The pretty coastal town of Augusta is located in the shire of Margaret River – a popular tourist town and well-known wine and surfing region. Augusta is a small town located on the Blackwood River with a lookout to Flinders Bay and the river mouth.
Augusta’s location at the very south west tip of Western Australia and cornerstone of two oceans sees the region attract mainly tourists and those wanting to escape the busy city life of Perth. It is located 317 km south of its capital city Perth. Margaret River township is only 43 km, a comfortable half hour drive away.
Augusta nestles into an undulating coastal ridge beside a river and ocean setting and although surfing is limited it makes up for it with fishing and boating opportunities. The surrounding area is a combination of natural and untamed national parks, ocean beaches and the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
To the west the beaches are wild and sandy tracks invite drivers to explore the seaside locations, inspiring four wheel driving with not so frequented surf breaks amongst the walk trails which skirt the ocean.
When visiting this gorgeous coastal town, there is a range of stunning restaurants and cafes to visit. Here are our top ten Augusta restaurants to check out on your next trip.
The Colourpatch Augusta
Credit: The Colour Patch Website
The Colourpatch Augusta is a cafe, bar and takeaway, offering meals 7 days a week. They mainly offer contemporary Australian fare with a focus on seafood and regional produce. Other offering include a breakfast menu, all day menu and their wine list is the who’s who of Margaret River region wines, gin and brewed beers. Their happy hour runs from 3 pm – 5 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, with Friday being their infamous pizza night. This also the perfect place to stop in for morning and afternoon tea and choose from their cake range.
The Colourpatch’s stunning location overlooking the Blackwood River and Turner Street Jetty make it a wonderful choice for individuals, couples and families to enjoy a relaxing and ambient meal out on the deck or within the restaurant.
The ceiling-to-floor glass windows enable a stunning view from any seat. This venue is also wheelchair friendly with access ramps and a spacious floor and bathroom area.
Venue details
98 Albany Terrace, Augusta
Sunday – Wednesday: 8:30 am – 3 pm
Thursday – Saturday: 8:30 am – 8 pm
Thousand Suns Cafe
Credit: Thousand Suns Cafe’ on Facebook
Thousand Suns Cafe is located in the centre of Augusta on Blackwood Avenue. They specialise in fresh barista made coffee with coffee beans from Central America, roasted by their local coffee roaster – The Cape Effect. Offering reasonably priced breakfast and lunch with vegetarian and vegan options available, their breakfast, lunch time menu and cake offerings are specially home made and a fan favorite with locals. The establishment offers a unique blend of Western and Asian cuisine to coax any palate.
The ambience is pleasant, and the restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The decor has a modern touch and the venue features indoor and outdoor seating, with a lovely outdoor area that is perfect for enjoying a meal on a sunny day. The outdoor area is surrounded by greenery, and the seating is comfortable and cozy.
The indoor area is spacious and well-lit, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The cafe is also wheelchair accessible, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the food and ambiance.
Venue details
93 Blackwood Ave, Augusta
Monday – Saturday: 7 am – 3 pm
Sunday: 7 am – 12 pm
Deckchair Cafe
Credit: Deckchair Cafe on Facebook
Deckchair Cafe on Blackwood Avenue is a popular stop for locals and visitors with their breakfast and lunch offerings. Deckchair Café call themselves a gourmet eatery and coffee house, with their choice of brewed coffee being Yahava which is locally sourced and supplied. They have fish and chips on Friday and Saturday evening from 5pm to 7:30pm with locally caught whiting and bronze whaler.
Breakfast offerings include a number of choices and lunches are panini’s, quiche, fresh wraps and hot food. Deckchair has an indoor and outdoor seating selection to suit the weather conditions and there is a view from out front down to the river.
Venue details
50 Blackwood Ave, Augusta
Monday – Thursday: 7:30 am – 3 pm
Friday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 3 pm; 5 pm – 7:30 pm
Augusta Hotel
Credit: Augusta Hotel Website
Located on edge of a hill next to Blackwood Avenue the Augusta Hotel’s position is something that attracts visitors all year round. The view from the rear of the property where you can find seating indoors, on the deck or below in the garden area offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Blackwood River, river mouth and Flinders Bay beyond.
Being a hotel, the Augusta offers some accommodation and a serious range of alcoholic beverages, refreshments and meals are prepared onsite from their in-house kitchen. Lunch and dinner here are what you would expect from a country pub, a hearty plate full of food, with a family friendly menu on offer! This is a good place for travellers to stop and watch the footy on their big screen whilst having a few ales and a meal. The Augusta Hotel offers a good atmosphere in an old pub.
Don’t forget you can claim a 20% discount of your meals by showing your Augusta Whale Watching Eco Tour booking when ordering at the Augusta Hotel. (Valid on the day of your tour – does not include drinks).
