As the winter chill sets in, the South West town of Augusta welcomes whales, strong winds and a new breed of tourist looking for a simple, down to earth experience between the Capes.
Sean Blocksidge, owner operator of the Margaret River Discovery Co, said the town was enjoying renewed interest from travellers from all walks of life.
“I host a lot of high end clientele that might be staying at Cape Lodge or Indjidup Spa but they love the idea of spending a day driving themselves doing nature based activities around the Augusta area and the simplicity of fish and chips for lunch. They absolutely love it,” Mr Blocksidge said.
The busy tour operator said he compiled a list of his favourite stops between Margaret River and Cape Leeuwin after many clients requested his local tips.
“I’m typically writing handwritten notes for them at the end of the day so I thought I’d put together a short list of some of my favourite things to do and give it to them as a page they can write their own notes on,” he said.
“I included a few of my recent pictures and put it up on Facebook and got some great feedback.”
Mr Blocksidge said it wasn’t long before residents began to offer their own suggestions.
“I received lots of extra tips from some passionate Augusta locals adding their two cents worth.
“Yeah there’s loads more I could put on there but I only have page and don’t want to overwhelm people.”
He said that travellers to the region relied on local suggestions and advice for activities and holiday ideas, and that Augusta continued to be a hot spot for those looking to escape the busy streets of the larger towns.
“I think most people who visit the Margaret River region will will visit Augusta at some stage of their holiday, it’s an awesome area with so much to see and do.”
Check out Sean’s tips for a day trip to Augusta:
1. Contos Cliff Walk
There’s a rippa little walk with spectacular views over Contos beach.Drive down Contos Road (VERY bumpy road. When you start to see the ocean there will be a big sign that says ‘Dangerous Coast’.
Park just there and walk back about 20 metres, looking north, and there will be a sneaky little entrance onto the Cape to Cape Track. Walk along that track for about 500 metres. The views just get better and better. Return.
2. Boranup Forest
Drive south along Caves Road. About 2 kilometres south of the Lake Cave sign you will come around a sweeping corner and Boranup Karri forest will open up in front of you.There is no sign. You will just know you are there!
There is a pull-out bay to the left to park the car and take photos with a nice unmarked walk trail across the road. Coffee and scones at Boranup Cafe.
3. Hamelin Bay
Visit the stingrays. Usually on the left hand side of the jetty, BE CAREFUL if you walk in the water with them, they are real stingrays!
There is a stunning walk north along Hamelin Bay Beach to Boranup Beach.
4. Visit a cave
All the caves are beautiful! Lake Cave is great for the reflective after picture, but my favourite is Jewel Cave because it is soooo deep and cavernous. Check tour times but usually 0930-1030-1130-1230-1330-1430-1530. You need to be at least 10-15 minutes early.
5. Lunch in Augusta
I usually buy takeaway fish and chips from Blue Ocean or Colourpatch Cafe. Turn left at the bottom of the hill on Albany Terrace, and have your lunch under a peppermint tree along the Blackwood River foreshore. Watch the pelicans and dolphins.
Also the hotel/bakery/lighthouse/Deckchair cafe have lunch options.
6. Leeuwin Lighthouse
Epic view and possible whale spotting! Final stop for the day. The lighthouse tour is definitely worth doing. Again check times ahead of schedule through www.margaretriver.com
If weather permits, take a swim at Granny’s Pool.
Handy tips:
- Drive South along Caves Road and return north on Bussell Highway.
- Whale tours in winter are a MUST DO! Start with a whale tour and do this itinerary in reverse.
- If you have enough time, drop into Leeuwin Estate or Voyager Estate (closing time 5pm) for wine tasting or stop at Temper Temper and Yahava for chocolate and coffee tastings.
– Watch out for kangaroos and emus crossing! DON’T SWERVE or you’ll lose control and could hit a tree.
- It’s only 45 minutes to Augusta, but allow a full day for stops, tours and lunch.
- A half day option is Boranup/Lake Cave/Leeuwin or Voyager wineries.
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
