The
Cape Region located on Western Australia's Southwest corner offers a
huge variety of sights and experiences to satisfy even the most
experienced traveller.
250 kilometres south of Perth, the Cape Region forms the South-western
tip of Western Australia.
Escape to the Capes and experience a different world; where tension and
hassles just don't exist. Here you will discover magnificently
contrasting spectacles of nature - sandy beaches, secluded bays,
pounding surf, rocky cliffs and sloping fields and vineyards. And these
are just a few of the region's features.
The Cape Region boasts excellent tourist and recreational facilities,
with international standard golf courses, a yacht club, international
hockey stadium, squash courts, a tennis club and courts, horse riding,
sailboard and surfcat hire, numerous boat ramps, a wide range of
accommodation options and restaurants, wine tasting, crafts and
beautifully scenic barbeque and picnic spots.
It is a small but exciting region that combines the beauty of nature
with the excitement of a world class water playground.
The world's largest surviving natural Tuart Forest is found east of the
Cape, while to the west there are ancient caves, magnificent beaches
and spectacular cliffs.
The unspoilt, beautifully clear waters of Geographe Bay are protected
from most prevailing winds, offering more than 30 km of white sandy
beaches and bays abounding with bird and marine life. Bordered by
natural bushlands and forests, this provides a natural haven for
fishermen, windsurfers, waterskiers, sailors, waterskiers and scuba
divers and swimmers. Further to the south are what are arguably the
world's best surfing beaches.
The towns of Busselton and Dunsborough sit on the shores of Geographe
Bay, with Yallingup just to the west of the rugged beauty of Cape
Naturaliste. South of Yallingup is Margaret River, popular for its
surfing, wines and scenery while right at the bottom tip of the region
is spectacular Cape Leeuwin and the town of Augusta.
DUNSBOROUGH
The Backpackers Guide to WA says:-
Just west of Busselton, almost on the tip of Cape Naturaliste, lies the
small towns of Dunsborough and the adjoining spectacular Yallingup.
Both towns are set on the northern fringe of the famous south west
vineyards, most of which welcome visitors to taste their produce. The
majority have their own restaurants.
Dunsborough has a backpackers’ hostel and hotel, several bed and
breakfast establishments and a caravan park. There are three
restaurants, all with blackboard menus and a chicken take-away outlet.
YALLINGUP
The stretch of coastline from Yallingup through Margaret River to
Augusta is famous for its caves. You drive along Caves Road through
rolling farmland and vineyards to visit some of the world's most
sparkling caves. This is a pot-holer's paradise, and for the regular
tourist, conducted tours of these caves are an experience that should not be missed.
The Lake Cave at Margaret River is reached by a winding staircase that
leads down to a gigantic crater. Entering the cave, the sparkling
underground lake, the shimmering stalactites and the mineral deposits
on the walls shimmer like jewels refracting and reflecting the
artificial lights. Its a splendid sight.
Just north of Augusta, you come to Jewel Cave. Its name says it all.
Among massive pillars, naturally sculpted formations, you wander up and
down, over and along a still river, while the lights pick out the
plethora of stalactites like gems in a Rajah's Palace.
The Backpackers Guide to WA says:-
Yallingup has one hotel, several self-contained chalet cottages and
three caravan parks. The hotel, “Caves House” is a tourist attraction
in itself. Built in 1903 it has an old world atmosphere about it and is
set in beautiful surrounds. Magnificent views of the Indian Ocean add
to its beauty. Apart from the fabulous surfing beaches and beautiful
coastal scenery, Yallingup is famous worldwide for its caves.
For the more adventurous, Yallingup is surrounded by national parks
abundant in flora, fauna and natural beauty. Otherwise known as the
limestone coast, the area abounds in cave and rock formations.
A walk to Quinninup Falls is most rewarding, particularly in spring, as
one can view wildflowers and see the fabulous waterfall.
Amongst the most popular tourist attractions in the
Dunsborough-Yallinup area is the Kibo Deer Park with 150 red and fallow
deer. Here visitors can hand feed the animals, which include kangaroos
and goats.
The spectacular scenic coastline and sheltered bays of Meelup &
Eagle Bay are worth a visit.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse built in 1903 from local limestone, is WA’s
most westerly weather station and as the highs and lows travel to the
east, it is a most important one. Join a free conducted tour any day
except Wednesday.
There is no better way to explore the Cape than by walking. Short walks
and long trails lead round cliff tops and tracks wind along the rocky
shore. National parks have established walk trails on the tip of the
Cape. From vantage points you see the sheltered beaches of Geographe
Bay, or the steep cliffs which are honeycombed with small caves, or
watch the huge breakers roll on to beaches or crash thundering against
rocks.
On the tip itself are sandhills and the place known as “The Other Side
of the Moon” where the dark sandy soil reveals signs that some three
million years ago, mangrove swamps were the home of prehistoric
animals.
Last but not least, Smith’s Beach and Canal Rocks are a must for
visitors in any weather to see the superb handiwork of Mother Nature.
MARGARET
RIVER
The South-West of Western Australia is such a pastiche of other lands
that it comes as no surprise to discover that it's the State's most
popular holiday destination. Margaret River, with the fine vineyards of
the Willyabrup Winegrowing Valley, local Brie cheeses and exquisite art
and craft centres, could be a small French village; the caves and
rugged cliffs of the coast, the rolling green fields and handsome
sandstone buildings could belong to England; the climate is definitely
Mediterranean. And the majestic forests which cut a swathe through the
heart of the land with a ringside seat of the Southern Ocean could
belong to Canada. It adds up to an area that has a flavour all its own.
