8 stops on a Gladstone to Agnes Water/1770 Food Adventure
Read Time:
Put on your stretchy pants and pack up the car with hungry people! You’ll be surprised by how much tasty locally-made food championing the flavours of the region can be found on a road trip between Gladstone to Agnes Water/1770.
Familia Restaurant Café Gelati
Head to East Shores Parklands for the beautiful sea views and enjoy a taste of Italy in Gladstone. Familia means family, and that’s just what you’ll discover here. Family-owned and run, Familia has a menu spiced with Italian favourites that even Nona would approve. The only problem is how do you choose between their spaghetti bolognese, lasagne or chicken parmigiana? Easy! Try their lighter-than-light pillowy house-made potato gnocchi with triple-smoked ham and mushrooms or tomato-based napoli sauce. If you live for dessert, you’ll love the delicate house-made sweet pannacotta, luscious traditional tiramisu and the best gelati.
Kandy Couture
The best road trips start with a barista coffee and snack box full of sweet treats. You’ll find all this plus freshly made fudge and handcrafted chocolates at Kandy Couture in Gladstone. After learning from Australia’s Queen of Chocolate, Kirsten Tibballs, Kandy Couture owner Kim has been tempting Gladstone locals with tantalising creations for five years. What will be your favourite? Try the honeycomb and honey brittle sweets made using local honey or the rum and raisin Belgium chocolate made using iconic Bundaberg Rum. However, it’s hard to go past the pure Belgium chocolate bars that are Kim’s personal favourite. Can’t get enough chocolate? Learn how to make it yourself with a bespoke class. Find Kandy Couture at 2 Chapman Dr, Clinton.
The Big Crab
The first stop is the Big Crab next to the Shell Service Station on the Bruce Highway at Miriam Vale. The Big Crab has all your seafood burger needs sorted with prawn, barra, croc (that’s crocodile), and fish burgers on the menu. It’s also the perfect stop for fish and chips, but that’s not why travellers make a stop at The Big Crab an essential part of any road trip. It’s the legendary crab sandwiches made with fresh slices of buttered white bread!
Agnes Coffee & Cake
Whether you are searching for excellent artisan coffee, house-made macarons, luscious cheesecake or the perfect cupcake, you’ll find them both at Agnes Coffee & Cake. Don’t miss the almond croissants and fruit pastries. There’s a savoury side, too, with a range of bread and freshly made sandwiches. This small bakery also sells everything from children’s books and candles to pamper products. Find it at Shop 18 Endeavour Plaza, Agnes Water.
1770 Gelato Co
The days are warm, sunny and long in Agnes Water, so a premium gelato made with local ingredients at 1770 Gelato Co is the perfect treat. You’ll find this shop easily by the queue outside, particularly after dinner when everyone wants gelato for dessert. The flavour choice is too tempting. Need some inspiration? Think Cherry Ripe Coconut with Amarena Cherries, Mango Cheesecake, Caramel Cookie Dough or Peanut Butter with Caramel and Chocolate. Find it at Shop 12, 1 Agnes Street, Agnes Water.
Drift & Wood Restaurant
Walk up from the beach, drive in or just saunter down from your stay at Sandcastles 1770 Motel & Resort to enjoy lunch or dinner at Drift & Wood Restaurant. The eclectic menu is wide-ranging, with pizzas, yum cha and modern Australian cuisine. There’s something for everyone, and the flavours will not disappoint. Find it at 40 Captain Cook Drive, Agnes Water.
Plantation Bar & Restaurant
Positioned around the pool at 1770 Lagoons Central Apartment Resort, Plantation Bar & Restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine using fresh regional produce, including locally sourced seafood and grass-fed meats. The 1770 seafood platter is a highlight. Find it on Captain Cook Drive, Agnes Water. Open daily from breakfast to dinner.
1770 Marina Café
We have saved the best until last – Phil’s famous, award-winning vanilla slice! It’s taken the title three years in a row at the annual 1770 Festival. This queen of vanilla slices has a crunchy pastry top combined with a soft custard vanilla interior that makes it a permanent headliner at the 1770 Marina Café. If this vanilla slice tops your taste list, visit the café early in the day as it always sells out! Find it at 535 Captain Cook Dr, Seventeen Seventy. The café opens daily from 6.30 am to 5 pm, except Sunday when it closes at 2 pm.
