Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy fishing spots
The Discovery Coast: Queensland's northernmost surf beach, the cliffs of Round Hill Head, and quiet mangrove creeks from Bustard Bay to Baffle Creek. Expect whiting, flathead and dart in the surf, pelagics off 'the Catwalk', golden trevally on the 1770 flats, barra and jacks up the creeks, and reef fish from the Southern Great Barrier Reef by boat. Note the green zone along the Deepwater coast south of town.
Updated
6 spots here, all fished from land, plus 2 public boat ramps. Seasons follow our Wide Bay & Bundaberg species list for Queensland. Positions are a guide only, not for navigation.
Under each spot, "Forecast for this spot" opens the app's forecast worked out for that spot: Go, Marginal or No-go for each day of the week ahead, with the best times, wind, waves and tide. Open the forecast.
Spots at a glance
| Spot | Type | Fished from | Water | Marine park |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Round Hill Head (the Catwalk) | Headland | Land-based | Ocean coast | Great Barrier Reef Marine Park / Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park |
| 2. Round Hill Creek (1770) | Estuary | Land-based, boat and kayak | Bay, estuary or river | Great Barrier Reef Marine Park / Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park |
| 3. Eurimbula Creek | Estuary | Land-based and kayak | Bay, estuary or river | Great Barrier Reef Marine Park / Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park |
| 4. Agnes Water main beach | Beach | Land-based | Ocean coast | Great Barrier Reef Marine Park / Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park |
| 5. Baffle Creek | Estuary | Land-based, boat and kayak | Bay, estuary or river | Great Sandy Marine Park |
| 6. Rules Beach | Beach | Land-based | Ocean coast | Great Barrier Reef Marine Park / Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park |
1. Round Hill Head (the Catwalk)
- Type
- Headland · ocean coast (beach or rocks)
- Access
- Land-based. Narrow walking trail from 1770 to the cliffs and ledges of Round Hill Head.
- What's good here
- Peak in October: Spanish mackerel, queenfish and trevally. Also in season: longtail tuna, cobia, school mackerel and snapper.
- Best tide
- Run-in and the top of the tide.
- Best wind
- Light winds and small swell; the northern face is tucked away from south-easterlies but any northerly swell washes the ledges. Faces NNE.
- Note
- Named for its narrow access path, 'the Catwalk' is one of the coast's best-known land-based game spots: high ledges, deep water and pelagics, sharks included. Bring a long gaff or rope net.
- Safety
- Wave-washed rocks: watch the swell for a while first, wear grippy footwear and a lifejacket. High, narrow ledges: fish with a partner and never in big swell. Marine stingers are less common this far south but can turn up in summer; cover up if you wade. Outside the usual crocodile range, but rare sightings happen: stay croc-aware at creek and river edges.
- Zone
- Waters off the head are a general use (light blue) zone: normal fishing rules next to a yellow zone in Bustard Bay; no green zone within 5 km. Guide only, not for navigation: check elibrary.gbrmpa.gov.au map (PDF).
- Map
- -24.14920, 151.88640 · Open in Google Maps (position: Round Hill Head, Composite Gazetteer of Australia)
- Forecast
- Forecast for this spot
2. Round Hill Creek (1770)
- Type
- Estuary · bay, estuary or river
- Access
- Land-based, boat and kayak. 1770 foreshore, marina and two-lane public ramp.
- What's good here
- Peak in October: whiting, dusky flathead, trevally, queenfish, mangrove jack and barramundi. Also in season: yellowfin bream and mud crab. Closing soon: barramundi (closes 1 Nov; closed 1 November to 31 January).
- Best tide
- Run-in on the sand flats for whiting and golden trevally; last of the run-out at the creek mouth.
- Best wind
- Light winds; south-easterlies blow across the flats.
- Note
- Mangrove creek and sand flats at 1770: whiting and flathead on the banks, golden trevally on the flats (fly or soft plastics), jacks, cod and barra in the snags upstream.
- Safety
- Outside the usual crocodile range, but rare sightings happen: stay croc-aware at creek and river edges. Marine stingers are less common this far south but can turn up in summer; cover up if you wade. Big tides here: the water comes in fast over the flats, so keep an exit route. Boat traffic around the marina and LARC tour crossings.
