Augusta, Australia, offers a rich mix of natural wonders and maritime history that make it a fantastic destination for memorable tours and experiences. Whether you’re fascinated by underground caves, eager to stand at the edge of the Southern Ocean, or curious about whale migrations, Augusta has something special for you. We especially love the Jewel Cave Fully-Guided Tour, with its stunning formations and ancient fossils—it’s one of Western Australia’s largest publicly accessible caves. The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour offers a glimpse into maritime history from the tallest lighthouse on the mainland, while the Whale Watching Tour provides a chance to see migrating whales in their natural habitat. Each experience offers a different perspective on Augusta’s natural beauty and history, so choosing the right one depends on your interests.
Quick Overview
In this guide, you’ll find three standout tours. The Jewel Cave Fully-Guided Tour explores Western Australia’s largest public cave with stunning stalactites and ancient fossils. The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour takes you to the top of the tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland, where land meets ocean. And for nature lovers, the Whale Watching Tour offers a two-hour cruise to observe Humpbacks, Southern Right, and Blue Whales in the wild. Read on for detailed descriptions of each trip to help you decide which experience suits your travel style.
1. Augusta: Jewel Cave Fully-Guided Tour
If you want to see one of Western Australia’s most impressive caves, the Jewel Cave is a must. This fully-guided tour lasts about an hour and takes you into the largest public cave in the region. As you walk through, your guide shares stories about the cave’s mysterious fossils and the formation of stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The highlight is the long straw stalactite in the first chamber, which stretches impressively from ceiling to floor.
What sets this tour apart is its accessibility and depth of storytelling. The guide’s local knowledge helps bring the cave to life, turning a simple underground walk into a journey through thousands of years of geological history. The cave itself is vast, with beautiful formations that look like art created by nature over eons. Visitors often comment that the scale of the chambers is awe-inspiring and the fossils add an intriguing layer of mystery.
At around 1 hour long, the tour offers a manageable experience for most travelers, and it’s suitable for families, those with limited time, or anyone eager to explore Western Australia’s underground secrets. The entry price offers excellent value for such a comprehensive experience. If you appreciate natural wonders and history, this tour will leave you with a deep appreciation for the geological forces shaping this landscape.
Bottom Line: A must-do for geology fans and curious travelers, Jewel Cave’s guided tour offers a compact but captivating underground adventure.
2. Augusta: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour
For those interested in maritime history and spectacular coastal views, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour is ideal. This 30-minute guided tour takes you to the top of the tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland, perched at the southwestern tip of Australia. From here, you can stand where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet—a spot that feels both remote and historically significant.
The tour offers a fascinating look into how the lighthouse was built from local limestone in 1895. Your guide shares stories of the lighthouse’s role in guiding ships safely along treacherous waters and its importance in maritime navigation. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking; on clear days, you can see for miles along rugged coastlines and crashing waves.
What makes this tour a standout is the combination of maritime engineering, local history, and natural beauty. It’s short but packed with insights that appeal to history buffs and nature lovers alike. The lighthouse’s commanding position makes it a prime spot for photographs, and the guided commentary adds depth to what might otherwise be just a scenic lookout.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in maritime history, coastal scenery, and impressive engineering, this tour provides a compact dose of awe-inspiring views and stories.
3. Augusta: Whale Watching Tour
If you’re visiting during whale migration season, the Whale Watching Tour is an unforgettable experience. This two-hour cruise departs from Augusta Boat Harbour and offers the chance to observe Humpback, Southern Right, and Blue Whales in their natural environment. Accompanied by a marine biologist on board, you’ll learn about whale behaviors, migration patterns, and conservation efforts.
The tour takes place in Flinders Bay, a location where two oceans meet, making it an ideal spot for spotting whales and dolphins. The vessel, a purpose-built luxury whale-watching boat valued at $2.5 million, ensures comfort and stability even in choppy waters. As you cruise along, the guide shares fascinating facts, making it both fun and educational.
Reviewers note that the experience is “spectacular” and that seeing whales breach or spyhopping is a highlight. The tour’s mid-morning schedule is well-suited for most visitors, and the two hours fly by as you absorb the natural scenery and marine life. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a reusable water bottle, especially if the weather turns chilly.
Bottom Line: For marine life enthusiasts and families, this whale watching cruise offers a rare chance to see majestic whales in their element, complemented by expert commentary.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your interests and time constraints. If geology excites you, the Jewel Cave tour provides an underground adventure packed with fossils and formations. For a quick yet memorable insight into maritime history, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse tour covers engineering and scenic views in half an hour. Finally, if you’re visiting during whale migration season and love wildlife, the whale watching cruise offers an awe-inspiring encounter with massive marine mammals.
Think about your overall trip plan — if you’re short on time but want a taste of Augusta’s maritime roots, the lighthouse tour is perfect. For a more immersive experience in nature and history, the Jewel Cave is well worth a morning. And if wildlife viewing is your priority, don’t miss the whale watching tour, especially from September to November and June to August.
Booking early is recommended, especially for whale tours during migration season, as spots can fill quickly. Each tour offers a different way to connect with Augusta’s unique natural and cultural landscape, so pick what resonates most with your interests.
In summary, Augusta provides a diverse array of tours that highlight its stunning caves, historic lighthouses, and incredible marine life. Whether you prefer exploring underground chambers, standing on the edge of the world’s southernmost point, or watching whales breach in the bay, each experience promises lasting memories. For most travelers, combining at least two of these tours will give a well-rounded taste of what this beautiful part of Western Australia has to offer. Book early, prepare for the weather, and enjoy your adventure in Augusta.