The WA Backpackers Guide says:-
Margaret River is famous worldwide for its consistently big waves round
the river mouth, a key factor in the town hosting a heat of the World
Masters surfing classic every year.
Backpackers are well catered for with three hostels as well as two
pubs, caravan and camping parks, numerous holiday cottages along with a
staggering forty-eight eateries.
A permanent population of 6,500 wells to around 30,000 during Christmas
and Easter. It is certain a star attraction for tourists with its mild
weather pattern that seldom sees the mercury rise much above 32 degrees
in our hottest summers.
This same temperature makes the district ideal for wine grape
production. There are 35 vineyards in the immediate Margaret River area
with most offering free tastings of their wares. Many of the producers
are well established on the international market with their labels
taking major awards at overseas wine judging.
There are a host of other things to see and do besides surfing and
vineyard tours. Four spectacular caves in the area, Lake, Mammoth,
Jewel and Moondyne welcome thousands of visitors annually. All have
conducted tours and are well lit. There are numerous magnificent
stalactites and stalagmites to view.
Close to the town centre there are many bush walk trails that traverse
the huge karri and jarrah trees that make up the district’s forests.
There are many little brooks flowing through the forests to add to the
peace and tranquility. For the more adventurous, hire a horse and ride
along the beach or perhaps see the forests from a different
perspective.
A visit to the Marron Farm (11 km from town) is certainly worth the
time. This is one of the State’s biggest commercial marron farms and
after taking a conducted tour, settle into a tasting session in the
restaurant or buy your needs and cook them on the free barbeque.
Eagles Heritage is most certainly worth a visit. It is a rehabilitation
centre for birds of prey that have been injured in some way. These
birds include eagles (see giant wedgetails at close quarters), hawks,
falcons and owls. A major feature is the enormous free fl cage where
the injured birds can learn to fly again before being released back
into their own environment. There are also demonstrations of the
age-old art of falconry. There is a small admission charge but well
worth it. Cameras a must.
There is a great selection of tours, too many to list here but check
with your hostel owner or for a comprehensive run down on the district,
the Tourist Bureau will be only too happy to be of assistance.
Many of the attractions of the Margaret River region are just that
little too far for a comfortable walk and for that reason bicycle hire
is very popular. There is a great selection of cycle trails that lead
into the tall timber country of the nearby hinterland. Bicycles are
available from one of the hostels or in town at a nominal daily or
weekly fee.
Margaret River has a laid back lifestyle and is a young person’s domain
with lots to see and do all year round.
AUGUSTA
The WA Backpackers Guide Says:-
Visitors to the South West should stop off at the peaceful and
picturesque little fishing village of Augusta. Situated on the banks of
the beautiful Blackwood River, where it meets the Southern Ocean,
Augusta is only 320 kilometres south of Perth on a pleasant 3 ½ hour
drive, and serviced regularly by coach. It is 43 kilometres south of
Margaret River.
Now a thriving fish port and popular tourist destination, Augusta is
the third oldest European settlement in Western Australia, first
settled in 1830. The town boasts all the necessary amenities to satisfy
most needs, offers much to see and do and has a new double storey
backpackers’ resort. Budget priced meals and takeaways are within easy
walking distance of the resort.
For those with an adventurous spirit, the surrounding area offers
walking trails, sailing, fishing, caving (both tourist and adventure),
scuba diving, surfing, water skiing, windsurfing, cycling, canoeing and
most sports. There are even scenic flights, horse riding and whale
watching charters (June-December). Or for a more relaxed pace a ferry
offers scenic cruises on the Blackwood river, or take yourself on a
visit to one of the range of craft outlets including a glass blowing
studio. And for the history buffs, a visit to the Augusta Historical
Museum is a definite must, and for a look back in time a visit to the
Old Print Shop to see historic printing presses still in use.
Bluegum Miniature Railway and Collectibles Museum is not far away, and
neither are the wineries of the Margaret River region, together with
the Boranup karri forest and Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, while
Hillview Lookout and lots of nearby coastal areas with sheltered bays
or wide open beaches are close to town.
Only nine kilometres further south of Augusta you can visit the most
south westerly point of Australia at Cape Leeuwin, and climb the
magnificent limestone lighthouse constructed in 1895/96. The views from
its 39 metre balcony are superb, and if you’re in luck you may even
spot a whale or two. The lighthouse is open daily and well worth a
look.
Nearby is the old historic waterwheel, built in 1895 to supply water to
the lighthouse cottages and for the construction. The wheel was
originally built from timber and has slowly turned to stone through the
passing of time. The lighthouse can also be viewed from the scenic
drive which overlooks the Cape from the western side.
The Lookout allows visitors a rare opportunity to look out over the
meeting of two oceans for this is where the Indian and Southern water
masses start or end. Residents naturally say this is where they start.
CAPE
LEEUWIN - LAND'S END
While you're in Augusta it is well worth visiting the Cape Leeuwin
Lighthouse. This is the land's end of the West where the Indian and
Southern Oceans meet. From here the next land mass is the Southern
Polar Cap. Also of interest is the remarkable water wheel. Deposits of lime completely covered the wheel and mummified it in stone.
Driving
As is the case throughout the entire South-West, the roads in the Cape
are magnificent, allowing for easy and rapid movement between various
locations. All the major roads throughout the region are bitumen
surfaced, wide, well marked and of first class construction, and while
many minor side roads in the South-West are of well maintained gravel
construction all major towns (and most small towns) can be accessed
without once leaving the bitumen.
Return to the Regions page
