Visitors to the South West should stop off at the peaceful and picturesque little fishing village of Augusta. Situated on the banks of the beautiful Blackwood River, where it meets the Southern Ocean, Augusta is only 320 kilometres south of Perth on a pleasant 3 ½ hour drive, and serviced regularly by coach. It is 43 kilometres south of Margaret River.
Now a thriving fish port and popular tourist destination, Augusta is the third oldest European settlement in Western Australia, first settled in 1830. The town boasts all the necessary amenities to satisfy most needs, offers much to see and do and has a new double storey backpackers’ resort. Budget priced meals and takeaways are within easy walking distance of the resort.
For those with an adventurous spirit, the surrounding area offers walking trails, sailing, fishing, caving (both tourist and adventure), scuba diving, surfing, water skiing, windsurfing, cycling, canoeing and most sports. There are even scenic flights, horse riding and whale watching charters (June-December). Or for a more relaxed pace a ferry offers scenic cruises on the Blackwood river, or take yourself on a visit to one of the range of craft outlets including a glass blowing studio. And for the history buffs, a visit to the Augusta Historical Museum is a definite must, and for a look back in time a visit to the Old Print Shop to see historic printing presses still in use.
Bluegum Miniature Railway and Collectibles Museum is not far away, and neither are the wineries of the Margaret River region, together with the Boranup karri forest and Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, while Hillview Lookout and lots of nearby coastal areas with sheltered bays or wide open beaches are close to town.
Only nine kilometres further south of Augusta you can visit the most south westerly point of Australia at Cape Leeuwin, and climb the magnificent limestone lighthouse constructed in 1895/96. The views from its 39 metre balcony are superb, and if you’re in luck you may even spot a whale or two. The lighthouse is open daily and well worth a look.
Nearby is the old historic waterwheel, built in 1895 to supply water to the lighthouse cottages and for the construction. The wheel was originally built from timber and has slowly turned to stone through the passing of time. The lighthouse can also be viewed from the scenic drive which overlooks the Cape from the western side.
The Lookout allows visitors a rare opportunity to look out over the meeting of two oceans for this is where the Indian and Southern water masses start or end. Residents naturally say this is where they start.
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Australia
