Augusta, a small town with a permanent population of just over1000 people, packs a hefty punch when it comes to scenery. In the hot summer months the population expands dramatically with tourists flocking to the town for everything it has on offer, including cooling winds off the two oceans that meet close by at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Not only does the township boast the meeting of the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean, but it also has two rivers that flow into the Hardy Inlet just above the township, the Blackwood River, and the Scott River. The waters from the inlet then flow out to Flinders Bay in the Southern ocean. As you can imagine a town with two rivers, an Inlet, and two oceans just has to be a fisher person’s idea of heaven.
A haven for boats 
Jetties to fish from
The township is small, but comes with a supermarket, and enough little shops to please any tourists who fancy shopping as part of their holiday experience. We found a gorgeous little shop that sold all manner of little gifts, including drinking glasses manufactured in Africa from recycled coke bottles. There was also a gorgeous little cafe for dining in, or you could takeaway if you’d rather go down to the riverbank to eat in the great outdoors. You know us – we almost always will choose a picnic table in the great outdoors rather than sit inside four walls overlooking a main street.
Glasses recycled from coke bottles 
I loved this swirly plate 
This boat rocked when the pendulum swung to and fro 
The local cafe also sold takeaway 
and a few little nic naks as well 
We chose to take our lunch to the riverbank
We purchased a couple of takeaway coffees, and to share – a toasted panini, a big home made sausage roll, and something sweet to finish off, and headed down to the riverbank.
After a bite to eat, the bridge on the walk track beckoned. A nice, easy walk down a sealed track suitable for wheelchairs or prams, and dogs if on a leash, led us down to the river mouth where the waves gently rolled in to meet the waters in the inlet.
The river banks are lined with saltwater paper barks, as well as plenty of rushes and sedges which hold the riverbank in place.
Gorgeous paper barks 
The plants and trees, tolerant of salt water, and strong salty winds provide shelter for a myriad of other plants, and a variety of birds.
The wide variety of birds 
is indicative of a healthy river 
and a stable eco system
There’s an off leash dog exercise area at the end of the river as the riverbank meanders around to join the beach on the shore of Flinders Bay. Mr Tilly enjoyed a romp with lots of seaweed, and rocks to sniff at, jump over and run around. There are dog water bowls and fresh water taps nearby so as your furry friend can have a refreshing drink after all that salt water activity.
It’s been a lot of years since we last visited Augusta, and I had forgotten how beautiful the place is. I don’t think we’ll be leaving so long between visits from now on. Next time we’re going to have stay a few days to do justice to such a scenic paradise, one day just wasn’t enough. What a pleasure that’ll be!
Life of Riley - on whatever 
Photos are beautiful.
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Thank you.
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There has to be something in the air down there. We visited in cool wet weather yet extended our stay. I’m yet to find a caravanner who doesn’t have Augusta in their top ten.
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That’s really interesting as locally it’s very much an overlooked place except by keen fisher people. I guess that’s why we haven’t visited there very often. When we went there recently it had me wondering why we don’t go there more often. It’s a really beautiful place, with plenty to do.
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Stunning photographs Chris, it looks a beautiful place, I just want to dive into that beautiful water! – love the glasses!
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The water is absolutely gorgeous Sam, but being the Southern Ocean, it’s very cold water even in the middle of summer. I’m happy to paddle, and keep swims for in the warmer waters up the coast a bit in the warmer Indian Ocean. You are right, those glasses were really interesting. I was tempted, but we already have more than we need.
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The color of the water is so amazing! I could definitely live there…except during tourist season…lol
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We do have gorgeous turquoise waters all around our coast.
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We only spent a day visiting this area and decided next time we need to stay longer. This part of the coast is so beautiful.
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It is beautiful isn’t it. I’d forgotten just how beautiful, in fact I don’t think I’d realised how beautiful it was before. I think I have give blogging the credit for that – I think blogging heightens one’s ability to actually one’s eyes and really see!
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I definitely take far more notice of what I’m looking at and how I use my camera these days.
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I only said almost exactly the same thing to Paul when we were out to lunch today. I think that’s what blogging and photographing does – it makes you more aware of your surroundings.
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And how you want to capture them.
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It does indeed look like a beautiful place to visit!
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Because it’s such a small place it’s often overlooked, except by keen Fisher people. I can see that’s changing a bit now though, and the town is clearly expanding its tourism market. Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.
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It looks idyllic. I will add it to my list of spots should I ever get over that way. Mainly because of the ceramics, but also because it looks pristine and there is a chance to see a bandicoot.
I am impressed that they are recycling glass from Coke bottles. Was that done locally, Chris?
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Amanda the glasses are made in and imported from Swaziland. Mr Tilly alerted us to the presence of the bandicoot. I’m pleased he was on a leash. It’s quite an unpretentious little town, with just enough in the way of shops and an abundance of gorgeous scenery. Its location means it’s usually relatively cool in the summer months too, so that would suit you if you ventured this way in the summertime. In the winter though it’s cold, and not nice crisp cold, it’s cold winds that blow right through you.
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Cool in the summertime is definitely a plus. Good ol’ Mr Tilly. Doing his border patrol duty.
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