11 Awesome Augusta Attractions: Things to Do in 2024

Located in the most southern part of the Margaret River Region on the banks of Hardy Inlet (the mouth of the Blackwood River) is the small town of Augusta, Western Australia.  Whilst this town may appear small, it does not lack for things to do in Augusta when you are on a road trip in the South-West of Australia.

We visit Augusta on a day trip from Margaret River, however, there are plenty of Augusta attractions to keep you entertained if you decide to base yourself here for a holiday.  Continue reading to find out what to do in Augusta WA.

In this Article Learn Why You Should Visit August, Western Australia

• Augusta history
• 11 Things to do in Augusta
  • Museum
  • Lighthouse excursion
  • Exploring caves
  • Blackwood River activities
  • Family friendly attractions
• More things to see near Augusta
  • Hamelin Bay
  • Boronup Forest
  • Whale watching
• Tips to plan your trip to Augusta
  • Location
  • What to take
  • Where to find more information

---

This post by Tips 4 Trips contains affiliate links*.  This means I may receive a small commission if you click on these links. Learn more at the bottom of this post.

Augusta History

Augusta was Western Australia’s third settlement.  In 1830 a group of white settlers are persuaded to settle near Cape Leeuwin they were dropped off by Captain Matthew Flinders who had charted the south-west cape in 1801-1803.

A timber empire was established in the late 1800’s and shipping traffic around the cape increased.  This resulted in the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse being built and completed by 1896.  Local caves were discovered and opened to tourists in the early 1900’s and the population grew.  In the 1960’s abalone fishing industry was established, and Augusta prospered with the fishing and tourism industries.

11 Augusta Attractions

1. Augusta Historical Museum

If you would like to learn more about the town’s history, and see artefacts and photos there is a small historical museum at 101 Blackwood Avenue.

• Opening Times: Monday – Sunday 1pm-4pm
• Cost: $7.50/adult and free/child

2. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

For some more history take a tour of the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (LINK).  Not only will you get to climb to the top of the lighthouse and see where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.  But you’ll also learn about how this historic lighthouse was built and run by the lighthouse keepers who lived on-site until 1982.

Then wander about the entire site including into one of the lighthouse keeper’s cottages to learn what life was like for them.

• Website
• Opening hours: 9am-5pm (every 40mins)
• Cost: $21/adult and $10/child

Top Trip Tip: If you arrive early head into the Interpretation Centre

3. Jewel Cave

A ten-minute drive north of Augusta you will find the closest of the Margaret River show caves Jewel cave.  It is the biggest of all the show caves in the Margaret River Region

Arrive a little bit early before your booked tour to take time to read all the information boards.  They detail the history of the cave, how it was found and how the water levels within the cave have altered over time and offer different theories as to why this has happened.

Inside the cave, you will climb down 250 stairs and along timber boardwalks through three large chambers marvelling at tree roots that descend through the cave chambers, beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, enjoy a coloured light show and experience how cool and dark the cave was for the first explorers.

• Website
• Opening hours: 9am-5pm
• Cost: $24/adult and $12/child

Top Trip Tip: There are lots of stairs, so this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs and prams

4. Blackwood River

The town of Augusta sits near the mouth of the Blackwood River providing a large calm beachfront.  If you pick a warmer and sunnier day to visit Augusta than we did, there are so many ways to enjoy the waterfront.  You can try:

• Hire a boat, canoe or stand-up paddleboard
• Relax in the green grassed picnic areas
• Swim in the clear calm waters that are perfect for young kids

Family-Friendly Augusta Activities

Apart from the calm swimming waters of Augusta, there are couple more activities to keep the kids entertained and burn off their energy.  There is:

5. Mini Golf and Trampolines

The complex was established in 1975 and includes an 18-hole mini-golf course, trampolines and a retro games arcade with air hockey, pool table and table tennis.

• Open weekends and school holidays
• According to the Trip Advisor reviews the costs are minimal eg $5 per person for mini golf

6. Skate Park

The free skate park is located in August Civic Park one block inland from Blackwood Avenue on the corner of Hillview Road and Allnut Terrace.

