Thursday, April 21, 2022
Augusta, the charming coastal village perfect for family holidays
What do you feel when you think back to childhood holidays? If you find yourself wistfully wondering where those sleepy vacations went, smiling at the memory of board game squabbles, shrieks of laughter as you raced your bikes to the deli for bags of lollies, and skipping to the beach to make the biggest, bestest sandcastle … you’re not alone.
The good news is, those quintessential holiday towns are still around, offering the wholesome experiences we remember so fondly. Welcome back to Augusta.
Augusta holiday homes
The hamlet of Augusta offers a variety of experiences. The wind can be wild (spot the leaning trees) with storms worthy of hiding under the covers and telling spooky stories with a torch in hand. But it’s also a sun-drenched location, the beach a stroll away, and hilly streets to explore. It’s quiet at night and that’s just how the locals and visitors like it. Find your Augusta holiday home.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Image by Tim Campbell.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Australia’s tallest mainland lighthouse is the stuff of legend. Not only is it a beautiful structure, the tales of mystery and adventure captivating, but the view will take your breath away. Enjoy a tour and take in the windswept vista of the deep blue ocean – Africa in one direction, Antarctica the other. Discover Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Cape to Cape Track
This is where the popular 125km Cape to Cape Track ends. Check out the section closest to Augusta, and discover the Cosy Corner Blowholes, Quarry Bay, Skippy Rock, the historic Waterwheel, and the lighthouse. It’s gorgeous; plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, checking out weird ancient geological formations, and carpets of wildflower in spring.
Glenarty Road. Image by Russell Ord.
Lunch at Glenarty Road
Take a break from cooking and head north for lunch at Glenarty Road, one of the best eateries in the Margaret River region (it was even named Regional Restaurant of the Year by The Western Australian Good Food Guide). This farm-to-table restaurant/winery is cosy and rustic, and offers farm and garden experiences for guests.
Lagoon swimming
There’s no shortage of beaches around here but Granny’s Pool takes the top spot. It’s a shallow lagoon with crystal clear water, perfect for the whole family. When you’ve finished building sandcastles and having a picnic under the trees, get ready to snorkel, check out the black and rusty red rocks, and walk along the old jetty.
Whale Watch Western Australia.
Whale watching
There are few better places in the world to see nature’s gentle giants so close and in such large numbers. Expect to see Southern Rights and Humpbacks, with the season generally between May and August. July/August has plenty of pregnant females and newborns sheltering in Flinders Bay too. Check out Whale Watch Western Australia for tours.
Jewel Cave
One of the most spectacular in the South West, Jewel Cave is just a ten-minute drive away. Western Australia’s largest show cave, it’s also mind-bendingly ancient; limestone samples suggest up to one million years old. It is also home to one of the country’s longest straw stalactites at 5.43m long. This cave is perfect for all ages to enjoy.
Catch your own seafood dinner
Fishing is a much-loved pastime in this neck of the woods, with a few different locations to check out. Whiting, bream and flathead can be found in the inlet, riverbank, and river mouth, while the bays out of town could see you reeling in fresh salmon, dhufish and snapper to chuck on the BBQ for a sunset feast. If you don’t have much luck enjoy lunch or dinner at the Colourpatch Cafe or the institution that is the Augusta Hotel with great elevated views!
Adventure on the water
Kayaking, kitesurfing, boating, and stand-up paddleboarding are all fantastic ways to spend the day under the southern sun. It’ll be an adventure everyone will be talking about for years to come. Visit hire company Augusta Boat Hire for more information.
Boranup Forest. Image by Hamish Stubbs.
Boranup Forest
This spectacular forest is a world-class treasure. Take a slow drive along the bumpy roads and marvel at the serene skyscraper karri trees and dappled sunlight, before getting out for a stroll. Head to Boranup Lookout, and the impossibly long stretch of gleaming white sand between Boranup Beach and Hamelin Bay Beach. *At time of publication, some sections of the forest are still recovering from bushfires.*
A memorable family-friendly holiday awaits in picturesque Augusta. Browse our portfolio of luxury holiday homes today.
You might also like:
The 20 best things to do in Australia’s South West
The seven wonders of the Margaret River region
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