Heritage and Culture
Built on a history of timber, farming and combined with the areas traditional Aboriginal cultural, the Augusta Margaret River region has an intriguing and captivating past. From the moment Mathew Flinders first spotted Cape Leeuwin and started mapping the Australian coastline in 1801, the Augusta Margaret River region is as culturally diverse as it has been intriguing.
WARDAN ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE
The Wardandi people are the traditional custodians of this region and have an affinity with the sea and multitude of local caves. It is through the caves that the afterlife is reached and where the sea spirit Wardandi, is found. The Wardandi people along with the other local Bibbulmum and Noongah Aborigines have a well-defined culture, richly endowed with music, art and legend.
WHERE TWO OCEANS MEET
The historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse at Augusta is situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia, standing at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. This famous landmark is over 100 years old and remains an important working lighthouse. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is situated 10 minutes drive south of Augusta.
Tours can be booked in advance by telephoning CaveWorks on (08) 9757 7411, the Augusta Visitor Centre on 9758 0166 or the Margaret River Visitor Centre on (08) 9780 5911.
GEORGIANA MOLLOY
Georgiana Molloy was among the first settlers who arrived in the remote South West corner of Western Australia, in 1830. Her world changed suddenly and completely as she faced new life challenges as a pioneer, wife, mother and administrator. Initial disdain for the local flora changed to passion and she became a self-taught botanist whose seed collections were grown on as rare and new species in English gardens.
COSMOPOLITAN LIFESTYLE
A culmination of cultures from around the world the Margaret River Wine Region is a colourful collection of various identities. From the cosmopolitan main street, the artisan crowd, the surfers who ride the waves, the free-loving individuals of the 1970s to the wine lovers all visitors to the region can find their own niche, or experience something new. It is in this small corner of the country that sophistication and country charm are perfect partners, so there's something awaiting every traveller.
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