Augusta Caves & Coastline Trail

AugustaCave & Coastline Trail

Augusta marks one of the rugged points of Australia; a final landmark before a vast southern unknown, and a Cape where two oceans collide.

WORDS | EMILY KURYS-ROMER

Highlights

Blackwood River: The Blackwood River is Augusta’s playground, but at some 400-kilometres long, it offers many hidden water holes and camping spots throughout Margaret River’s hinterland. The river is the longest in Australia’s South West, commencing right up in the Wheatbelt. Running through State and National Forest, there are many picnic, swimming and camping spots to explore along its length, as well as three notable bridges. In Augusta, the river makes up the vast Hardy Inlet, popular for boating, fishing, canoeing, swimming (and even house boating!). There are beautiful walks along the river’s banks and much birdlife to discover.

Flinders Bay: The most accessible way to take a dip in the Southern Ocean is at Flinders Bay, south of Augusta’s town centre. It’s here that the wild south begins. One of its more scenic and tranquil spots is Granny’s Pool, located at the old Flinders Bay Settlement. There’s a park right on the water with picnic tables, a shipstyle playground and barbecues.

Hamelin Bay: The idyllic coastal haven of Hamelin Bay offers a vast expanse of bright white sand, sparkling turquoise waters filled with marine life, and spectacular limestone cliffs. The sheltered bay is great for swimming, snorkelling and fishing, and divers can explore the nearby shipwreck. The wild Eagle Rays that call this sanctuary zone home are a protected species so remember to look but don’t touch.

EcoAdventures Margaret River: Combining innovation with forest exploration on their tours (where the environmental impact is top-ofmind) to give a unique trail experience suitable for everyone aged four to 94. All that’s needed is a current driver’s licence (but if you don’t have one, join a friend as a passenger). The tour is the only one of its kind to hit the Forest Grove trail area, complete with untouched forest, shaded laneways, open paddocks, lakes and hidden paths. It’s 18 kilometres of trail in 90 minutes, aboard an all-electric and environmentally-sensitive EcoBike, designed and built just for EcoAdventures.

Glenarty Road Winery: A true wine and food experience stripped back to its essential basics and crafted by a multi-generational farming family. Everything at Glenarty Road feels genuine, from the farmhouse to the roving animals and the rustic tin sheds. The property houses a sheep farm, a vineyard and a vegetable garden. Expect crafted wines, grassfed meats, seasonal produce, house-made charcuterie and a farm-to-table style feast.

Opposite: Views from Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse are worth all 176 steps.

Top, Jewel Cave is an underground wonder. Above, Flinders Bay acts as a private pool for swimming enthusiasts year round. Opposite, The majestic blackwood river carves into town to support the thriving boating and fishing community. The Colourpatch Café, Bar & Takeaway: An iconic venue that has dominated generations of family holidays on the Blackwood River foreshore of Augusta. The Colour Patch Café has recently undergone an exciting and modern iteration, but still has one of the best waterside dining views in the entire region. The new Café and Bar is open for a breakfast, lunch and dinner, a casual drink or a takeaway meal. interior gives a nod to the maritime heritage of the area, especially the ten metre, fully restored 1960s yacht.

Jewel Cave: Caves Road is so-called for its many ancient limestone caves, but Jewel Cave is arguably the best show-piece of them all. It’s Western Australia’s biggest show cave, with three massive chambers of incredible beauty. A fully guided one-hour tour takes in all its wondrous formations, like one of the longest “straw” stalactites in Australia, beautiful flowstone, cave coral and more. Learn about Tasmanian Tiger activity here thousands of years ago. Opt for a self-guided walk through the Karri forest or pop into the adjoining café during your visit.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse: A visit to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse comes with the rush of the open wild; it’s one of the four geographical

‘corners’ of Australia and the place where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. This is the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia (and one that’s still working – vital for seafarers navigating around the treacherous Cape). A new Interpretive Centre, housed in an original lighthouse keepers’ cottage, holds an interactive experience about the history and life of the building since its construction in 1895. Otherwise, visit to spot whales from May to September, or pop into the café.

Where to Stay

Experience Augusta: The locally-owned and run authority on accommodation in scenic Augusta, with well over 30 different holiday homes in its portfolio, from humble units to modern main street townhouses and architectural beachside homes. The company is more than just a booking service, with an intimate knowledge of the region to help with any holiday planning, activity or day trip advice. The team can arrange hire services, beauty and wellness treatments, breakfast provisions and hampers and more. Experience Augusta prides itself on personal service. This article was originally published on margaretriver.com and adapted for print. For more drive trails visit driveyourstory.com

Scenic Flights • Winery Lunches Accommodation Transfers

Experience the stunning South West and Margaret River wine region from the air with our range of spectacular scenic helicopter flights, winery lunches, custom charters and VIP transfers to local accommodation and venues.

FROM $319PP

Drift Café

Made here by us for you

1/72 Willmott Avenue, Margaret River Open 8am ~ 2pm weekdays | 7:30am ~ 2pm weekends www.driftcafe.com.au | Socials @driftcafe.mr

BIG VALLEY CAMPSITE

NESTLED AMONGST THE HILLS OF OUR FAMILY OWNED WORKING SHEEP FARM, JUST TEN MINUTES SOUTH EAST OF MARGARET RIVER.

