17 Things to Do in Augusta (Western Australia) You Can’t Miss These WA Gems!
Augusta is the place where whale watching, maritime history, and small-town vibes, meets stunning landscapes, caves and forests!
Tucked away at the southwestern tip of the Western Australia, it’s a 3.5-hour drive from Perth. This makes it absolutely perfect for a weekend getaway or the start of a nice road trip.
Must-do things here include visiting Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, which stands tall at the confluence of the Indian and Southern Oceans.
There’s also whale-watching, a bucket-list experience that happens in Augusta’s waters a few months per year (May – August).
And we can’t forget the underground wonder of Jewel Cave, with its ancient crystals. Photos just don’t do it justice!
The best time to visit is definitely summer, but other seasons have their own appeal. We’ll discuss that later on. With that said, here’s a list of 17 must-do activities in Augusta, you may even think – Where do I even start?!
No worries, we’re here to guide you through everything Augusta has to offer – from the top sights, the best bites, cosy places to stay, how to make your way there, and more!
Table of Contents
17 Top things to do in Augusta (WA)
During your visit to Augusta, make sure you do at least some of these things:
1) Visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Augusta Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse marks the point where the Indian and Southern oceans meet, so the views are like no other. It’s right here, a 13-minute drive from town.
It was built in the late 1800s, and it’s both the tallest lighthouse in mainland Australia and the most south-westerly point. So, this historic lighthouse has lots of stories to tell!
You can join a guided tour of the lighthouse and climb to the top for the best views. And during whale-watching season, it’s an excellent viewpoint to spot these majestic creatures frolicking in the waters below.
🤩 Wanna know all about Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and its history? Book this epic, small-group tour! Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour.
2) Whale-watching
The whale-watching season runs from May to August, and it’s absolutely incredible. At the southernmost tip of Western Australia it’s a rugged, wild coastline to watch these friendly giants.
During the season, Southern Right whales and Humpback whales make their way to the sheltered waters around Augusta for breeding. And if you’re lucky, you might see the rare Blue whales, too!
You can see them from Cape Leeuwin lighthouse and even from Flinders Bay. But honestly, it’s best to go on a whale-watching tour to see them up close.
These tours get you up close and personal with these magnificent creatures, and the guides can offer heaps of interesting facts about them.
Just make sure to stay 3-4 days and book your whale-watching tour on the first day or two of your visit. This is just in case the weather isn’t good and you have to reschedule the tour.
These are the best whale-watching tours in Augusta, check them out:
3) Check out Jewel Cave
Jewel Cave is the largest show cave in Western Australia. We loved this tour, a must do! It’s here, a short drive north of Augusta (around 10 minutes).
The formations in the cave are spectacular!
This massive underground cave features three massive chambers with crystals, stalagmites, and the longest straw stalactites found in Australia. There’s also the fossil remains of a thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) in its depths.
Thankfully, the paths are well-maintained and lit, making it easy to explore. Plus, there’s a cafe at the visitor centre where you can grab a bite after your adventure.
🤩 Jewel Cave tours run regularly, so you can get the lowdown on all the cave’s secrets from the experts! Book it here: Jewel Cave Fully-Guided Tour.
This is not the only cave in the area, though.
The Margaret River Region is famous for having several caves. Jewel Cave is one of the most popular, but others worth visiting include:
Lake Cave. A stunning and calm subterranean lake, known for its pristine water and delicate formations, including the “Suspended Table”. Book a tour here.
Mammoth Cave. A massive, fossil-rich cave that offers self-guided tours, showcasing ancient megafauna. Book a tour here.
Ngilgi Cave. An enchanting cave system known for its impressive stalactite, stalagmite, and helictite formations, offering guided tours that delve into both its natural beauty and cultural significance. Book a tour here.
4) See the stingrays at Hamelin Bay
Hamelin Bay is all about getting up close with the locals. And by locals, we mean the friendly stingrays that glide right up to the shoreline!
They used to feed on fish close to the shore because of local fisherman, but they are now a locals favourite and have become what appears to be very comfortable with humans.
Check out our Instagram video of meetings these friendly stingrays.
Plus, it’s a quick 15-minute drive from Augusta’s town centre, right here.
The best time to see them is around the warmer months (December and February) when the water’s clear and the stingrays are out and about.
You can still see them at other times of the year but possibly in fewer numbers.
Now, while it’s absolutely epic to see them, remember that stingrays are wild animals and you’ll be in their territory. Keep a respectful distance, don’t touch or feed them – just admire them from afar.
(You can see Bec touching them in the video but this is not recommended obviously! They are wild animals after all)
Aside from stingray spotting, Hamelin Bay is perfect for a nice day at the beach, fishing, and even kayaking.