- Zone
- Creek is a general use (light blue) zone: normal fishing rules; the Eurimbula Creek side of Bustard Bay is yellow. Guide only, not for navigation: check elibrary.gbrmpa.gov.au map (PDF).
- Map
- -24.17807, 151.87388 · Open in Google Maps (position: Round Hill Creek, Composite Gazetteer of Australia)
- Forecast
- Forecast for this spot
3. Eurimbula Creek
- Type
- Estuary · bay, estuary or river
- Access
- Land-based and kayak. Unsealed, signposted road into Eurimbula National Park north of 1770; it can be impassable in the wet season.
- What's good here
- Peak in October: barramundi, mangrove jack, whiting, dusky flathead and trevally. Also in season: yellowfin bream. Closing soon: barramundi (closes 1 Nov; closed 1 November to 31 January).
- Best tide
- Last of the run-out and first of the run-in.
- Best wind
- Light winds.
- Note
- Small, shallow creek winding inland, with lagoons that hold small barra and jacks. Mud crabs may not be taken from Eurimbula Creek.
- Safety
- Outside the usual crocodile range, but rare sightings happen: stay croc-aware at creek and river edges. Marine stingers are less common this far south but can turn up in summer; cover up if you wade. Remote national park: carry water and tell someone your plans.
- Zone
- Creek is a conservation park (yellow) zone: 1 rod or handline with 1 hook per person. Guide only, not for navigation: check elibrary.gbrmpa.gov.au map (PDF).
- Map
- -24.17223, 151.84527 · Open in Google Maps (position: Eurimbula Creek, Composite Gazetteer of Australia)
- Forecast
- Forecast for this spot
4. Agnes Water main beach
- Type
- Beach · ocean coast (beach or rocks)
- Access
- Land-based. Town beach with surf club and parking; pin is the official 'Agnes Water' feature at the main beach.
- What's good here
- Peak in October: whiting, dusky flathead, tailor and trevally. Also in season: yellowfin bream.
- Best tide
- Rising tide in the gutters.
- Best wind
- Light offshore (westerly) winds; strong south-easterlies make it messy. Faces NE.
- Note
- Family surf fishing: flathead, whiting and dart in the gutters on worms, pipis or pilchards. Don't wander south past Rocky Point to fish: the Deepwater coast is a green zone.
- Safety
- Surf beach with rips: fish from the sand, not the bar. Marine stingers are less common this far south but can turn up in summer; cover up if you wade.
- Zone
- No zone mapped at the beach; a green zone (no fishing) starts near Rocky Point about 4.5 km south-east and runs down the Deepwater coast, including Wreck Rock. Guide only, not for navigation: check elibrary.gbrmpa.gov.au map (PDF).
- Map
- -24.21670, 151.90000 · Open in Google Maps (position: Agnes Water, Composite Gazetteer of Australia)
- Forecast
- Forecast for this spot
5. Baffle Creek
- Type
- Estuary · bay, estuary or river
- Access
- Land-based, boat and kayak. Ramps on the lower creek (Winfield side) and further upstream; pin is the gazetteer point near the mouth.
- What's good here
- Peak in October: barramundi, mangrove jack, whiting, dusky flathead, javelin / grunter and estuary cod. Also in season: yellowfin bream and blue threadfin. Closing soon: barramundi (closes 1 Nov; closed 1 November to 31 January).
- Best tide
- Last of the run-out and first of the run-in at snags and rock bars.
- Best wind
- Light winds; the mouth is rough in strong south-easterlies.
- Note
- Long, lightly developed estuary between conservation parks, regarded as one of the best all-round systems near Bundaberg: barra, jacks, salmon, bream, cod and grunter.
- Safety
- Outside the usual crocodile range, but rare sightings happen: stay croc-aware at creek and river edges. Marine stingers are less common this far south but can turn up in summer; cover up if you wade. Shallow bar at the mouth: check conditions and cross only on a rising tide in light winds.
- Zone
- Lower creek is a conservation park (yellow) zone: limited line fishing (2 lines, 2 hooks per person); a green zone covers the coast about 3 km east of the mouth. Guide only, not for navigation: check parks.qld.gov.au.
