Augusta might be a little further to drive than many southwest towns, but it rewards you with a slower pace, big ocean views and lots of spots to eat, drink and explore. It’s a brilliant base for seniors who enjoy gentle sightseeing, a good cuppa, and interesting local finds – with plenty to do. Here’s our handy guide to Augusta:
Things to do in Augusta
There’s so many things to do in Augusta, if you go looking. The Hardy Inlet Foreshore is a great spot, where the Blackwood River meets the ocean. It’s popular for fishing, walking, picnics, and heading out in a tinnie, or on a paddle board. You’ll be sure to see pelicans, stingrays and even pods of dolphins! If it’s a rainy day, why not head to the ancient Jewel Cave?
No trip to Augusta is complete without visiting Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the tallest mainland lighthouse in Australia. Just a short drive from town, the site offers dramatic views where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet, plus a beautifully presented museum in the old keeper’s cottage, a café and gift shop. You can explore the grounds on a cheap Heritage Pass, or, if you’re feeling energetic, join a guided tour up the 176-step spiral staircase for breathtaking coastal vistas. It’s fascinating for all ages. Read more in our blog.
For a classic seaside wander, Flinders Bay offers a softer, gentler side to Augusta’s coastline. Just a few minutes from town, it’s known as a great place to appreciate the meeting of the two oceans, minus the wild surf. Think sandy stretches, historic character and a lovely spot for a slow stroll, a sit on a bench, or a relaxed paddle. Plus, there’s a fantastic pirate ship playground if you have the grandkids in tow. Read more in our blog.
Just a short drive north of Augusta, Hamelin Bay is one of those old-school coastal spots that’s perfect for a day out. The wide, white-sand beach is famous for its friendly stingrays, which often glide through the shallows near the old jetty pylons, especially during the calmer summer months. The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park spot is a wonderful place for a gentle beach walk, a paddle, or simply sitting on the sand to soak up the views of the turquoise water and rugged limestone cliffs. With plenty of history to discover, including stories of the 1880s timber port and local shipwrecks, it’s a fascinating spot. Read more in our blog.
Places to Dine in Augusta
Augusta may be small, but there are plenty of dining options in town. From fish n chip shops to casual pub meals in the river-view beer garden of the Augusta Hotel, the bakery and a decent line up of cafes.
Augusta Bakery is a proper country bakery, ideal for a pie-and-custard-tart kind of lunch or a simple coffee break between sightseeing stops. Expect old-school favourites, fresh bread and generous fillings – easy to grab for a picnic by the river or to take back to your accommodation. Read more in our blog.
Set right on the riverfront, The Colourpatch is made for relaxed coastal dining. The bright, open dining room makes the most of the inlet views, with big windows letting in the light and sea breeze. It’s a lovely spot for lunch or dinner, with a menu that suits everyone, all in that laid-back holiday atmosphere Augusta does so well. Read more in our blog.
Right on Blackwood Avenue, The Ragged Robin is part vintage shop, part cosy café. Shelves are packed with retro crockery, glassware, jewellery and quirky homewares – perfect for a leisurely browse. Hidden at the back, a sweet little café serves good coffee and freshly baked cakes (including gluten-free options). Grab a seat overlooking the Blackwood River or sink into a comfy sofa and soak up the nostalgic charm. Read more in our blog.
For something really different, Subsea Estate at Augusta Boat Harbour is an underwater winery, where the wines are matured beneath the ocean. The relaxed cellar door is a lovely place to spend an unhurried hour tasting their semillon and shiraz, while learning about how the sea’s movement and cool temperatures influence the wine. You can linger over a glass with a fresh lobster roll or abalone, and enjoy peaceful marina views – a memorable stop for wine lovers visiting Augusta. Read more in our blog.
Thousand Suns Café is a sweet little spot on Augusta’s main drag, perfect for a relaxed breakfast or a coffee break between sightseeing stops. Inside, it has a cosy, welcoming feel, with friendly staff and a menu of simple, well-made café favourites – think toasties, brekkie dishes and sweet treats to go alongside a cup of coffee. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can choose a sunny table out the front with your dog, or sit inside if you’d prefer. It’s an easy, accessible option, and a handy central meeting point right in town. Read more in our blog.
If you’re driving into Augusta from the north, keep an eye out for Contained Coffee – a quirky little café tucked inside Westbay Retreat Caravan Park on Bussell Highway. This compact coffee stop is a real gem, surrounded by peppermint trees. It’s ideal for grabbing a takeaway flat white before exploring town. Seating is casual and outdoorsy, making the most of the peaceful setting, and there’s usually a selection of small bites to enjoy with your drink. It’s especially convenient if you’re staying at Westbay, but well worth a detour if you’re not camping there. Read more in our blog.
Augusta Town Centre Essentials
Most essential services are conveniently concentrated along the main road, Blackwood Avenue. For groceries head to IGA Augusta on Blackwood Avenue. It is the primary supermarket for fresh produce, deli items, and daily essentials. For fuel the BP Augusta is the main petrol station in town, located right on Blackwood Avenue. It also has a good rage of fishing essentials.
You’ll find a pharmacy, post office, newsagents and several local cafes and bakeries all within a short walk along the main strip. There are a couple of gift shops and a secondhand bookshop too – handy for grabbing a cheap holiday read. If you’re on the lookout for new clothes or trendy homewares, The Flinders Collective is my favourite place to shop.
Where to Stay in Augusta
Augusta boasts a variety of accommodation options, including holiday parks that take advantage of the stunning river and ocean frontage, alongside more traditional hotel and motel stays.
Turner Holiday Park right on the banks of the Blackwood River, Flinders Bay Holiday Park, Augusta Hotel Motel perched on a hill overlooking the Blackwood River. It features a historic pub atmosphere, a restaurant with panoramic views, and motel-style units located behind the main building.
If you’d like to linger longer in Augusta, with somewhere all to yourself, Flinders View Beach House makes the most of that stunning coastline. This modern four bedroom holiday home is all about easy, beachy living, with ocean views from the balconies and a comfortable base for exploring lighthouses, wineries, beaches and cafés at your own pace. Read more in our blog.
Hamelin Bay Holiday Park offers a peaceful, “off-grid” experience nestled right behind the dunes. It’s a fantastic base, with a range of accommodation from ocean-view cottages and ensuite cabins to shady powered sites for caravans. The park is full of mature trees and visiting birdlife. Keep an eye out for the sweet blue fairy wrens that hop around the campsites! There’s a handy on-site kiosk for essentials, and ice creams, making it a very comfortable and nostalgic place to set up camp while you explore the surrounding Margaret River region. Read more in our blog.
Whether you’re there for a weekend or a whole week, Augusta is all about scenic drives, interesting history, gentle walks and plenty of good food and coffee stops.
