Augusta Caves & Coastline Trail

19.01.2026

Follow your adventurous spirit to the most southwestern point of Australia, where two oceans meet.

Follow your adventurous spirit to one of the most rugged points of Australia, a final landmark before a vast southern unknown, and a Cape where two oceans collide. It’s a place to get lost, get wild and return to nature.

Old knowledge is everywhere. Whether it be in the sacred spaces of the First Nations Wadandi People; in the ancient caves, Boranup Forest, cliffs and coast; through to the intuition of the fishing fleets and abalone divers based in town.

It is present at the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse that has shepherded many a passing maritime vessel; or with the generational farming families, some who are bringing old wisdom of livestock, permaculture and vine to a new audience.

The forest, the coast and the Blackwood River, all raw and alive, contribute to a renewed, pared-, back perspective.

Your story starts here

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 ship-style playground and barbecues. The jetty here is a marker for the daily swimmers who brave the often chilly waters. There’s lots for all ages to do like swimming, paddling, fishing, crabbing, snorkelling or watching the pelicans.

Boranup Karri Forest

Towering karri trees, some over 60 metres in height, undulate across the valley. With sunlight streaming onto their smooth trunks, this is one of the best sights in the Margaret River Region. This forest is a feast for the senses with the forest floor tumbling with wildflowers, orchids and fungi (in season) together with the sounds of native birds and the fresh smell of eucalypt.

Along the drive, you’ll find the Boranup Lookout, which takes in views across the picturesque forest and the stunning turquoise waters of nearby Hamelin Bay. The lookout also marks the start of some lovely bushwalks and has a great picnic spot. A small campground fitting only seven small tents or small campervans is also available.

For the bird enthusiasts: On your drive or walk through, you may see purple-crowned lorikeet, splendid fairy-wren, white- breasted robin, crested strike-tit, golden whistler and many other birds.

If you plan to travel or stay near bushland, please be aware of potential risks that may occur during the bushfire season. Refer to the DFES website for advice and updates.

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 stingrays that call this sanctuary zone home are wild animals, so please remember to look but don’t touch or feed them.

EcoAdventures Margaret River

Combining innovation with forest exploration on their tours (where the environmental impact is top-of-mind) 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.

Margaret River Sculpture Park & Gallery

Margaret River Sculpture Park & Wood Be Good Woodcraft Gallery features giant sculptures carved from recycled wood, stone and more. Ascribing to the Wabi Sabi philosophy, a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in rustic imperfection and the incomplete, the sculptures are set in rugged, regenerative coastal heath. Visitors can wander around the park, immersed in the natural environment of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge. You can take a piece of this magical experience home. The Wood Be Good is set in a studio built by owner Brendon Booth using recycled materials and continues to expand under his creative eye. The studio features his work including dining tables, recycled jarrah mirrors, and custom cabinet work, crafted from WA hardwoods.

Jewel Cave

Caves Road is so-called for its many ancient limestone caves, but Jewel Cave is arguably the best showpiece 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). An award-winning Interpretive Centre, housed in an original lighthouse keepers’ cottage, holds an interactive experience that shares the stories of the lighthouse and the families that once called it home. Visit for the chance to spot whales from May to September.

Subsea Estate

Nestled on the edge of Augusta Boat Harbour Marina, Western Australia’s pioneering open ocean winery, Subsea Estate, offers one of the region’s most stunning cellar door settings. Here, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet, visitors enjoy endless views across Flinders Bay — the perfect backdrop for wines stirred by the very waters guests overlook. Visitors can settle in with ocean-crafted wines paired with fresh abalone and discover the pioneering subsea winemaking process. Most linger far longer than planned, captivated by the maritime panorama that makes this Western Australia’s most unique waterfront cellar door.

The Colourpatch

An iconic venue that has dominated generations of family holidays on the Blackwood River foreshore of Augusta. The venue has recently undergone an exciting and modern iteration, but still has one of the best waterside dining views in the entire region. The Colourpatch Café and Bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a casual drink or a takeaway meal. Seafood share plates, pizzas, burgers and classic fish and chips are on the menu. The interior gives a nod to the maritime heritage of the area, especially the ten-metre, fully restored 1960s yacht.

Augusta Historical Museum

A fascinating collection of artefacts, photographs and books documenting the rich history of the Augusta Margaret River Region. Augusta Historical Museum was established in 1979 to preserve the town’s local history and to share it with others. Displays include details of families involved in the settlement of Augusta in 1830, which was the third European settlement in Western Australia. Also showcased are artefacts from local shipwrecks, from the MC Davies timber empire (1880s to 1915), personal effects of early settlers, details of the 1920s group settlements, commemorative china, coins and medals, garments from various eras, church organs and the whale rescue events which put Augusta on world news headlines.

Mammoth Cave

This magical cave is a natural time capsule; home to ancient fossil remains of long-extinct giant animals. A fascinating audio tour is available in several languages. Mammoth Cave is a self-guided cave, where visitors explore along the boardwalks and platforms, through the majestic chambers of the cave. This is much more than a cave – it is a complete nature experience. A visit Mammoth Cave finishes with a winding walk through a beautiful marri forest.

Wild Lot Distillery

Wild Lot Distillery is a boutique, family-run distillery just ten minutes from Augusta, offering tastings, G&Ts, and light grazing in a relaxed rural setting. The distillery showcases a ‘garden-to-glass’ ethos—crafting small-batch spirits with homegrown botanicals, seasonal orchard fruit, and a strong sustainability focus. With open space, birdwatching, picnic rugs, and a dog-friendly welcome, Wild Lot is a space where everyone can slow down, sip, and stay a while. It’s a unique stop on the trail that blends premium spirits with playful hospitality and a taste of the South West.

Where to stay

Baywatch Retreat Augusta

Nestled in the peaceful heart of Augusta, Baywatch Retreat invites you to unwind in a warm and welcoming coastal haven. Perfectly positioned just minutes from iconic attractions such as the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the Margaret River wine region, and untouched local beaches, this homely retreat offers the ideal balance between relaxation and regional discovery. Prepare a meal in the fully equipped guest kitchen, enjoy breakfast with fellow travellers in the light-filled dining area, or settle into the cosy lounge for an evening chat or a quiet read. Step outside to our spacious terrace and take in panoramic views of the river and Augusta inlet—perfect for a sunset unwind.

Blackwood River Houseboats

Blackwood River Houseboats offer unique, floating accommodation with hire and drive or docked in town options. Their eco-certified vessels are fully self-contained with top, front, bbq/swim decks. Highlight your drive experience with a stay on board, immersed in the iconic Blackwood River. No skippers’ ticket required, you’ll receive a full induction on arrival. There’s absolutely nothing like waking up on the water, surrounded by pristine national park with outstanding biodiversity.