Most people that visit Margaret River spend 3-5 days in the region. I’d recommend doing the Margaret River Discovery Tour early in your stay to get a deeper understanding of the area and get a few insider tips on what to do on the following days.
One of those following days should definitely include a day ‘down south’ to Augusta. It’s usually one of the highlight days of the holiday. A great opportunity to connect with the great outdoors and some epic road trip scenery.
I’ve put together a suggested itinerary to help you get the most out of your Augusta day.
1. Contos Cliff walk
There’s a rippa little walk with spectacular views over Contos beach. Drive down Contos Rd (VERY bumpy rd). When you start to see the ocean there will be a big sign that says “Dangerous Coast”. Park just there and walk back about 20 metres, looking north, and there will be a sneaky little entrance onto the Cape to Cape Track. Walk along that track for about 500 metres. The views just get better and better. Walk as about 20 minutes and return. For a longer walk continue all the way to Bob Hollow limestone cliffs at sea level and loop back along the beach towards Contos car park and back up the hill road to your car. Allow around 2+ hours.
2. Boranup Forest
Drive south along Caves Rd. About 2km south of the Lake Cave sign you will come round a sweeping corner and Boranup Karri forest will open up in front of you. There is no sign. You will just know you are there!
There is a pull out bay to the left to park and take photos with a nice unmarked walk trail across the road. Please note this area was heavily impacted by bushfire in late 2021. The recovery and re-growth is quite striking.
3. Hamelin Bay
Visit the Stingrays. Usually on the left hand side of the jetty. BE CAREFUL if you walk in the water with them, they are real Stingrays!
There is a stunning walk north along Hamelin Bay Beach to Boranup Beach.
4. Visit a Cave
All the caves are beautiful! Lake Cave is great for a reflective picture but my personal favourite is Jewel Cave because it is soooo deep and cavernous. Check tour times but usually 0930/1030/1130/1230/1330/1430/1530. You need to be at least 10-15 minutes early. Mammoth Cave is great if you prefer to self guide with supplied headphones and no organised tour.
5. Lunch in Augusta
I usually buy takeaway fish and chips from the Fish Augusta Fish and Chips or OG Cafe. Turn left at bottom of hill onto Albany Terrace, and have your lunch under a Peppermint tree along the Blackwood River foreshore. Watch the Pelicans and Dolphins.
Also the Hotel/Bakery/Lighthouse/Deckchair/Colourpatch have lunch options.
6. Leeuwin Lighthouse
Epic view and possible whale spotting! Final stop for the day. The tour is definitely worth doing. Again check times with www.margaretriver.com If weather permits, take a swim at Grannies Pool.
Handy tips
- Drive south along Caves Rd and return north on Bussell Highway.
- Whale Tours in Winter are a MUST DO! Start with a whale tour and do itinerary in reverse.
- If you have enough time drop in to Leeuwin Estate or Voyager Estate (close 1700) for wine tasting or stop at Tempeh Tempeh for Chocolate tasting or Yahava for coffee.
- Watch out for Kangaroos and Emus crossing! DON’T SWERVE or you’ll lose control and hit a tree.
- It’s only 45 minutes to Augusta but allow all day for stops/tours/lunch.
- Half day option is – Boranup/Lake Cave/ Leeuwin or Voyager wineries.
Check out the Margaret River Discovery Co website for more details about touring options or send me an email on sean@margaretriverdiscovery.com.au
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About Margaret River Discovery Tours
Sean Blocksidge is the owner operator of the Margaret River Discovery Company, an avid photographer, blogger and South West WA ambassador. In 2010 he won Western Australian Guide of the Year and his tours have been rated the #1 thing to do in Australia on the Tripadvisor website for the past two years.
