"Keeweechic's Augusta" a Augusta Travel Page by keeweechic

Augusta was originally discovered by the Dutch in back in 1622. The first European settlers in the area were sealers and whalers to came ashore to seek some protection for the storms that battered the southern ocean. James Stirling founded Augusta and brought with him settlers from the ship “Barque Warrior”. In 1801 Matthew Flinders named the south-western tip of the coastline – “Cape Leeuwin”. Transport to Augusta from Perth was difficult and it took some time for the town to grow. In the 1870’s the town suddenly realized the value of the local forests and the hardwood trees such as Karri and Jarrah, and local sawmills were set up.

Today Augusta is a popular spot for tourists. There is fresh air and safe beaches and during the winter months, Southern Right Whales and Humpback whales can be seen migrating in the Indian and Southern Oceans. Dolphins also sometimes are found swimming amongst the bathers in the Blackwood River. Augusta has a very friendly seaside community feel.