typically the best choice when creating a coastal garden since they don’t need to adapt to the climate in order to thrive. Check out some of our favourite plants for coastal landscapes!

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Coast Banksia What better choice for Agnes Water than a native tree first discovered by Joseph Banks, a botanist in Captain Cook’s crew back in 1770. Slow growing and highly tolerant of the climate, these trees can offer screening for privacy and wind, as well as tall borders for aesthetics. With heights between 4-15 metres, they can range from a small tree to a large shrub, with beautiful silvery green leaves and yellow flowers that bloom from fall through spring. This plant attracts birds, butterflies, and bees.

Callistemon Captain Cook Another great choice for the area, this bottlebrush plant is good for hedging, easily shaped and tamed through pruning. A hardy shrub that can grow to 2 metres tall, this is another plant that can be used for windbreak and privacy screening. The gorgeous red flowers bloom in the spring and summer and attract wildlife such as birds and insects.

Coastal Rosemary A rugged plant that makes for great groundcover for any seaside garden, coastal rosemary is easy to grow and can be pruned into shape if desired. This shrubbery is low maintenance, with lovely spring flowers in white or purple that can add a gorgeous pop of colour to any rock garden. Perfectly paired with perennials such as eucalyptus, or try yucca or aloe.

Proteas Proteas are the perfect addition to your coastal garden. These gorgeous, low maintenance plants require little water and are well suited to a native Australian garden. They offer year round blooms and can be used in a wide variety of gardens from pots and terraces to large landscaped yards. The proteas are hardy enough to withstand the wind and salt of a seaside environment.

Pigface Despite the name, this lovely succulent bears no resemblance to a pig. This creeping plant is the perfect solution for holding off erosion, making them a great choice for sandy soil areas. They are well built for the harsher seaside climate that brings the salt and wind, and they have gorgeous pink flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Unlike many creeping succulents, pigface also offers a soft, kid friendly feel under your feet, and is totally edible! In fact, the flowers are often used for jams and chutneys, while the leaves can be used much the same as an aloe leaf, treating stings and burns.

The key to choosing the best plants for your coastal landscape is finding the ones best suited for the environment. Low maintenance, low water, and hardy leaves are all key factors to consider. Try creating an outside barrier that can help protect the rest of the garden from the wind and salt. A rock garden interspersed with low lying succulents and perennials will use little water and be easy to maintain. Whatever your taste, remember that your best results will come from the plants that are already well acclimated to what can be a harsh environment for growing in.

Summer in Agnes Water

With average highs of 29 degrees, and comfortable evening lows around 24 degrees, summer time in Agnes Water is ideal for sea, sun, and sand! Whether you’re looking for a quiet day of relaxation, or a day of family fun and adventure, there is plenty to see and do over the summer months.

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Water Fun! Agnes Water is all about the sea! With water temps around 27 degrees through the summer months, swimming and other ocean activities top the list for whiling away a summer day. Take your pick from patrolled family beaches like Agnes Beach, to quiet and secluded beaches like Chinaman’s Beach. Kayaking is a must for more active pursuits, and can be a great opportunity to spot some dolphins or turtles. A summer day in Agnes Water just wouldn’t be complete without a ride on a giant pink amphibious vehicle! LARC tours show off the best of our National Parks and southern reef. Finish off your evening with some SUP boarding at sunset!

Experience Enjoying an active lifestyle is as easy as getting out of bed in Agnes Water and 1770! From surfing and fishing to kayaking or a round of golf, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you and the family busy! If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend trying one of the many tours available to ensure you don’t miss out on the best there is to of-fer. Depending on your interests, you can check out everything from land tours to eco boat tours, fishing charters, or even surf or kayak lessons. And don’t forget the golf course and tennis club!

Nature Walks For a truly unique experience, check out the Paperbark Forest walk in the Reedy Creek Reserve. Keep your eyes open for frog, flying foxes and friarbirds on this engaging 400m trail. The Red Rock walking trail is longer and a little more difficult terrain, but offers stunning scenery and you can even stop for a swim or a picnic along the way. Just a short drive away is Eurimbula National Park, where you can swim, boat, or fish from inside the park.

Shopping Nothing beats an afternoon of retail therapy! Coming December 21st, Tom Jeffries Park will be hosting the Handmade Twilight Markets, with local artists, entertainment, and yummy treats any foodie will love! If you love seeking out hidden treasures and fabulous bargains, check out the Rotary Markets being held at the 1770 SES Grounds, every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, plus every Sunday during school holidays and long weekends. When you’ve had enough shopping, Agnes Water has plenty of delicious options for relaxing with a bite to eat. From beachfront cafes to delicious pub fare, there’s something to satisfy all tastes and budgets!