🤩 This weekend tour from Perth takes you through the main highlights of the area, including Hamelin Bay! Check it out: 2-Day Margaret River Region Impression Tour From Perth
5) Visit Flinders Bay
Flinder’s Bay is a nice beach near Augusta (a 5-minute drive from town, right here).
It’s popular for its crystal-clear water and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a chill day swimming, fishing, boating, or paddle boarding.
And if you visit during whale season (mentioned above), you might see them frolicking and breaching from the shore!
The sunrises here are absolutely worth waking up early for.
6) Swim at Granny’s Pool
Granny’s Pool is this little gem right next to Flinder’s Bay, right here. It’s a natural, sheltered pool where you can swim without the full force of the ocean waves.
Grannys Pool water is crystal clear and lovely for a swim!
The above images are actually of the beach just around the corner from Granny’s Pool. You can see its very protected and great swimming.
This makes it perfect for a family day, as the little ones can swim safely in the calm waters. It’s also great for novice snorkellers.
The area around Granny’s Pool is absolutely beautiful as well, so schedule a bit of time to wander around, take some photos, or just sit back and relax.
Bring a picnic to Granny’s Pool! Its a great place to hang out during the day in summer.
7) Visit Cosy Corner and check out the blowholes
Cosy Corner is this little beach near Hamelin Bay, a 15-minute drive from Augusta, right here.
There are a few blowholes, which are natural rock formations where the sea waves shoot through the cracks, up to 6 metres high! It’s fascinating.
The beach itself is sheltered, making for a nice place to swim and enjoy the view.
Note: If you are impressed by the blowholes in Cosy Corner, wait until you see the ones in Torndirrup National Park, near Albany!
8) Enjoy the Blackwood River
The Blackwood River is a massive, winding river that’s like the backbone of the region. It stretches 270km, all the way through some of WA’s most scenic landscapes.
You can easily access it during your visit to Augusta. It’s calm waters are surrounded by lush bushland, perfect for kayaking, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching.
The cruises along the river are epic. They allow you to soak in the scenery, spot wildlife, and learn about the area without breaking a sweat.
9) Explore the Augusta historical museum (and local town!)
The Augusta Historical Society & Museum is in the town centre, right here.
It takes a deep dive into the history of the region and showcases local artifacts. It’s run by locals who volunteer to share the history of their town with visitors.
10) Go fishing (and visit Ellis Street Jetty)
Fishing in Augusta is pretty much an angler’s dream, with spots where you can cast a line and be pretty confident you’ll snag something good. The best spots include:
Blackwood River.
Ellis Street Jetty if you don’t want to go out of town.
Just remember to check the local fishing regulations beforehand!
11) Hike a section of the Cape to Cape track
The Cape to Cape Track is a famous and challenging trail that stretches between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. It covers 125 kilometres of Western Australia’s stunning southwest coast.
It takes around a week to tackle the whole thing, but the good news is that you don’t have to!
The bit of track near Augusta offers coastal scenery and historical sites, perfect for exploring the area in just a few hours. It’s a must-do for the panoramic views alone.
🤩 Do the spectacular Cape-to-Cape track with a guide AND comfort, with this 9-day “hike and resort experience” tour: 9-day Cape to Cape hike and resort experience
12) 4WD along the local tracks
Four-wheel driving gives you the thrill of tackling the rugged terrain while enjoying some of the most unspoiled, scenic spots there are. Few things can offer that perfect balance!
The best spots to do this in Augusta are:
Bob’s Track, a must-do in the area if you’re up for the challenge. Just a short drive from Augusta, it offers a real bush driving experience with a few tricky spots that’ll keep you on your toes. For experienced drivers only!
Deepdene Beach, a beach that can only be accessed with 4WD. The track down to the beach can be soft and challenging, making it an exciting test for your driving skills. The beach itself is an amazing reward, as it’s usually deserted.
Boranup Beach, offers a drive through the majestic Boranup Forest before hitting the pristine beach. The forest track is an experience in itself, with towering karri trees lining the route.
Before you head out to any of these spots, make sure your 4WD is up for the challenge and you’re prepared with essentials, especially recovery gear. Speak to the locals for the best advice.
🤩 Don’t have a 4WD? No problem! You can rent one from Perth with Discover Cars, just filter your search by 4×4 to find the best deals: Discover Cars 4WD rental.
13) Take in the views from Hillview Lookout
Hillview Lookout is this incredible vantage point that’s a 10-minute drive from Augusta, right here.
