Augusta, Australia, is a small town with a big reputation for natural wonders and maritime history. Its location by the southern coast of Western Australia offers travelers a chance to explore caves, lighthouses, and whale-watching adventures—all just a short drive from pristine beaches and rugged coastline. We particularly like the Jewel Cave Fully-Guided Tour for its breathtaking underground formations, and the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour for its panoramic views of where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. If you’re visiting between June and November, the Whale Watching Tour provides a memorable chance to see migrating Humpbacks, Southern Rights, and Blue Whales in their natural habitat. These tours showcase what makes Augusta special: its connection to the sea, geological marvels, and wildlife.
Quick Overview
In this guide, you’ll find the top three tours that highlight Augusta’s natural and maritime attractions. From exploring Western Australia’s largest public cave to climbing the tallest lighthouse on the mainland, and observing magnificent whales, these experiences are well worth your time. Whether you’re into geology, maritime history, or marine life, there’s something for every traveler. Read on for detailed descriptions to help you choose the right adventure.
1. Augusta: Jewel Cave Fully-Guided Tour
At number one, the Jewel Cave Fully-Guided Tour stands out for its impressive underground beauty. This is Western Australia’s largest public cave, and it’s packed with stunning formations and stories. The 1-hour guided walk takes you into the first chamber, where you’ll see the longest straw stalactites in the region and hear fascinating tales of fossils and geological history. The cave’s impressive dimensions make it a must-see for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts alike.
What makes this tour exceptional is the combination of natural wonder and educational storytelling. The guide shares insights into how the cave formed over thousands of years, and visitors often leave with a new appreciation for earth’s slow but relentless shaping of landscapes. The reviews are glowing, with a 4.9 out of 5 rating based on 277 reviews, citing the awe-inspiring scenery and engaging guides. The tour is suitable for all ages, though a moderate level of mobility is recommended due to walking on uneven surfaces.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an immersive underground experience that combines breathtaking visuals with storytelling, Jewel Cave is your best choice. It’s a compact but powerful visit that fits well into a day of exploring Augusta.
2. Augusta: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour
Coming in at number two is the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour, which takes you to the top of the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia. This 30-minute guided tour offers sweeping views from the lighthouse’s platform, perched at the most south-westerly point of the continent, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. The lighthouse construction in 1895 used local limestone, and the tour includes fascinating stories of the lighthouse’s maritime significance.
What makes this experience stand out is its combination of spectacular scenery and historical insight. You’ll learn about the engineering challenges faced in building such an iconic structure and the vital role it played in navigation. The 4.8-star rating from 72 reviews reflects visitors’ appreciation for the panoramic vistas and informative narration. The tour is brief but packed with value, suitable for those with limited time who still want a meaningful coastal experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs and scenery lovers, this tour offers a quick but rich glimpse into Australia’s maritime past. It’s perfect if you want a scenic highlight that’s easy to fit into your day.
3. Augusta: Whale Watching Tour
For marine life enthusiasts, the Whale Watching Tour is an absolute highlight. During the migration season (June to November), you can observe Humpback, Southern Right, and Blue Whales in the pristine waters of Flinders Bay. This 2-hour cruise, operated on a purpose-built luxury vessel, is led by an onboard marine biologist who shares insights into whale behavior and conservation efforts.
This tour is unique for its close encounters with these gentle giants in their natural environment. The coastal waters where two oceans meet create an ideal habitat for whales and dolphins, making sightings highly likely. The reviews are very favorable, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating based on 9 reviews, emphasizing the knowledgeable guides and the thrill of seeing whales breach and spyhop. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy wildlife, boat rides, and are prepared with comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and water.
The logistical details include a start at Augusta Boat Harbour, with a safety briefing before heading out into the bay. The entire experience balances education, relaxation, and natural spectacle.
Bottom Line: If you love marine wildlife and want a memorable encounter with migrating whales, this tour offers excellent value and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these majestic creatures.
How to Choose
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests and schedule. If caves fascinate you, the Jewel Cave tour offers a stunning underground adventure, especially if you’re into geology or just want to see impressive stalactites and fossils. For a quick dose of coastal history and panoramic views, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour is perfect. And if your trip coincides with whale migration season, the Whale Watching Tour guarantees unforgettable close-ups with nature’s giants.
Consider your fitness level and time availability. The cave tour is about an hour, the lighthouse only 30 minutes, and whale watching takes around two hours. For families or those with limited mobility, the lighthouse and whale tours might be more accessible. Also, booking early is recommended, especially for whale trips during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Augusta offers a wonderful mix of geological wonders, maritime history, and marine wildlife. The Jewel Cave provides a spectacular underground experience, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse showcases impressive engineering and views, and the Whale Watching Tour connects you with the incredible marine life of Western Australia. Each experience has its own charm, so think about what excites you most—whether it’s exploring deep underground, climbing a historic lighthouse, or watching whales breach in the bay.
For a well-rounded visit, consider doing at least two of these tours, as they complement each other beautifully. Remember to book early, especially for the whale tours during the migration months. No matter which you choose, Augusta promises memorable adventures grounded in its spectacular natural setting.