- Map
- -24.52973, 152.03805 · Open in Google Maps (position: Baffle Creek, Composite Gazetteer of Australia)
- Forecast
- Forecast for this spot
6. Rules Beach
- Type
- Beach · ocean coast (beach or rocks)
- Access
- Land-based. 4WD and walking access north of Baffle Creek's mouth.
- What's good here
- Peak in October: tailor, whiting, dusky flathead and trevally. Also in season: school mackerel and yellowfin bream.
- Best tide
- Rising tide in the gutters.
- Best wind
- Light westerlies; easterlies blow onshore. Faces NE.
- Note
- Quiet beach where tailor and mackerel pass through: have whole pilchards or small metal lures ready and watch for birds working.
- Safety
- Marine stingers are less common this far south but can turn up in summer; cover up if you wade. Surf beach: watch for rips and keep off the bar at the creek mouth.
- Zone
- Beach faces a general use (light blue) zone: normal fishing rules; no green zone within 4 km. Guide only, not for navigation: check elibrary.gbrmpa.gov.au map (PDF).
- Map
- -24.49290, 152.03970 · Open in Google Maps (position: Rules Beach, Composite Gazetteer of Australia)
- Forecast
- Forecast for this spot
Boat ramps
2 public boat ramps are listed for Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy, with positions from Built features - Queensland series (Marine infrastructure lines). Lanes, parking and tide access are as the data says: check them on the day.
| Ramp | Notes | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1770 boat ramp | Two-lane public ramp beside the 1770 Marina, with trailer parking and a short-stay wharf; gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. | -24.17135, 151.88295 Google Maps |
| Baffle Creek boat ramp (lower creek) | One-lane ramp near Morgan Island on the lower creek; other ramps lie further upstream. | -24.51153, 152.02286 Google Maps |
What's biting here in October?
In peak season at Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy in October: whiting, dusky flathead, trevally, barramundi and 8 more. Of the 33 species our Wide Bay & Bundaberg list has for this part of the coast, 12 peak in October 2026 and 10 more are in season.
Peak in October: whiting, dusky flathead, trevally, barramundi, mangrove jack, tailor, queenfish, estuary cod, javelin / grunter, Spanish mackerel, grass sweetlip and marlin and sailfish.
Also in season: yellowfin bream, school mackerel, blue threadfin, mud crab, cobia, longtail tuna, snapper, king threadfin, blue swimmer crab and spotted mackerel.
In closed season now (no take): coral trout (8 October to 12 October 2026); red emperor (8 October to 12 October 2026); nannygai (8 October to 12 October 2026); spangled emperor (8 October to 12 October 2026); redthroat emperor (8 October to 12 October 2026); tuskfish (8 October to 12 October 2026).
Closing soon: barramundi (closes 1 Nov; closed 1 November to 31 January).
Closed now in part of the area: mud crab in Eurimbula Creek (near Agnes Water): no take of mud crabs (all year); Spanish mackerel in Platypus Bay (K'gari, Hervey Bay): no take by recreational fishers (all year).
Out of season in October: winter whiting (best May–Aug); banana prawns (best Feb–May); tiger squid (best Jun–Jul and Dec–Feb).
Seen now and then, so not rated: black jewfish, grey mackerel and nannygai.
Seasons are closure-aware: a species is never listed as in season, for the area or at a spot, while it is closed there; a closure for part of the area says where. Species links go to our South East Queensland species guides, with Queensland's limits: Queensland's own size and bag limits are on the official rules page.
Can you fish here? Rules and safety
No licence or fee for recreational fishing in Queensland tidal waters, including the Gulf and Torres Strait (as at 9 Oct 2026). Licence details. Size and bag limits and closed seasons apply: Queensland's limits (checked 9 Oct 2026).
Rules at Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy
- Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park zoning north of Baffle Creek: a green zone (no fishing) covers the coast from near Rocky Point to Deepwater, including Wreck Rock. Bustard Bay's Eurimbula side is yellow (1 line, 1 hook). See GBRMPA Map 17.
- Baffle Creek is in the Great Sandy Marine Park: its lower reaches are a yellow zone (limited lines and hooks).
- No mud crabs may be taken from Eurimbula Creek.
- Coral reef fin fish closed 8-12 Oct and 6-10 Nov 2026 (applies north of 24°50'S); Spanish mackerel closed 1-21 Feb and 1-21 Mar.