It’s perched atop Hillview Road, offering you 360° views of the region. You’ll see everything, including the Blackwood River and the lush, rolling farmland surrounding it. It’s awe-inspiring.
14) Check out the historic water wheel
During your visit to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, don’t forget to check out the old water wheel, a short walk from the lighthouse (right here).
It was originally built back in the late 1800s to supply water to the lighthouse keepers and their gardens. Nowadays, this old timber and iron structure is now a calcified relic due to the mineral-rich water flowing over it.
Awesome spots near Augusta
As you can see, there are lots of things to do in Augusta. But there’s plenty more nearby if you have a few extra days! Cool nearby spots to check out include:
15) Margaret River
This town is the heart of the Margaret River wine region, and it’s a 30-minute drive from Augusta.
It’s a hub of everything that makes the south west so special – world-renowned wineries, craft breweries, gourmet plates, all against the backdrop of jaw-dropping natural landscapes.
Margaret River is also home to some of the finest surfing beaches in the region, like Surfer’s Point or Prevelly Beach.
Keep reading: 32 things to do in Margaret River, Western Australia.
16) Pemberton
Pemberton is a 1.5-hour drive from Augusta.
It’s where you go if you want to see the towering karri trees. This town is home to the famous Gloucester Tree and the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree.
Apart from hiking, mountain biking, and fishing, the region’s climate has a thriving wine industry. There are also truffle farms!
Learn more: 22 epic things to do in Pemberton, WA + how to plan your visit.
17) Windy Harbour
Windy Harbour is a 2-hour drive from Augusta, right here.
It has a raw, untouched coastal beauty that’s also a bit secluded, away from crowded tourist spots. It’s truly hard to match.
It’s ideal for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, fishing, hiking, and whale watching during migration season.
When is the best time to visit Augusta (Western Australia)?
The best time to visit Augusta is generally in the summer, between December and February, as this allows you to enjoy all the water activities comfortably.
However summer is known to be quite a windy time in WA, so autumn is the next best time to visit Augusta. For whale-watching, the winter months from May to August are the best time to visit.
How to get to Augusta?
You can get to Augusta by plane, car, coach (bus), or with a tour! Here are the details of each transportation method:
Getting there by plane
We don’t recommend flying to Augusta unless you plan on doing a road trip along the southwest.
This is because, even though Augusta has a small airport, it’s only for charter flights. The nearest airport with commercial flights is in Albany… a 4-hour drive away.
Driving from Perth to Augusta takes 3.5 hours, though! That’s why flying is not a wise option if you only want to visit Augusta.
If you want to do a road trip that starts in Albany and stops in Augusta along the way, it might make more sense.
That said, if you want to book flights to Albany, we 100% recommend using Trip.com to find and book your flights. They find the cheapest deals available we have used them multiple times on our travels.
Getting there by car
This is our favourite way to get to Augusta, it’s the easiest and such a great roadtrip!
The journey covers around 320 kilometres, which takes between 3.5 to 4 hours depending on the route and how often you stop.
It’s one of the most scenic drives you’ll take, as you’ll drive along the coast, and then through forests. It’s absolutely beautiful and not repetitive at all.
You can break up the drive in Bunbury (Go to the Bunbury Farmers Market!) and Busselton (Check out the Busselton Jetty great for snorkelling or a train ride).
If you don’t mind a detour, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay are also great stops!
Due to its location, Augusta makes a prime stop for a few road trips, like from Perth to Esperance.
Now, if you don’t have a 4WD, you might want to rent one in Perth.
There are several places in the city where you can rent a car. If you want to book online in advance then – We recommend Discover Cars they have simplified the booking process online.
They’re a car rental service that finds you the best deals in Perth, and for pretty much any kind of vehicle, including 4WDs.
Just go into the filters, under “car specifications”, and click on 4×4. This will show you only the 4WD deals available!
Plus, most offers have unlimited mileage – you’ll be grateful for having this if you want to explore everything Augusta has to offer.
Getting there by coach
This is the cheapest way to get to Augusta. A round ticket from Perth costs around $120 and the trip takes around 6 hours.
The TransWA route that takes you to Augusta is the SW1 East Perth to Augusta and Pemberton via Bunbury and Augusta. They’ll drop you in the centre of town, at this bus stop.
Book your tickets, check the info on the timetables, and more on TransWa’s website!
Note: To our knowledge, there’s no car rental service in Augusta. The nearest are in Margaret River and Albany. Visiting by coach can severely restrict the things you can do.
Visit Augusta with a tour
Want to visit Augusta without having to do any driving or planning? Then booking a tour will be your best option!
