Take a trip to Augusta and explore an array of quirky shops, delicious coffee and comfortable stays.
The phrase “wild blue yonder” may have been created with Augusta in mind.
Perched on the southwesternmost tip of Australia, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet—Augusta is the scene of some of the wildest ocean conditions in the world and where migrating whales can be seen when the time is right.
Augusta, like its whales, is big of heart – a trip down and around Augusta, with ocean and river views, is a delight.
Dining options on the Augusta main street range from hearty pub meals at the Augusta Hotel, baked goods at the Augusta Bakery and Café, fish and chips from the OG café or Blue Ocean Fish & Chips and breakfasts and Japanese-inspired lunches from Thousand Sun’s Café. Of course, you can travel further afield to experience the many wineries and local flavours around, too.
The Colourpatch Café and Bar on the Blackwood River is an established Augusta restaurant with incredible views of the inlet where the ocean mixes with the freshwater of the Blackwood River. The restaurant was quite recently refurbished and boasts a bar constructed from a 10-meter 1960s Albany yacht. Watch families stroll by, kite surfers soar, and stingrays glide past while dining indoors or out.
The Colourpatch is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; local seafood is frequently featured on the changing menu – fresh oysters, abalone, and fish local to the Augusta waters.
If you like cake with your coffee, you can’t go past Two Seas Collective, just off the main street. Kaya opened her café and art collective a couple years ago, where she not only bakes delicious cakes and designs award-winning coffee art – she is also a ceramicist and promoter of local female artists. Her shop is warm and welcoming, with an array of local art on display for purchase.
In between meals, browse a mix of fashion, accessories, homewares and lifestyle pieces at Flinders Collective. Their selections cater to both men and women drawing on what’s currently trending and their customers’ unique styles.
Upstairs from Two Seas is the thriving studio and art space. Local artist Jo Hayes runs painting workshops featuring landscapes from the region. Jo also works with the Augusta community to create art projects, such as the colourful sail mural on display opposite the shop.
If you chance upon the Wall of Faces on your way to the hotel, you will see pictured local legend Paul Sofilas, the lighthouse keeper. Paul has tended Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse for 25 years, and you can meet him when you book a tour of the recently restored lighthouse. There’s also the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Café, perfect to enjoy the ocean views. Other local legends on the Wall include 90s TV chef – Ian Parmenter, Edie Williams – a much-loved long-term resident of Augusta, and fringe circus performer Fatt Matt Yates.
To learn more about the intriguing history of Augusta and its surrounds, drop into the Augusta Historical Museum, which is also on the main street, and check out the displays. The lovely folks at the museum are always happy to chat about history.
Accommodation is plentiful in Augusta. As you approach Augusta on the Bussell Highway with 3km to go, you will find Boogaloo Camp, a glamping retreat managed by Nicki and Paul Jones. With their son, Owen, they manage eight gorgeous Bell tents decked out with comfortable beds and premium furnishings. Nicki is a yoga practitioner and stand-up paddleboard instructor who can guide you through a yoga session in the Yurt or recommend a paddling location. SUPs are available to hire. The site has everything you need: a rustic container bathroom block and a fully equipped camp kitchen.
Turner Caravan Park, at the opposite end of the main street, has river and ocean views. The park is within walking distance of the town and is a great place to fish or swim. The fully equipped park has a selection of onsite vans, newly constructed chalets, and powered and unpowered campsites.
Experience Augusta offers a variety of quality self-catering options, from budget to luxury accommodation – with choices for families, couples, and those who holiday with pets.
On your way to Augusta down Bussell Highway you’ll find The Valley Margaret River. A fun little boutique cellar door offering private tastings of their single vineyard, handpicked wines. Owners Kate and Rhys are currently pouring their award-winning Rose, light fruity Shiraz and exceptional Cab Sav, paired with nibbles and chats. This little cellar door is a gem of an experience, take away their wines for sunset fish and chips at Ellis Street Jetty or picnics overlooking the Blackwood River.
Pioneers of wild-enhanced fisheries and now ocean cellaring, Rare Foods Australia offers a truly unique experience. Tour their world-first ocean green lip abalone ranching and catch a glimpse of their live tanks, divers’ office, and processing facilities before delving into their newest innovation – ocean cellaring. Enjoy freshly cooked abalone and their ocean-collared wine list whilst shopping Rare Food Australia products overlooking the harbour.
There is so much to love about Augusta. Immerse yourself and take a stroll down the main street. The locals will embrace you, and the experience will warm your heart.