Top Trip Tip: Remember to pack scooters, skateboards and helmets when packing for your family road trip

Things to Do Near Augusta

If you are looking for some day trips from August head north up Caves Road and you will find some beautiful natural settings.

7. Hamelin Bay

Hamelin Bay is located 16km north of August and is loved for its beautiful beach and marine life, particularly the stingrays.  It is a popular beach for swimming, snorkelling and fishing.

At Hamelin Bay Beach the sand is powdery white, and the water is calm turquoise.  Summer is the best time to spot stingrays, but please remember that stingrays are protected animals and must not be harmed.

However general fishing with a rod is permitted and there is a small jetty you fish from.  Or if you are into snorkelling then you’ll find wrecks not far from the coast.

Hamelin bay also offers lots of birdlife to see around the freshwater lake near the caravan park.

8. Margaret River Sculpture Park

For something a little different visit Margaret River Sculpture Park which offers over 30 sculptures from wood, stone and other materials to explore across ten acres.

• Open: Monday-Sunday 9am to 5pm
• Cost: $10/adult and $5/child

Top Trip Tip: Don’t forget to pack your swimming and snorkelling gear

9. Boranup Forest

Six kilometres from Hamelin Bay is Boranup Forest comprising of Karri trees up to 60m tall, but not quite as tall as those near the Pemberton.

You can stay on Caves Road, stopping at the Karri Lookout to enjoy the view.  Or you can via off the bitumen road onto the hard limestone dirt Boranup Drive to full immerse yourself into the forest to reach Boranup Lookout which provides views across the top of the forest out to Hamelin Bay.

10. Boranup Forest Maze

Boranup Drive loops back onto Caves Road a little further north.  As you drive back down stop at Boranup Forest Maze.  Twist and turn your way through the maze created from native and exotic shrubs.

• Open: Monday-Sunday 5am to 8pm
• Cost: $5/adult and $2/child

Top Trip Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy your day in the forest

11. Whale Watching

Whale-watching season is from late May through to early September.  Last year we took a whale-watching tour from Kalbarri – it was truly memorable and a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see these magnificent animals up close.

If you are in Augusta during whale-watching season, I would highly recommend a whale-watching tour for a unique day out.

Plan Your Trip to Augusta

Location

Augusta is located at the southern point of the Margaret River Region 314km from Perth.  It is only 43km further south than Margaret River town, so if you are not planning on staying in Augusta, it makes a great day trip destination from elsewhere within the region.

There are no domestic flights to Augusta, therefore it is a road trip destination.  If you don’t have a car you can hire a car in Perth, Bunbury or Busselton to explore the region.

To learn the location of all these attractions click on this interactive Augusta map.

Accommodation

In Augusta there are two caravan/holiday parks to stay at, both offer camping, caravan sites and chalets for rent.  There is also the Augusta Hotel Motel offering rooms and apartments. Alternatively, you can hire a private home.

What to Take

Augusta is a small town and most of the shops in Augusta flank Blackwood Avenue.  You’ll find essentials like:

• IGA supermarket
• Bottle mart
• Pharmacy
• Augusta Bakery – which is very popular

As most of the accommodation choices are self-catering/contained check out our self-catering packing list that includes a menu planner and shopping list.

More Information

For more information about Augusta and the Margaret River Region

• Check out the official tourism website
• Read one of these West Australian travel guides*

Check Prices

Continue reading more of our articles on Western Australia and the Margaret River Region

• Taste Sensations of the Margaret River Region
• Stay at Riverview Tourist Park in Margaret River
• Plan Your Visit to Jewel Cave and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
• Discover Why You Should Visit Augusta
• Fun Things to Do in Busselton
• Discover Funky Cowaramup (COMING SOON)
• Explore the Margaret River Caves (COMING SOON)
• Enjoy so Many Things to do in the Margaret River Region (COMING SOON)

⇓ PIN THIS  ⇓

• 

• 

• 

• We paid our own costs.
  • Learn how we save for travel
• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
• As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
• Additional Affiliate links* with Book Depository* and Viator* and Booking.com* and Rental Cars*and GetYourGuide*
  • This means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using this link, however it does not cost you any extra to purchase through these links.
  • For more information please visit my Disclaimer Page and Privacy Policy.