1770 LARC! Tours

If you’ve ever seen a giant, bright pink amphibious vehicle cruising along the shores of Agnes Water and wondered what it was all about, you’ve just spotted the most iconic adventure on the Discovery Coast. At Local Adventures, we’re all about uncovering the “must-dos” that define our home, and a trip with 1770 LARC! Tours is exactly that.

More Than Just a Joyride

The LARC! (Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo) is an ex-military vessel designed to conquer both land and sea. For over 30 years, the Mergard family has used these versatile machines to take visitors where no other vehicle can go. Whether you’re splashing into the crystal-clear waters of Round Hill Creek or traversing the rugged sands of Eurimbula National Park, the sheer novelty of “swimming” in a truck never gets old.

The Signature Experience: The Paradise Tour

If you really want to see why we call this place paradise, the 7-hour Paradise Tour is the ultimate deep dive. This isn’t just a scenic drive; it’s a journey through time and nature.

• The Lighthouse of Tragedy: You’ll travel 27km along the coastline to the historic Bustard Head Lightstation. As the only operating lighthouse in Queensland open to the public, you can actually climb to the balcony for 360-degree views of the Coral Sea. Our local guides share the gripping tales of shipwrecks and the “Lighthouse of Tragedy”—stories that shaped the very history of 1770.
• Adrenaline on the Dunes: After the history lesson, things get fast. You’ll head to the 35-meter-high sand dunes of Middle Island for some high-speed sandboarding. Whether you go down standing or (more likely) on your belly, the splash into the water at the bottom is the highlight of the day.
• Wildlife & Billy Tea: Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea eagles, and the occasional turtle. The day is rounded out with a classic Aussie lunch and billy tea brewed over an open fire in a secluded national park setting.

Short on Time?

Not everyone has a full day, which is why the LARC! offers “bite-sized” adventures too:

• LARC + Lunch (2 Hours): A relaxed midday cruise across two waterways with a delicious picnic lunch served under the shade of casuarina trees on a deserted beach.
• Afternoon Cruise (1 Hour): The perfect “sampler” for families. It’s a fun-filled joyride that showcases the LARC’s amphibious capabilities and the stunning scenery of Bustard Bay.

The “Local Adventures” Tip

We love 1770 LARC! Tours because they embody the spirit of Agnes Water: adventurous, family-oriented, and deeply connected to the environment. As a local tip, make sure to bring your camera for the lighthouse balcony: t’s arguably the best photo spot on the entire Discovery Coast.

Don’t forget that if you’re a Local Adventures Perks Pass holder, you can score a 15% discount on your LARC! adventure. It’s the best way to support local while making sure your holiday budget goes further.