There’s a wealth of cracking walks to do at the southern end of the Capes region. That includes a stunning section of the Cape to Cape Track, amid many other lovely walks. Read on for a guide to the Augusta walking trails, penned by Tom de Souza for The Margaret River Region.
The Augusta walking trails are one of the Margaret River Region’s hidden gems.
Tucked away at the end of Caves Road, this is one part of the region less frequently visited. That, of course, adds to the adventure you can find down there.
The country surrounding Augusta is more heavily forested than other parts of the region, thanks mostly to the fertile soils of the Blackwood Valley. It is also where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet, and it has a different, wilder feel than the rest of the region’s coast.
There are plenty of walking tracks where you can experience Augusta at its finest and immerse yourself in all the natural beauty it has to offer. Here are a few to get you started.
- Time: 1-2 days
- Distance: 25 km
- Difficulty: Hard
This is arguably one of the most challenging and stunning sections of the 125 km Cape to Cape walking track. From Cape Leeuwin the track skirts big granite boulders along the coast, before dropping down steep cliffs onto Deepdene Beach. This is a long, stunning beach, where you will feel like you are the only one in the world.
This is a walk for experienced hikers with soft sand and difficult terrain and will take 1-2 days.
For those looking for a milder version of the walk, try Hamelin Bay to Deepdene, which is 10 km and will take between half and a full day of walking. You’ll pass the old lighthouse at the beautiful and sheltered Foul Bay, and the granite outcrops of Cosy Corner and Elephant Rock before you arrive at the long expanse of beach that is Deepdene.
Tip: Let Cape To Cape Explorer Tours take care of the planning and logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. Or organise drop-offs and pick-ups with South West Driving Services.
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 9 km
- Difficulty: Medium
Starting at the Augusta Boat Harbour, head up and around Skippy Rock Road for stunning vistas of the rugged coastline. You can look out over two different oceans and coast that faces west, south, and east.
This is a moderately difficult walk along a gravel road. It will take you along beaches, rocks, and through coastal bushland.
Where the path descends to Skippy Rock, check out the fossilised water wheel that the early settlers used to supply the lighthouse keepers with water.
From Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, head east along the south-facing bays, and back to the foreshore at Flinders Bay. There are picnic tables and facilities here, and it makes a tranquil spot to stop for lunch.
- Time: 1-3 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Difficulty: Easy
This is an easy walk along a paved track from the Blackwood Rivermouth to the boat harbour at Flinders Bay. It is perfect for young children and families and offers plenty of ideal vantage points to spot wildlife.
Along the waterfront, you’ll pass shady peppermint and paperbark trees, cormorants, pelicans, and maybe even a pod of dolphins.
If you’re lucky, you’ll see whale action in the form of breaching and tail-slapping acrobatics from late May to August. The walk runs through the Flinders Bay Caravan Park and is well signposted.
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Distance: 3.4 km
- Difficulty: Easy
The Leeuwin Trail extends from the Augusta Boat Harbour to Dead Finish. It has a firm surface and takes in stunning views of the Southern Ocean with a couple of lookouts on the way.
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Distance: 3.3 km
- Difficulty: Easy
Augusta’s newest section of the coastal trail connects Dead Finish to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse with approximately 3km of scenic, accessible path for people to enjoy while walking, wheeling or riding.
This dual-use path is designed for all ages and abilities, with a mix of fine granite gravel and accessible concrete. It’s a safe, scenic route for anyone walking or jogging, riding a bike and families with prams, winding through some of Augusta’s most spectacular coastline.
Parking is available at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and opposite Waterwheel Road.
Tip: Combine the Whale Trail, the Cape Leeuwin Trail, and the Leeuwin Biddi Trail for a full day of coastal hiking. Stop in at Subsea Estate at Augusta Boat Harbour, or Leeuwin Bean Café at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse to fuel up.
