Augusta: Coastal Trails, History and Whale Watching

Augusta brings together several distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: the history of the town and its districts, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, trails with different features, and tours on the sea and river. Which of these takes priority for you depends on whether you are considering a museum, a route on foot or by bike, or a guided cruise.

History and notable places

The Augusta Historical Museum presents exhibitions on the history of Augusta and the surrounding districts since European settlement in 1830. The museum is at the corner of Blackwood Avenue and Green Street. Its historical timeframe and focus on several districts give this subject its own place in your travel plans: the focus is on the history of Augusta and its surroundings, rather than on a single attraction.

At Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the Lightkeepers’ Museum is housed in one of the original lighthouse keepers’ cottages. The lighthouse stands at the tip of a peninsula in Augusta, where the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean meet. Two distinct aspects come together here: the historic keeper’s cottage that houses the museum, and the lighthouse’s position at the tip of the peninsula. This makes it a different focus from the exhibitions at the Augusta Historical Museum, which cover the history of the area since 1830, including the surrounding districts.

Trails and their different features

The trail names and endpoints are useful for finding your way around. The Whale Trail follows the coast from Flinders Bay to Augusta Boat Harbour. It is sealed and has very little incline. The Leeuwin Trail currently runs from Augusta Boat Harbour to Dead Finish. The Leeuwin Biddi Trail connects Dead Finish with Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and includes approximately three kilometres of accessible trail.

The Leeuwin Biddi Trail is a shared trail for people of all ages and abilities: it is designed for walking, using mobility aids and cycling. Different details matter when choosing a trail. For the Whale Trail, its coastal route, sealed surface and gentle incline are important features; for the Leeuwin Biddi Trail, its approximate length and range of uses are also relevant. The Leeuwin Trail’s current route from the harbour to Dead Finish provides its own useful orientation through its endpoints.

Whale watching and cruises on the Blackwood River

Naturaliste Charters’ tours give visitors the opportunity to see humpback whales, southern right whales and rare blue whales on their northern and southern migrations. Whale-watching cruises depart from Augusta Boat Harbour on Leeuwin Road and last approximately two and a half hours. As the operator’s seasonal arrangements may change, check the latest departure information before making your plans. The approximate duration gives you a general guide for planning your day.

Augusta River Tours cruises along the lower Blackwood River aboard the Dolphin Discoverer. The company also offers a guided tour through the pristine wetland ecosystem of the Blackwood River. The water experiences therefore have different focuses: Naturaliste Charters centres on whale species and their migrations, while Augusta River Tours offers a cruise on the lower river and a guided tour through its wetland ecosystem. This lets you distinguish between whale watching and experiences centred on the river and its wetland ecosystem when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Cowaramup, Gnarabup, Witchcliffe.

Return to the regional travel overview: Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.