Venue details
53 Blackwood Ave, Augusta
Monday – Sunday: 7:30 am – 10 pm
Augusta Bakery & Cafe
Credit: Augusta Bakery & Cafe on Facebook
The Bakery as it is known locally, Augusta Bakery & Cafe has been opening its doors for many years with visitors regularly coming back to grab and go or sit down in the cafe next door for a relaxed meal in comfort. The outlook from the cafe’s windows takes in a large part of the Blackwood River along Hardy Inlet across to the river mouth and the ocean beyond.
The bakery offers an extensive range of treats from cakes, biscuits and meringue and their sandwich, panini, rolls, pie and sausage roll offerings compete with each other for the best choice award. For those requiring something gluten free they have delicious asian selections like sushi and rice wraps as well as GF cakes.
Venue details
121 Blackwood Ave, Augusta
Monday – Sunday: 6 am – 3 pm
Karridale Tavern
Credit: Karridale Tavern
Karridale Tavern is located one town north of Augusta at the crossroads of Bussell Highway and Bushby Road which ends at the iconic tourist drive – Caves Road. Karridale Tavern is frequented by locals and visitors and offers a bar and bistro serving traditional pub style food with a middle eastern twist with an afternoon bar snack menu available.
There are gluten free options available. You can choose from a range of local (always cold) craft beers or quality wines. The bar and kitchen open 7 days a week.
Venue details
12440 Bussell Hwy, Karridale
Monday – Sunday: 11:30 am – 9pm
But There’s More
If the above venues don’t catch your interest, here are a few more top spots to check out for your next visit:
- Augusta Fish & Chips for fresh ocean caught fish
- The Ragged Robin, an eclectic coffee shop and store
- Augusta Moon Chinese Restaurant and Takeaway
- Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Cafe for when you are sightseeing
Other things to do in Augusta
Here are just a few of the great activities you can do whilst you are visiting Augusta.
From whale watching to sight seeing, fishing, swimming or boating, there’s bound to be something that may take your interest in this coastal town.
Whale Watching
Naturaliste Charters thrilling Whale Watching Tours in Augusta operate from May through to August, with daily departures from the Augusta Boat Harbour at 10am and 2pm running for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
This family friendly experience is like no other, guided by the expert crew onboard the modern, purpose built tour vessel, the Alison Maree. They are so passionate about everyone witnessing the beauty of the Augusta whales they offer a Whale Watching Guarantee.
With a strong 99% whale sighting success rate, on the small chance you don’t see whales on your tour, you will be welcomed to join them again on another tour for FREE! T&C’s apply.
A booking with Naturaliste Charters entitles you to a 20% discount on all meals at Augusta Hotel on the day of your tour. Just show them your booking confirmation. (Not valid for drinks)
Augusta Adventure Package
Naturaliste Charters run an Augusta Adventure Package so you can book all three tours with one click and we will arrange your day for you.
| Time | Itinerary |
| 9:30 am | Enjoy your guided tour through Jewel Cave |
| 10:45 am | Depart Jewel Cave and self drive to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse |
| 11:30 am | Explore the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse on your guided tour. |
| 12:30 pm | Pick your lunch spot using this guide (PLEASE NOTE: You can get a 20% discount at Augusta Hotel by showing your itinerary). |
| 1:40 pm | Arrive at Augusta Boat Harbour for your 2pm Whale Watching tour with Naturaliste Charters. |
| 4:30 pm | Your tours are now over, head home, relax and enjoy the buzz after your sensational day in Augusta. |
To book this fantastic tour, Just visit Naturaliste Charters website and select the Augusta Adventure Package
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Take a trip through maritime history and learn how this famous landmark was constructed from local limestone in 1895 and is still a vital working lighthouse for vessels navigating the treacherous cape. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse sits at the merging of two oceans and even though it is still a working lighthouse visitors are able to climb up and see the amazing 360 degree view of the ocean and capes nearby.
The nearby Interpretive Centre, housed within one of the original lighthouse keepers’ cottages, is an outstanding interactive experience that celebrates the history and lives of the numerous lighthouse keepers who were custodians of this rugged coastline. Visitors can also enjoy tea and scones or lunch at the cafe.
Jewel Cave
The largest show cave in Western Australia, Jewel Cave is a three chamber cave experience, well decorated and containing many beautiful examples of delicate helectites, cave coral, pendulites, stalagmites and beautiful examples of flowstone.
Fossils have been found in the cave the most interesting of these is the Tasmanian Tiger known as a thylacine. A short walk trail meanders through the forest above the cave, passing the interesting ‘original entrance’ to the cave. Fully guided tours take approximately one hour so wear comfortable non slip shoes.
There’s something for everyone
You might want to extend your stay in Augusta and immerse yourself in this beautiful part of the world, experiencing what this region has to offer during spring, summer, winter or autumn.
There is a myriad of gorgeous accommodations on offer, places to visit, great food experiences, wineries, breweries and distilleries and from May to November – whales to watch.
There truly is something for everyone to enjoy when visiting Augusta in the stunning Margaret River Region.
