The central Queensland town of Agnes Water and its surfing culture
It's the kind of place that captivates travelers, often leading them to extend their stay.
Angus Darling, who was traveling the country with his family in a caravan, found himself in Agnes Water, a coastal town in central Queensland. He was immediately drawn to its allure.
"It's like a magnet for people," Mr. Darling remarked. "But it's only when you live here and connect with the community that you truly feel the pull of the Agnes Water bubble."
This 'bubble' is partly created by ex-professional surfer Zane Harrison, who runs a local surf school, and board maker Bruce Palmer. Their influence has contributed to the town's unique character.
Agnes Water is renowned for its northern point breaks along Australia's east coast, with secluded, "secret" beaches adding to its charm. Mr. Darling has been a resident since 2021, working remotely for his Sydney-based employer.
His passion for surfing led him to become the president of the Tide n Turn Boardriders Club, a role he's held for two years. This club, one of the oldest in the country, celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.
"The club started as a group of friends who came to hang out and camp, and they used to catch waves. It was more about the connection and the camaraderie," Mr. Darling explained.
The club has seen a surge in membership from young families who moved to the region during the pandemic. Paul White, a long-time resident, has played a significant role in fostering the community's love for surfing.
"The coastline offers a variety of surf spots, from where the Great Barrier Reef influences the waves to the little magical beaches along the way," Mr. White described.
He is the director of the local longboard classic surf competition, an event that has grown in popularity as more families choose to make Agnes Water and the nearby town of Seventeen Seventy their homes.
Despite the waves not always being consistent, surfers here have a unique advantage. Mr. White noted, "You can surf for an entire day and catch 30 to 40 waves, which is a surfer's dream. In contrast, the southern regions are more populated, making it challenging to find good waves."
Small town, big waves
With a population of under 3,000, Agnes Water has become a laid-back tourism hub. Amber Rodgers, the president of Discovery Coast Tourism and Commerce, highlights the town's appeal to domestic visitors.
"We see a lot of caravaners from Adelaide and Victoria, and many locals from within our 400-kilometer radius. They often visit us more than once a year," Ms. Rodgers said.
The region's sunny climate, with an average of 300 days of sunshine, and the main beach's excellent conditions for beginners make it an ideal spot for learning to surf.
The area's population has grown by approximately 25% from 2016 to 2021, according to the latest census data.
Secret spots and a tight-knit community
Despite its popularity, locals emphasize that visitors are not primarily drawn to the waves, which can be irregular or small.
Surf instructor Amber Walker, a long-time resident, joined the boardriders club for social reasons and later became an instructor at a local surf school. She has been a member for about a decade.
"The waves aren't the main attraction; it's the small-town feel and the sense of community that you find in these rural areas," Ms. Walker said.
Ayla Klicker, a 17-year-old resident who moved to the town a decade ago, had surf lessons with Ms. Walker for a year. She initially felt apprehensive about surfing but was welcomed by the surfing community.
"I used to be super scared because there weren't many girls surfing. But recently, more girls have been getting into it," Ms. Klicker said.
She has built her confidence and discovered several secret spots, emphasizing the fun of exploring these hidden gems.