Agnes Water is a coastal paradise, and an idyllic spot for all things summer! You can hit the links in the morning and be sunning by the water in the afternoon. You can take the kids to the Kangaroo Sanctuary, then wander the Butterfly Trail. From family outings to romantic date nights, Agnes Water has it all. Discover your dream life with Shores living, a coastal community in the heart of Agnes Water!

Family Fun in Agnes Water

Summer is coming, and with it, school holidays and visits from the family! The coastal lifestyle of Agnes Water and Town 1770 is vibrant and diverse, with so many incredible things to see and do. We’ve discovered some of our favourites that you’ll definitely want to share with your guests!

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Explore Located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, Agnes Water and 1770 offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in Australia. Explore some of our gorgeous walking trails, beaches and National parks to enjoy the stunning views and various wild-life we have to offer. For example, discover the pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history of Eurimbula National Park. You can also immerse yourself in the experience of walking trails like Paperbark Forest Walk, through lush forests and wet-lands, or the beautiful lookouts along Discovery Trail. Walking trails are offered for all types of fitness and mobility levels.

Experience Enjoying an active lifestyle is as easy as getting out of bed in Agnes Water and 1770! From surfing and fishing to kayaking or a round of golf, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you and the family busy! If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend trying one of the many tours available to ensure you don’t miss out on the best there is to of-fer. Depending on your interests, you can check out everything from land tours to eco boat tours, fishing charters, or even surf or kayak lessons. And don’t forget the golf course and tennis club!

Discover Fun filled family outings are a great way to spend another gorgeous day in paradise! If you’re looking for unique experiences, check out Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary for a chance to get up close and personal and find out everything you ever wanted to know about these amazing animals. Be sure to call ahead, the sanctuary operates by ap-pointment only. If you have a history buff in the family, make sure to pay a visit to the Agnes Water Museum, where you can learn more about the famous landing by Lt James Cook, along with our other popular displays such as local coral and shells, Indig-enous and Islander artifacts, fossils, and maritime history. For the adults in the group, you won’t want to miss a visit to the 1770 Distillery! All the liqueurs are made with fresh, locally grown ingredients and distilled using hand made copper pot stills.

Of course, Agnes Water and 1770 also offer numerous options for shopping and dining experiences for all ages, including the local Markets at 1770. Regardless of your inter-ests and family dynamic, there is no shortage of fun and engaging activities to enjoy with the family in and around Agnes Water and 1770! The only problem you’ll have is choosing what to do first!

Photo credit @thefam4adventure location Paperbark Forest Boardwalk Agnes Water

Business is better at The Beach

With technology driving our current business practices, it’s becoming increasingly easier for employees to work from home, or for entrepreneurs to run their business from just about anywhere, even the beach! Several studies show that telecommuters are actually more productive than their counterparts who don’t spend any time working from home. With both convenience and flexibility, these workers tend to be less stressed and often put in more time than they would if they were in the office. Imagine having the freedom to live your best life, choosing affordable housing and coastal living in Agnes Water, without having to worry about commute times to the city!

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Benefits of the telecommute.

• Health : People who work from home tend to deal with less stress, and maintain a better work/life balance. Working from home also makes it easier to maintain a healthy diet, as well as offering more opportunity to mix up the day and spend less time sitting for long stretches. In your Agnes Water home office, you can break up your work day with strolls along the sand, or maybe take a conference call while watching over your fishing rod. Recent studies show that telecommuting for even part of the time can help to increase job satisfaction and reduce depression.

• Financial : It’s a given that telecommuting saves money when it comes to gas and travel expenses such as parking. But employees that work from home also save when it comes to other expenses such as eating out, coffee runs, office attire, and wear and tear on your vehicle. As a business owner or entrepreneur, you can save on overhead from running office space, and you also have the advantage of hiring the best possible people for the job, regardless of geography.

With longer and longer commutes causing stress, costing money, and contributing to our environmental woes, it’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to telecommuting options. Mobile phones and the internet make it easy to stay in touch and get the job done. Many employers are getting on board, offering opportunities for their employees to work from home, even if it’s just a couple of days a week, while self-starters and business owners are seeing the obvious advantages of a mobile office that allows them to relax on the beach AND take care of business! Truly the dream we all strive for!

Simplify to a coastal life

Sooner or later, we reach a point when we look around and make decisions about the type of lifestyle we want to live. For some it is downsizing the family home in the same location. For many, it’s selling up and travelling. For an increasing group, it is moving to a coastal location to simplify their life and enjoy long days of brilliant weather.

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A new home in a new location often provides the opportunity to have a complete refresh and a chance to start anew. Shopping for new furniture sounds fun but going through belongings accumulated over a lifetime can be daunting! Here are some tips on how best to handle this process.