If that’s you, check out this tour: 3-Day Margaret River Escape. It’s a 3-day, small-group tour that starts and ends in Perth, taking you through the highlights of the Margaret River region, including:
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (see the whales when in season)
Lunch at Colour Patch for amazing Blackwood River views
Mammoth Cave
Boranup Forest
Wine-tasting at boutique vineyards
It includes transportation, accommodation (one night at a 4-star resort), entry fees to the lighthouse and the cave, as well as most meals!
This tour is the easiest way to check the highlights of the region (including a bit of Augusta) without the hassle!
Terrific guide, well-planned itinerary, kept to the scheduled timing. We really enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend.
-Lynn
How many days to stay in Augusta?
Staying 3-4 days in Augusta is recommended. This will give you ample time to check out the key sights without a hurry, such as:
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Nearby caves (Jewel Cave, Lake Cave, and Mammoth Cave)
Go whale watching
Go surfing, fishing, kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, etc
However, if you want to visit other nearby towns, we recommend adding one extra day per town!
Top accommodations in Augusta
There are several places to stay in Augusta, here’s a rundown of the best ones:
- Best hotel: Augusta Hotel. Right in the heart of town, this hotel/motel has rooms and cottages that accommodate up to 4 people.
Best budget-friendly stay: Baywatch Manor Augusta. This property is next to the Augusta Hotel, in the town centre. Apart from the excellent location, it offers a variety of rooms suitable for couples, families, or up to 4 adults.
Best for families and groups: Jecks Beachside accommodation. It’s a 3-room house, pet-friendly, with ocean views. You could watch the whales right down the street! Sleeps up to 6 people.
Best caravan park: Turner Holiday Park. This caravan park is across the river mouth, a stone’s throw from the town centre. You can rent chalets that sleep up to 5 people, as well as powered and unpowered sites.
Best luxury: Boogaloo Camp. Up for some glamping? This adult-only campground is the place to be! They have tents, yurts, and domes to truly experience nature while keeping comfort.
Where to eat in Augusta?
Augusta is a small town with excellent places to eat, mostly cafés and seafood restaurants. Here are a few of the most popular:
Blue Ocean Fish & Chips ($) is your budget-friendly choice if you want a nice, quick lunch with some of the freshest seafood in Augusta.
Gustys pizza ($$) is the Italian restaurant in town. The pizzas here are delicious.
Colour Patch Cafe & Bar ($$) is a local favourite. The food is great, the views are better, and the setting is unbeatable – it’s on a wooden yacht by the water! They serve breakfast and lunch with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
The Ragged Robin ($$) is where you go for your coffee fix. It’s a quirky café with excellent coffee and sweet treats.
Glenarty Road ($$) is a top-notch winery, a 15-minute drive from town. The local wines are to die for, and the food is just unparalleled. Come here to pamper your tastebuds!
Top tips
The weather in Augusta can be a bit unpredictable, even within a single day, so prepare for all conditions, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities. Pack layers, waterproof clothing, and sun protection, regardless of the season.
If you’re venturing off the main roads, be prepared for gravel roads and 4WD tracks, especially if you’re heading to more secluded spots.
Always make sure your vehicle is suitable for the road, and that you have enough experience to handle the conditions. Distances can be deceptive, too, so it’s wise to bring extra fuel and water.
Did you know?
Flinder’s Bay was named after the British navigator Matthew Flinders, who explored the area in 1801. It’s a key historical and natural landmark in Augusta. There is quite a dark history here about whaling, it can be quite upsetting to read about, but glad we have changed our ways as a community!
The Bay is once known for its whaling history, now serves as a popular spot for whale watching, with Southern Right, Humpback, and occasionally Blue whales spotted during the migration season from June to September.
FAQs
When is the best time for whale watching in Augusta?
The best time for whale watching in Augusta is during the winter and early spring months, specifically from June to September.
When can you see stingrays at Hamelin Bay?
You can see stingrays at Hamelin Bay throughout the year, but the best chances are during the warmer months from November to April, when they often come close to the shore to interact with visitors.
How far is Augusta from Perth?
Augusta is about 320 kilometres south of Perth, or a 3.5-4 hour drive depending on the route.
The bottom line
Augusta is a gem of the southwest, ticking boxes for every kind of traveller.
From the historic allure of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, standing sentinel where two oceans meet, to the exhilarating experience of whale-watching, Augusta offers things that are hard to find anywhere else.
Like Jewel Cave, showcasing nature’s artistry over millennia. And let’s not forget the nearby Hamelin Bay, with its beautiful stingrays.
Augusta must be seen to be believed. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, adventure seeker, or just in need of a peaceful retreat, this town welcomes you with open arms and lots of epic experiences!
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