Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP OF CHAPTER
Augusta & Around
POP 1700
Augusta is positioned at the mouth of the Blackwood River, 5km north of Cape Leeuwin,
and quite separate from the main wine region. There are a few vineyards, but the vibe here
is less epicurean, and more languid.
1
Sights & Activities
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
OFFLINE MAP
(
www.margaretriver.com
;
adult/child $5/3; 8.45am-4.45pm)
Wild and windy Cape Leeuwin, where
the Indian and Southern Oceans meet, is the most southwesterly point in Australia. It
takes its name from a Dutch ship that passed here in 1622. The lighthouse (1896), WA's
tallest, offers magnificent views of the coastline. Tours leave every 40 minutes from 9am
to 4.30pm (adult/child $17/7). Only 10 people at a time can enter, so be prepared to wait
in holiday season. The Ultimate Pass (adult/child $65/27) incorporates admission to the
lighthouse with Jewel, Lake and Mammoth Caves.
LIGHTHOUSE
Jewel Cave
OFFLINE MAP
(
www.margaretriver.com
;
Caves Rd; adult/child $22/10; tours hourly 9.30am-3.30pm)
The most spectacular
of the region's caves, Jewel Cave has an impressive 5.9m straw stalactite, so far the
longest seen in a tourist cave. Fossil remains of a Tasmanian tiger (thylacine), believed to
be 3500 years old, were discovered here. It's located near the south end of Caves Rd, 8km
northwest of Augusta. The Grand Tour Pass (adult/child $50/22) incorporates admission
to the Jewel, Lake and Mammoth Caves.
A new Jewel Cave Preservation Centre opened at Jewel Cave in 2011.
Reopened in late 2012, the nearby Moondyne Cave can be visited on the Moondyne
Experience, a subterranean adventure combining overalls, hard hats and torches. The tour
concludes wth lunch at the Jewel Cave, and prior booking is essential. Children must be at
least 12 years of age.
CAVE
