The quiet little coastal town of Augusta has plenty of things to see and do. Here we have noted our top 8 favourite activities and all the information you need to know about them.
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!
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. 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 +65 $19. It is worth noting that children under the age of 4yrs are not permitted to climb the lighthouse. Children under 17yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
2. Blackwood River House Boats
The Blackwood River houseboats are perfectly equipped for private cruising. Families and friends can join onboard enjoying 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. Prices range in value during the peak and off peak seasons.
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 grassed 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. It houses Fossilised remains of several Tasmanian Tigers or Thylacines. 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. 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. These 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. It is recommended to bring along the following. Water bottle, sunscreen, wet weather gear (if rainy weather), and a fun-filled attitude!
6. Subsea Estate Wine & Abalone Experience
In the heart of Augusta, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. Rare Foods Australia has created a world-first fusion of sustainable aquaculture and fine dining. Their greenlip abalone are carefully raised on artificial reefs in Flinders Bay. Feeding on drifting seaweed to develop a tender texture and delicate, ocean-fresh flavour.
Subsea Estate complements this delicacy with a groundbreaking winemaking method—aging their wines 20 metres beneath the sea. The constant temperature and ocean movement help create complex, refined wines unlike any produced on land.
Visitors to the Subsea Estate Cellar Door at Augusta Boat Harbour. Can indulge in this harmonious pairing of ocean-aged wines and freshly prepared abalone. All while enjoying panoramic views of the harbour and Flinders Bay. This immersive experience offers a rare opportunity to taste the synergy between land and sea, tradition and innovation. Making it a must-visit for culinary adventurers.
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 the end of May until August, you may also spot a few calves. The southern right whales come into Flinders Bay to calve during this time. The season flips to the southern migration past Dunsborough from August end until late November. So if you miss the northern migration in Augusta you can drive 1 hour to Dunsborough instead and board a tour from there.
Tours run twice a day (weather permitting) at 10 am and 2 pm from the Augusta Boat Harbour. Seniors discount and family packages are available.
Whether you are drawn to the wild beauty of the coastline, the peaceful charm of historic sites. Or the unforgettable thrill of whale watching in Flinders Bay, Augusta has something to ignite your sense of adventure. This coastal treasure in the Margaret River Region offers the perfect blend of natural wonder and relaxed exploration. As you plan your next getaway, be sure to include Augusta on your itinerary. You will leave with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for one of Western Australia’s most captivating destinations.
DISCLAIMER
Prices displayed in this blog may change over time. Please check with each individual provider to get the most up-to-date pricing.