PRIORITISE: Before you even begin, make sure that you have a clear idea of what’s most important to you. Remember, “home” isn’t just about the physical space. Decide what it is that makes it “home” for you, and work to keep or incorporate that into your next home. Family photos and a few special momentos can go a long way to creating that feeling of home, no matter where you are.

ORGANISE: As you go through the house, sort your belongings for keep, toss, donate, and pass on to family members. Having others to help with this process can be beneficial, especially when facing the more difficult choices.

FIND YOUR JOY: It may seem corny, but Marie Kondo actually does have it right. Stick with what brings you joy. If your wedding china brings you joy, don’t keep it for ‘special occasions’, use it everyday!

FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE: Simplifying your life has been shown to reduce stress and can free up your time, your space, your energy, and your money for actually living!

ASK FOR HELP: These days there are numerous companies that can help with the process of simplifying your home. Even removalist companies now do this as an add-on service! You can also help yourself with books such as “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo, or one of the many titles by Oprah’s favourite, Peter Walsh.

Living your desired life does take a bit of effort but with planning and the help and support from family and friends, or experts, it doesn’t have to be a painful one. There is so much to be gained from making a move to a desired coastal home such as Agnes Water, and you will definitely appreciate simplifying your surroundings and freeing up both mental and physical space to enjoy this wonderful coastal town.

Winter Home Design Tips

Winter is here, and while Queensland might not reach the same chilly temperatures as down south, Agnes still has its fair share of cooler days and even cooler nights. Smart home design can incorporate features that will take advantage of the daytime sun while keeping you warm and cozy throughout the night. Here are some of our favourite design options for winter living!

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Overall Design If you’re designing and building your own home, there are a few ways to ensure you are taking advantage of both the sun and air flow for maximum comfort, regardless of the season. Smart home plans include building shape and orientation, both of which will factor into ventilation and cross breezes. Having your common living spaces facing north will take advantage of the sun for winter heating, while proper use of eaves, blinds, and ventilation can block the summer heat.

Fire Pits A fire pit can be a warm and cozy landscaping addition in the winter months, allowing you to enjoy the cooler nights in your outdoor living space. There are many decorative patio options available that can add both warmth and ambience. Make sure to follow any safety rules, as well as local fire bylaws.

Louvered Roofing Perfect for the Australian climate, louvered roofs can be adjusted to let in the sunshine, or block the sunshine as needed. These roofs will help you to maximize airflow and ventilation, and you can even block the rain from your outdoor living space, allowing your family to enjoy the outdoor fun even on a rainy day.

Swimming Pool Solar Heating Extend your swimming pool season with this energy efficient and green pool heating solution. Solar pool heating can boost your pool temps by as much as 6 degrees, compared to an unheated pool. Adding this system into your new build can save you money in the long run, and help your family enjoy the pool throughout the year!

Winter in Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 offers moderate temperatures, with daytime highs in the low 20’s, and nighttime lows in the lower teens. You can make the most of these winter months, and your outdoor space, by incorporating some of these design tips into your home. Contact Stockwell to explore our range of residential options and start living your coastal dream now!

Discover the 1770 Festival

The Town of 1770 is so named for the year Lt James Cook, and the HMB Endeavour sailed into Bustard Bay, and the crew came ashore on a voyage of discovery. To commemorate this historic event, the town holds a festival each year on the weekend closest to 23rd of May. This year will mark the 249th anniversary of Cook’s landing and the 27th annual 1770 Festival.

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Celebrations will be held from May 24-26th, 2019, and will embrace themes of surf, soul, and sound, set in the beautiful paradise of these twin towns.

The festival kicks off on Friday evening with a re-enactment of Cook’s landing. The Town of 1770 was the first Queensland stop for the HMB Endeavour and only the second stop in Australia. The landing party included James Cook, Daniel Solander, and Joseph Banks. With authentic costumes from England, the town strives for historical accuracy as spectators gather to watch and learn about their arrival on our shores. Cook’s Landing Place has a cairn monument commemorating the landing. It stands on the spot where a crew member carved the date in a tree and is one of Queensland’s heritage listed sites.

Saturday brings the annual street parade, with the 2019 version celebrating the theme of Harmony in Paradise. The parade starts at the marina at 9 a.m. and heads to the festival grounds. Participants and their floats compete for the “Best In Parade” trophy with their interpretation of this year’s theme. Spectators can even cast their votes from their phones! Throughout the weekend, families can take part in a fun adventure, discovering history and botany. Just pick up your adventure guide, and follow the clues. Families that complete their guide can enter into a prize draw!

