Surrounded by beautiful Karri Forests and stunning sandy beaches, Augusta is as far southwest as you can go in Australia. The next stop would be Antarctica!
This quiet little coastal town has plenty of things to see and do and here we have noted our top 8 favorite activities and all the information you need to know about them.
1. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour
Standing at the point where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet, the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia. Take a trip through the interpretive center to learn all about the maritime history of the area and tales of numerous lighthouse keepers, could the ghosts of some keepers still be within the lighthouse?
Lighthouse tours depart every half hour daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Tour prices are $21 for adults, kids (4-16yrs) $10, and seniors $19. It is worth noting that children under the age of 4yrs are not permitted to climb the lighthouse and children under 17yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
2. Blackwood River House Boats
The Blackwood River houseboats are perfectly equipped for private cruising with family and friends along the longest river in Australia’s South West. There are 4 fully self-contained house boats to choose from ranging in room to sleep 4 to 8 people. All linen is provided so all you need to bring along is your food, drinks and a good sense of adventure.
Skippers’ tickets are not required to drive the house boats and you will be given a full induction when you arrive. You will also be given a list of places to explore up the river. 3-night weekend prices start from $1,749 off-peak (1st Feb to 13th Of Dec) and $1,969 during peak season (14th of Dec to 31st of Jan).
3. Swims at Flinders Bay
Take the family down for a swim in the crystal-clear blue waters of Flinders Bay. The sandy shore and granite rock outcrop really do make the perfect bay for a dip. Race the kids while swimming out to the pontoon and have fun climbing up and jumping off. The foreshore has a beautiful grass area under big shady trees, free gas barbecue, a children’s playground, and a toilet and shower block. And the best thing about this activity is that it is totally free!
4. Jewel Cave
Jewel Cave is just a 10-minute drive north from Augusta and is the largest show cave in Western Australia. The cave is estimated to be a million years old and houses Fossilised remains of several Tasmanian Tigers or Thylacines and the longest straw stalactite of any tourist cave in the world.
The cave is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm with hour-long guided tours operating. Ticket prices are $24 for adults, $12 for children (4-16yrs) & $22 for seniors. Children under the age of 17yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
5. Eco Adventures Quad Bike Tour
Head out on a tour through the magical Boranup Forest on the world’s first electric quad bikes! This family fun adventure suits all from the ages of 4-94 yrs. Explore 18 kms of amazing forest trails that include the spectacular towering Karri trees, caves and views of two oceans.
Tours run for around 90 minutes and it is a requirement to hold a current driver’s license to operate a bike. Bikes can fit 1-2 people with the single tour price being $110 and $175 for 2 people on the bike. Enclosed shoes must be worn and it is recommended to bring along a water bottle, sunscreen, wet weather gear (if rainy weather), and a fun-filled attitude.
6. Farm to Plate Experience at Glenarty Road
Glenarty is a boutique farm and vineyard just a short 15-minute drive from Augusta in Karridale. The fifth-generation family farm prides itself on its unique offering and delightful farm-to-plate offerings. They also offer several different experiences on the farm that incorporates learning about the wine and farm operations.
For the best experience in learning and tasting their amazing products book their wine, food & farm experience. Here you will journey through the farm and taste 10 wines right at the source while foraging & roaming a four-stage feast of seasonal produce, farm snacks, house-made charcuterie, and freshly baked breads. The cost is $140 per person, operating from 12pm Wednesday to Monday.
7. Let’s Go Fishing
Being a coastal town, Augusta certainly has plenty of fish in the sea (and river!). So if you like to cast a line and hunt and gather your dinner, be sure to pack a fishing rod. The Ellis St jetty on the blackwood river foreshore makes for the perfect learners point for kids with plenty of black bream about. Or try for herring whiting and salmon (when in season) along many of the sandy bays or even at the Augusta Boat Harbour.
8. Whale Watching with Naturaliste Charters
Ever wanted to head out on a whale-watching tour to see some of the biggest mammals on earth out in the wild? You’re in luck, Naturaliste Charters offers whale watching in Augusta during the months of late May through to August. Experience the humpback and southern right whales making the migration north. Around July-August, you may also spot a few giant babies as the southern right whales come into Flinders Bay to calve during this time.
Tours run twice a day (weather permitting) at 10 am and 2 pm from the Augusta Boat Harbour. Ticket prices are $95 for adults, $85 for seniors (65+ yrs), $55 for children (3-14 yrs Under 2 yrs are free) and family passes for 2 adults and 2 children are $260.
We hope you have fun exploring all that Augusta has to offer!
DISCLAIMER
Prices displayed in this blog may change over time. Please check with each individual provider to get the most up-to-date pricing.
