Augusta WA 6290 (Pop 1 900)

Augusta is a pleasant Margaret River township sitting on Flinders Bay 318 km south of Perth. European settlement of WA’s third oldest settlement, apart from early whalers and sealers, began from 1830s and was followed by the establishment of a number of sawmills. Returned soldiers settled the area after WWII with a number of dairy farms being taken up. At nearby Cape Leeuwin, there stands the amazing dividing oceans sign - the Southern Ocean to the south and Indian Ocean to the west. Spring Flower Show (Sept/Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Augusta Historical Museum, Blackwood Ave documents the area’s early timber, whaling and pioneering history together with photographic displays of the dramatic 1986 rescue of almost 100 beached whales.

Nearby:
Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP a magnificent park spanning the coast for 120 km from Cape Naturaliste (north) to Cape Leewin (south) and featuring rugged cliffs, rocky headlands and excellent surfing & swimming beaches. The 3 W’s are found here: walking trails (numerous & scenic), whales (humpback & southern right) and wildflowers (endless varieties). Highlights close to Augusta include Cape Leeuwin (8 km s-w) Australia’s most s-w point with Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (1896) and nearby Old Waterwheel (1895-1928) providing spring water; Jewel Cave (8 km n-w) unique limestone cave with an antechamber and where a Tasmanian tiger fossil (25 000 years old) was found; Hamelin Bay (18 km n-w) a former thriving port for the nearby sawmills with only old jetty remnants left along this wild dangerous coastline where over 10 shipwrecks occurred.  Hamelin Bay Wreck Trail is WA’s most unusual Heritage trail exploring the various wrecks in the area requiring a boat and diving qualifications. Memorials include the Landing Place (3 km south) site of first European landing (1830), Whale Rescue Memorial (4 km south) remembers the 1986 rescue of almost 100 beached whales, Matthew Flinders Memorial (5 km south). Alexandra Bridge (10 km north) scenic recreational area with giant jarrah trees and seasonal wildflowers. Boranup Lookout (18 km north) panoramic coastal and district views.

Accommodation:
Augusta has a couple of hotel/motels, a resort, a number of holiday cottages/units and 5 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Blackwood Ave. Tel (08) 9758 0166.

Airport:
Busselton Regional Airport (BQB), Vasse Hwy, Yalyalup. Tel (08) 9781 0444. (97 km north).

Hospital:
Augusta Hospital, Donovan St. Tel (08) 9758 3222.