The 1770 Festival is all about entertainment. This year, you can catch live shows from the amazing 19-Twenty band, with their energetic mix of rock, blues, and folk music. If fishing is your thing, be sure to look for Creek to Coast presenters, Scotty Hillier and Olivia Degn, in the Festival’s first ever “Fishing Precinct”, as well as free fishing workshops, and the casting and net throwing competitions. A popular highlight of the weekend is always the fireworks display. This year the show will be sponsored by the Agnes Water Tavern, and can only be described as spectacular!

This year’s festival is excited to include female surfing legend, Layne Beachley, who will be speaking at the surf workshops, and of course, participating in exhibitions. As one of the top female surfers in the world, you won’t want to miss the chance to learn from her! Sunday brings the Festival Fun Run, with three different courses to suit any fitness level. There is a small entry fee, and participants will have a chance at trophies, prizes, and random draws.

But wait, there’s more! Food, music, market stalls, and numerous workshops and demonstrations make the Town of 1770 Festival the perfect family event, whether you’re a local or a visitor to the area. Next year marks the 250th anniversary of Cook’s landing, and with plans already underway for the 2020 Town of 1770 Festival, it promises to be bigger and better than ever! Along with the gorgeous beaches, there are numerous local activities to enjoy. From hiking trails such as Discovery Trail and Red Rock Walking Trail to the Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary to the local 1770 Distillery, there is something for everyone. For the sports enthusiast, there is the beautiful 1770 Golf Course, Agnes Water Tennis club, and of course, some of the best fishing and diving in Australia! For the adventurous types, there are numerous charters, surf schools, and tours available to book.

If you’re a foodie at heart, Agnes Water will definitely tickle your taste buds! From casual to fine dining, from breakfast to dinner, you can find it all right here. With the beautiful climate, there is lots of opportunity for patio dining, and you can even find vegan and gluten-free options around town. Whether you’re looking for a quiet date night out or a fun family meal, you can find it in Agnes Water.

Agnes Water offers all the advantages of a vacation paradise while giving you the best in small town living. With the area progressing in recent years, locals are also seeing a positive investment in amenities and infrastructure. You can easily access medical and health services, schools, and shopping. The “big city lights” are just a short drive along the coast to either Gladstone or Bundaberg. Affordable housing with a wide range of real estate and design options, along with a low cost of living and a strong sense of community, make Agnes Water the ideal place to settle down. Embrace the lifestyle you’ve always dreamt of!

Living The Coastal Dream in Agnes Water

Australians have always had a love affair with the coast. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful waters on the planet, an escape to the coast for some sun, surf, boating, and fishing often tops the list for a holiday getaway. But what if you could actually live there? Discover Agnes Water, a place to call home!

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Located at the southernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Agnes Water offers a coastal paradise that makes it an idyllic place to live. With pristine beaches and an abundance of wildlife, the area is well known for its scenery and outdoor activities. It also has the distinction of being Australia’s first digital currency town, accepting Bitcoin at most businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tours. This has been a positive move for the already well-known tourist area, attracting global visitors excited to have this option available to them.

There are five beaches in the area, each with their own unique qualities. Agnes Water Beach has a great reputation among surfers of all ages, it’s dog-friendly, and it’s also well known for turtle watching. 1770 Beach is the perfect spot for family time, offering calmer waters that are more suited to swimming, along with picnic tables and BBQs. Workmans Beach has camping, while Springs Beach and Chinamans Beach are more secluded areas to find some surf and sun, near hiking and walking trails.

Along with the gorgeous beaches, there are numerous local activities to enjoy. From hiking trails such as Discovery Trail and Red Rock Walking Trail to the Horizons Kangaroo Sanctuary to the local 1770 Distillery, there is something for everyone. For the sports enthusiast, there is the beautiful 1770 Golf Course, Agnes Water Tennis club, and of course, some of the best fishing and diving in Australia! For the adventurous types, there are numerous charters, surf schools, and tours available to book.

If you’re a foodie at heart, Agnes Water will definitely tickle your taste buds! From casual to fine dining, from breakfast to dinner, you can find it all right here. With the beautiful climate, there is lots of opportunity for patio dining, and you can even find vegan and gluten-free options around town. Whether you’re looking for a quiet date night out or a fun family meal, you can find it in Agnes Water.

Agnes Water offers all the advantages of a vacation paradise while giving you the best in small town living. With the area progressing in recent years, locals are also seeing a positive investment in amenities and infrastructure. You can easily access medical and health services, schools, and shopping. The “big city lights” are just a short drive along the coast to either Gladstone or Bundaberg. Affordable housing with a wide range of real estate and design options, along with a low cost of living and a strong sense of community, make Agnes Water the ideal place to settle down. Embrace the lifestyle you’ve always dreamt of!