Augusta, Australia, offers visitors a chance to experience some of the most striking natural and maritime sights in Western Australia. From exploring spectacular caves to towering lighthouses and whale watching in pristine waters, Augusta’s tours provide a diverse array of adventures. We especially love how the Jewel Cave offers a glimpse into the underground world with its impressive stalactites, and the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse tour combines history with breathtaking coastal views. Whether you’re after a quick glance or a deeper adventure, Augusta has something for every traveler.
Quick Overview
Our list features three top tours in Augusta, each with its own appeal:
– The Augusta: Jewel Cave Fully-Guided Tour offers a fascinating underground experience for just $17, with a 1-hour guided walk into Western Australia’s largest public cave.
– The Augusta: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour takes you to the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia, where you’ll learn about maritime history in a 30-minute guided visit.
– The Augusta: Whale Watching Tour provides a chance to see migrating whales in their natural habitat during a relaxing 2-hour cruise, for $63.
Now, let’s explore each of these tours in detail to help you decide which best suits your interests.
1. Augusta: Jewel Cave Fully-Guided Tour
For around $17, the Jewel Cave Fully-Guided Tour offers an accessible way to experience Western Australia’s largest public cave. The tour lasts about one hour and takes you deep beneath the earth’s surface, where you’ll marvel at the immense first chamber, home to one of the longest straw stalactites. The guide shares fascinating stories about the cave’s long history, including its ancient fossils and geological formations.
What makes Jewel Cave stand out is its impressive size and the stunning natural features inside. The guided nature of the tour means you’ll learn about the cave’s formation, fossils, and the thousands of years of history embedded in the rock. It’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels, with a short walk into the underground world that’s both safe and mesmerizing.
This tour is perfect for those interested in geology, natural history, or simply wanting a memorable underground adventure. The affordability and focus on unique formations make it great value. Visitors often comment on how the cave’s sheer scale and the stunning stalactites leave a lasting impression.
Bottom line: If you love natural wonders and want a quick, insightful experience, Jewel Cave is a must-do for under $20.
2. Augusta: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour
At number two on our list, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour is a 30-minute guided trip that takes you to the top of the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia. Located at the most south-westerly point of Australia, this lighthouse stands at a commanding height, guiding ships for over a century. The tour includes a walk to the lighthouse, where you’ll encounter incredible views of the meeting point of the Southern and Indian Oceans.
The highlight is standing at the edge of the rugged coastline and learning about the lighthouse’s construction from local limestone in 1895. The guide recounts maritime stories and the lighthouse’s role in navigating treacherous waters. It’s an excellent stop for history buffs and those wanting a quick but meaningful look at Australia’s maritime past.
Most visitors rave about the panoramic vistas and the opportunity to see where two oceans collide. The tour’s brevity makes it an easy add-on to a day exploring Augusta’s surrounds, and the entry price of just $15 offers good value considering the views and stories shared.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a quick dose of history and coastal scenery, this tour leaves you with a sense of the region’s maritime importance.
3. Augusta: Whale Watching Tour
For approximately $63, the Whale Watching Tour delivers a two-hour cruise in the calm waters of Flinders Bay, where migrating Humpbacks, Southern Right Whales, and Blue Whales pass by each season. Led by a marine biologist, the tour provides insightful commentary about whale behavior, migration patterns, and the marine environment.
What makes this tour special is the chance to see whales in their natural habitat, often close enough to get a good look at their splashes and breaches. The luxury vessel—a purpose-built whale-watching boat worth around $2.5 million—ensures comfort and stability as you scan the waters. The bay itself is where two mighty oceans meet, creating a rich feeding ground for these magnificent creatures.
Some reviews mention how the on-board marine biologist shares fascinating facts, making the experience educational as well as scenic. The tour is most popular during whale migration seasons (generally from June to November). It is suited for those interested in marine wildlife and looking for a memorable, relaxing experience.
Bottom line: If you want to witness whales in their natural environment and learn about their behavior, this tour provides a well-rounded, comfortable cruise at a reasonable price.
How to Choose
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If underground adventures intrigue you, the Jewel Cave tour offers an authentic geological wonder. For those keen on maritime history and coastal scenery, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse tour is quick, informative, and scenic. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will find the whale watching tour a highlight of their trip.
Think about how much time you have—if you’re short on time, the lighthouse tour fits easily into a half-day. If you’re planning to spend a full day exploring or want an immersive experience, the Jewel Cave is ideal. Meanwhile, whale watching is best during the migration season, so check the timing if this is your priority.
Booking early is wise, especially for whale tours in peak season. All these tours are accessible and family-friendly, making Augusta a perfect spot for a variety of adventures.
Final Thoughts
Augusta offers a compact but rich selection of tours that showcase its natural beauty, maritime history, and incredible wildlife. The Jewel Cave provides an affordable and awe-inspiring underground experience, while the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse offers a quick but memorable glimpse into Australia’s coastal safety history. For wildlife enthusiasts, the whale watching tour promises unforgettable moments with migrating whales in their natural environment.
Whether you’re after a quick scenic stop, an educational underground adventure, or an exhilarating wildlife encounter, Augusta’s tours deliver authentic and memorable experiences. Be sure to book early, especially for the whale watching season, and prepare for a day filled with awe and discovery in this stunning part of Western Australia.