The best things to do in Augusta, Western Australia

The best things to do in Augusta, Western Australia, include whale-watching, climbing the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and cruising down the Blackwood River.

6 best things to do in Augusta, WA

The best things to do in Augusta are:

Climb to the top of the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Walk the southern section of the Cape to Cape Track.
Swim at Granny’s Pool.
Cruise down the Blackwood River towards Molloy Island.
Take a whale-watching cruise between mid-May and late August.
Explore Jewel Cave.

Where is Augusta, WA?

Augusta is the last town in the south west of Western Australia. It lies on the Hardy Inlet and Flinders Bay, very close to Cape Leeuwin in Australia’s south-western corner.

Top Augusta experiences to book in advance

Climb the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse – and hopefully see dolphins from the top.
Take a tour of the huge and splendidly decorated Jewel Cave – and learn how preserved Tasmanian tigers have been found inside.
Go on a whale-watching cruise – with trained marine scientists as crew.

Things to do in Augusta, WA: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Indeed, Cape Leeuwin is home to many of Augusta’s top attractions. Top of the list of things to do in Augusta is usually visiting the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Guided lighthouse tours take visitors to the top of the tower, which has stood since the 19^th century. There’s a good chance of seeing dolphins swimming where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.

The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse near Augusta, Western Australia. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.

The lighthouse keepers’ historic water wheel, now encrusted in rock, is nearby. Skippy Rock, a low outcrop with beaches either side, is a little further north.

The Cape to Cape Track also finishes at Cape Leeuwin, should you feel like walking a stretch of it.

What to do in Augusta, WA: Granny’s Pool and Augusta River Tours

In the town of Augusta, there are a few parks, but the main highlight is Granny’s Pool, a tidal pool surrounded by rock walls. Granny’s Pool is a safe swimming spot on a notoriously rough coastline.

From Ellis Street Jetty, it’s possible to go on a nature cruise up the Blackwood River towards Molloy Island. The Augusta River Tours trips depart at 2pm every day, and sightings of dolphins, pelicans and black swans are common.

Things to do in Augusta, WA: Whale-watching cruises

Between mid-May and late August, there is another cruise option, as this is whale season. Naturaliste Charters runs whale-watching cruises from Augusta, with trained marine scientists on board. The knowledge is impressive, and the cruises get consistently high ratings from guests for a good reason. The tours can be booked online.

Augusta attractions: Jewel Cave and Hamelin Bay beach

Augusta is, however, best used as a base. A short drive to the north will take you to Jewel Cave, one of Australia’s best show caves. The cave decorations are predictably magnificent, but what you perhaps don’t expect are the tales of Tasmanian tigers that fell into the cave and became preserved as fossils.

Jewel Cave tours should be booked in advance.

Head a little further, and you can also meet stingrays in the shallows at Hamelin Bay beach.

Best Augusta accommodation options

The best places to stay in Augusta are:

For self-contained chalets on a farm: Sapphire Chalets.
For air-conditioned apartments with full kitchens: Augusta Escape Holiday Units.
For a good value motel: Baywatch Manor.

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