The farm encompasses a beautiful secret valley secluded from the outside world by natural forest. Bring your Caravan, Motorhome or Tent to relax and enjoy the open space, amazing nights skies, friendly farm animals and the family friendly atmosphere. Pet friendly.

Ph 08 9757 5020 bigvalleymargaretriver.com.au

HAMELIN BAY HOLIDAY PARK

OFFERING UNIQUE BEACHSIDE ACCOMMODATION IN A RELAXED NATIONAL PARK SETTING.

bookings@hamelinbayholidaypark.com.au Ph 08 9758 5540 www.hamelinbayholidaypark.com.au

DUNSBOROUGH BEACH COTTAGES

ABSOLUTE BEACHFRONT ON THE SHORES OF GEOGRAPHE BAY

Dunsborough Beach Cottages is situated on the pristine waters of Geographe Bay just 2.5 hours south of Perth. We offer beautifully appointed self-contained 2 & 3 bedroom resort style cottages, including our adults only beachfront cottages. From here you can walk to the Dunsborough town centre or within a short distance you can experience a range of award winning wineries, galleries and restaurants, making

Ph 08 9756 8885 info@dunsboroughbeachcottages.com.au

Dunsborough Beach Cottages the ideal choice for families, couples or anyone looking to enjoy a beachfront escape in the Margaret River region. Be sure to visit our website for the latest offers and rates. Set on a beautiful bay and taking in the picturesque South West coastline between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, the Holiday Park is 15kms north of Augusta and 30kms south of Margaret River. Choose from well appointed camp sites, caravan sites, cottages and cabins.

Visit our Cellar Door and Wine Sensory Garden for a wine tasting experience like no other with the winemaker herself, Cathy. Book a Pick + Sip Experience, an evening soirée, or a tour of the Garden. Drop in for a traditional seated tasting of our small batch wines in the Cellar Door.

Open 5 days a week, Thursday to Monday Garden Tours and Pick & Sip experiences from 10am Tastings in Cellar Door from 12pm To learn more and book, visit whicherridge.com.au or call

0448 531 399 Scan code to Book

What’s Online?

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Upcoming Events

All of the region’s events can be found online. From family friendly events in the school holidays, to indulgent food and wine festivals, adventure races and live music, you are guaranteed to find something exciting going on at any time of the year. You’ll also find listings for local markets and outdoor movies.

The Ultimate Guide to Margaret River Region Wedding Venues

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A Guide to Dog-Friendly Touring

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AROUND

GETTING

BY COACH

TRANS WA

Trans WA19 travels from Perth to Margaret River every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with optional drop-offs along the way and returns to Perth the same day. Keep hold of your ticket and return to Perth at a later date. wa-getaway.com.au

South West Coach Lines

Catch the express coach service connecting Perth, Perth Domestic and Perth International Airport terminals with Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River. southwestcoachlines.com.au

BY CAR

Margaret River Rent a Car

To see the best of the region, hire a car or people mover from Margaret River – all you need is a driver’s licence, even if it’s an interstate or international one. margaretriverrentacar.com.au

Busselton & South West Rent a Car

Offering delivery and pick-up throughout the south west, Busselton & South West Rent a Car is a local, family-owned car rental company. busseltonswrentacar.com.au

Avis Southwest Car Hire

Explore the beautiful Margaret River region at your own pace with a rental from Avis Southwest Car Hire in Busselton. One-way rentals are available back to Perth. avis.com.au

IN STYLE

McLeod Tours

Take in Margaret River’s scenery and attractions with local expert and award-winning guide Neil McLeod. The three-day Escape tour provides pick-up from your Perth hotel or Perth train station, comfortable bus transport, three days touring with a dedicated tour guide, delicious food and wine, and an exciting itinerary. mcleodtours.com.au

Hertz Busselton

Hertz has a great range of cars, people movers, buses and 4WD vehicles to suit all requirements whilst holidaying in the Margaret River Region. hertz.com.au

Northside Rentals

Located in Busselton and offering an extensive range of vehicles at a good rate. northsiderentals.com.au

Westward Aviation Charter Services

Depart from Jandakot Airport as the sun rises and enjoy stunning views of the Swan River, Fremantle Harbour, Rockingham, Mandurah, the Peel Inlet and Bunbury then on to either Busselton or Margaret River. Westward Aviation will transfer you from the airport to the city and take you back at no extra cost. Your return journey will be just as spectacular with the sun setting over the Indian Ocean and the night lights of the City of Perth. westwardaviation.com.au

South West Luxury Transport

Locally owned and operated by ex-Qantas pilot, Andrew and local artist Rebekah, the team at South West Luxury Transport bring a culmination of skills to ensure the most premium of experiences. Now offering private transfers from the Busselton Airport. southwestluxurytransport.com.au VIRTUALLY

Margaretriver.com The number one travel authority in the region, margaretiver.com is full of inspiration and practical information on how to navigate your way around the region. Pop up webchat and telephone enquiries will also answer any of your more curly questions.

Discover the southwest with Avis.

With our locations at Bunbury, Busselton and Busselton-Margaret River Airport.

1800 679 880 | avis.com.au