Perched on the edge of Southwest WA, where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, Augusta is an old school, nostalgic, salt-crusted escape where the days are measured in scoops of ice cream and the sand between your toes. While its flashier neighbour, Margaret River, might take the crown for endless things to do, this quiet coastal pocket wins on being so laid back. From the limestone labyrinths of Jewel Cave to the stingray-patrolled shallows of Hamelin Bay, it’s a place that invites you to slow down, feast on legendary local pies, and let the kids run free.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the big‑ticket outing in Augusta – the spot where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Families can choose a simple, cheap heritage pass to wander the grounds, lookouts and interactive museum, or go all‑in with a guided tour that climbs the 39‑metre tower. The guided climb (for ages 4+) is a proper adventure with 176 narrow steps, little rest landings and a big “we did it!” moment when you step out onto the breezy balcony. Read more in our blog.
Jewel Cave
A great rainy-day idea, Jewel Cave swaps salty hair for underground awe. As the largest show cave open to the public in WA, it’s all about soaring chambers, glittering stalactites and ancient formations. Visit on a one‑hour guided tour, the rangers are brilliant at explaining how the cave formed, flicking the lights to reveal different features. The looped boardwalk and stairs are manageable for school‑aged kids and reasonably fit adults. Read more in our blog.
Flinders Bay
Flinders Bay is the ultimate “easy” beach day with kids. Its calm, clear water, soft white sand and the Ship Playground complete with pirate flag. Sheltered by rocks from the open ocean, it’s ideal for paddlers, and older kids who can leap off the jetty or pontoon. There’s plenty of shady grass under huge pines for a picnic, plus change rooms and toilets, and parking is close enough that hauling the beach cart isn’t a workout. Just around the corner from Flinders Bay, Granny’s Pool feels like a giant natural saltwater bath made for little ones. Read more in our blog.
Hamelin Bay
Hamelin Bay, a long sweep of bright white sand and turquoise water that’s usually calm enough for young families. It’s great paddling and snorkelling territory, with a long boat ramp handy for launching kayaks or SUPs. The real show‑stoppers here are the resident stingrays. Read more in our blog.
Hardy Inlet Foreshore
If you’re after a spot where you can easily spend half a day, the Hardy Inlet Foreshore is a winner. This is where the Blackwood and Scott Rivers meet the ocean, so the water is shallow – perfect for splashing, paddleboarding or floating about. A nature playground in front of Turner Holiday Park keeps little climbers happy, and there are shady trees, picnic tables and lawns to laze on. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and pelicans, and wander to the fish‑cleaning station at Seine Bay to spot huge stingrays hovering for scraps. Read more in our blog.
The Historic Waterwheel
Just up the road from Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the historic Waterwheel is a fun, bite‑sized adventure. Built in 1895 to pipe fresh water to the lighthouse cottages, the wooden wheel has long since stopped turning and is now completely coated in salt and calcium, like a natural stone sculpture. Kids will love scrambling over the rugged rocks around it (good shoes and hand‑holding recommended), and spotting the lighthouse from a different angle for a family selfie. Read more in our blog.
Where to Eat With Kids in Augusta
Augusta Bakery & Cafe
Augusta Bakery is one of those must‑do country bakeries. Housed in a cute blue cottage on Blackwood Avenue, the cabinets are loaded with old‑school favourites. Choose from custard slices, lamingtons, jam and cream doughnuts, alongside fresh fruit salads, salad rolls and even trendy treats like cruffins. Pie lovers are spoiled for choice with more than 15 varieties, plus there are veggie pasties and a small gluten‑free selection. You can eat in at the casual dining area with water views or do what many families do: grab a box of pastries for a beach picnic. Read more in our blog.
The Colourpatch
Sitting right on the Hardy Inlet, The Colourpatch is very kid‑friendly. Part café, part restaurant and part takeaway, it has big windows framing the water, a small dog‑friendly alfresco and a relaxed holiday vibe. The menu is wide enough to keep everyone happy; think share plates, pizzas and a solid kids’ menu – plus colouring sheets to keep little hands busy. Whether you stay for a long lunch or grab a pizza to eat on the grass opposite, it’s one of Augusta’s best all‑round family dining spots. Read more in our blog.
Playgrounds & Easy Outdoor Spots
Ship Playground at Flinders Bay
Just back from the sand at Flinders Bay, the ship‑themed playground is a magnet for little pirates. With a big wooden “vessel” complete with pirate flag, climbing and sliding elements, it keeps kids happy. The mix of beach, shade and play equipment makes Flinders Bay a particularly stress‑free choice if you’re juggling multiple ages who want to do different things within sight of each other. Read more in our blog.
Nature Playground on Hardy Inlet Foreshore
Fronting Turner Holiday Park, the Hardy Inlet nature playground is a lovely option when you want the kids climbing. It includes balancing logs, climbing elements and a swing set, all shaded by peppermint trees so equipment doesn’t scorch in the sun. Read more in our blog.
Family Accommodation Around Augusta
Hamelin Bay Holiday Park
For a classic coastal holiday, Hamelin Bay Holiday Park ticks all the boxes: beach almost at your doorstep, loads of space for kids to roam and accommodation for every style of family. Ocean View Cottages sleep up to six and come fully self‑contained with kitchens, air‑con, linen and big verandas with BBQs looking straight over the water. Park Cabins (with or without ensuites) give you a simple base close to the action, while powered and unpowered sites under peppermint trees, make it easy to roll out the van or tent. With camp kitchens, BBQs, laundries, a small kiosk and campfires allowed in season, it’s very popular and regularly books out. Read more in our blog.
The Homestead at Karridale Cottages
If you’d prefer a touch of luxury, privacy and space to spread out, The Homestead at Karridale Cottages is a gorgeous base within easy driving distance of Augusta. The renovated 1920s farmhouse sleeps up to ten across four styled bedrooms (with one room also offering bunks), blending rustic touches with French linen, a wood‑burning fire and a dreamy outdoor bath you can book for a soak under the stars. Families can cook with local produce in the well‑equipped kitchen, spin vinyl on the record player and relax while the kids explore the garden, meet the chooks, bounce on the trampoline or swing under the trees. Read more in our blog.
Whatever you love to get up to on holiday, you’re sure to find something to float your boat in Augusta!
What are your favourite things to do in Augusta? If we’ve missed something, let us know in the comments below.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, (first as “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life”) Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA for her blog ‘Simply PERTHfect’. You’ll find her checking out the newest foodie spots (brunching, tapas or something a little fancy), as well as fun family activities with the kiddos in tow, so Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