- Barramundi closed on the east coast from 1 Nov to 31 Jan.
Marine parks and no-take zones
The zone notes here name Great Barrier Reef Marine Park / Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park and Great Sandy Marine Park. Zones are a guide only, not for navigation: check the official maps before you fish.
Safety at Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy
- South of the usual crocodile range, but rare sightings happen: stay croc-aware in creeks.
- Irukandji and other stingers can reach these waters in the warmer months.
- Creek bars and the open run around Bustard Head need light winds and a rising tide.
- Marine stingers (box jellyfish and irukandji) can be in these waters, mostly in the warmer months: cover up if you wade or swim, and carry vinegar. More.
Queensland: official links
Read the official forecast and warnings in the Bureau of Meteorology's own words: Qld coastal and local waters forecast map and current warnings.
Boating: Queensland boating safety, crossing coastal bars and lifejacket rules. Lifejackets: Must wear: crossing a designated bar in an open boat or open area (any length); open boat <4.8m underway alone or at night; children 1-11 in open boat/area underway. AS 4758 only.
Heading out on the water? Log on and off with Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ). Until MRQ is fully operational, log on with your local marine rescue unit by boat radio or by phoning the unit. Channels and hours differ by unit.
Marine parks and closed areas: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Commonwealth) - GBRMPA zoning maps, GBRMPA - interpreting zones, Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park (State) and all Qld state marine parks, Moreton Bay Marine Park - app and maps, Great Sandy Marine Park - app and maps and Australian Marine Parks (Commonwealth waters, e.g. Coral Sea).
- Help on the water (non-emergency): MRQ unit pages list 131 MRQ (131 677). More.
Queensland's official rules: size and bag limits and closed seasons and areas (checked 9 Oct 2026).
Emergency: 000 (112 from mobiles) · VHF channel 16 for distress.
Nearby fishing areas
- Gladstone, Boyne Island and Tannum Sands (about 74 km north-west)
- Bundaberg and Burnett Heads (about 83 km south-east)
- Hervey Bay (about 150 km south-east)
- Yeppoon and Keppel Bay (about 159 km north-west)
Distances are between the middle of each area. Every area in Queensland · all fishing spot guides.
Sources and checked dates
- Spot and ramp positions: Composite Gazetteer of Australia (Geoscience Australia and the state and territory naming authorities), CC BY 4.0, ABS Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) Edition 3 (2021) (Australian Bureau of Statistics), CC BY 4.0 and Built features - Queensland series (Marine infrastructure lines) (State of Queensland), CC BY 4.0; gazetteer and ABS positions through our place index. Guide only, not for navigation.
- Spot research checked 9 Oct 2026 and fact-checked 9 Oct 2026; species seasons and rules checked 9 Oct 2026; safety links checked 9 Oct 2026. Text in our own words.
- Research sources: gladstoneregion.info (Beach, rock, creek and offshore fishing around Agnes Water and 1770; estuaries (Round Hill, Eurimbula, Pancake Creek); golden trevally on the flats); queensland.com (Agnes Water main beach (flathead, whiting, dart); 'the catwalk' at Round Hill Headland for land-based game fishing); gladstoneregion.info (Eurimbula Creek access and species); gladstoneregion.info (Baffle Creek estuary and species); bundabergregion.org (Baffle Creek as the region's best all-rounder); brcnow.bundaberg.qld.gov.au (Rules Beach tailor and mackerel (Tackle World Bundaberg report)); gladstoneregion.info (1770 Marina public ramp, wharf and facilities); gbrmpa.gov.au (GBRMPA Map 17; zones checked against Qld GBR Coast Marine Park layer (MNP-24-1171 covers Rocky Point to Deepwater)); parks.qld.gov.au (Great Sandy Marine Park zoning maps (Baffle Creek)); qld.gov.au (Eurimbula Creek mud crab rule; limits); dpi.qld.gov.au (Coral reef fin fish and Spanish mackerel closures); qld.gov.au (Crocodile habitat near Gladstone north; rare further south); services.ga.gov.au (Creek positions (Composite Gazetteer of Australia, CC BY 4.0)); data.qld.gov.au (Boat ramp positions (Marine infrastructure lines, CC BY 4.0)).
- Every source and licence: Sources and disclaimers.