After driving 185km we stopped in Pemberton for a quick lunch break.
Pemberton, a pretty quiet country town, lives from logging and is surrounded by karri forests.
We stopped at a park on the main road (Vasse Highway) and once again we encountered a few Anzac memorials.
After lunch we drove on for about another 120km until coming to a bifurcation where you turn right to Margaret River. I turned left to go to Augusta (about 20km either side) for a quick visit. The town was named in honour of Princess Augusta Sophia, (second daughter of King George III and Queen Charlotte) by Captain James Stirling in 1830.
Augusta is the most South-westerly point of Australia, established in 1830 making it the third oldest settlement in Western Australia. It's also where Australia's tallest mainland lighthouse - Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse - sits atop a rugged coastline where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet creating very strong currents.
Before the lighthouse was built there were 22 shipwrecks in this area, but only one after its construction.
Between May to August this spot is also the ideal place to watch Humpback and Southern right Whales, who have left the freezing Antarctic waters to mate and breed in the warmer waters off the Western Australian coast.
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| Lighthouse in the distance |
The entry to the grounds and the lighthouse costs $20 per adult, but we chose not to visit it.
Just before reaching the lighthouse grounds is a wooden water wheel built in 1895 to supply water to the cottages of the builders of the lighthouse. After all these years it has become encrusted with limestone and is now frozen in rock.
We then drove via the coast to the centre of Augusta stopping by a beach (corner Albany Terrace and Loch Street) where the "Landing Place" memorial was erected.
This was the spot where on the 2nd of May 1830 the first white settlers came ashore from the sailing vessel "Emily Taylor" under the command of Captain James McDermott.
This monument was erected on the 2nd May 1980 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Augusta's settlement.
It was time to drive to our rented cottage in Margaret River and retrieve the keys before the office closed...
See you in Margaret River soon.
Just before reaching the lighthouse grounds is a wooden water wheel built in 1895 to supply water to the cottages of the builders of the lighthouse. After all these years it has become encrusted with limestone and is now frozen in rock.
We then drove via the coast to the centre of Augusta stopping by a beach (corner Albany Terrace and Loch Street) where the "Landing Place" memorial was erected.
This was the spot where on the 2nd of May 1830 the first white settlers came ashore from the sailing vessel "Emily Taylor" under the command of Captain James McDermott.
This monument was erected on the 2nd May 1980 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Augusta's settlement.
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| Another beach closer to town centre |
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| Turner street Jetty (to the left of previous photo) |
See you in Margaret River soon.
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| Map of the South West of WA with towns we visited - Albany, Denmark, Walpole (Valley of the Giants), Pemberton, Augusta and then Margaret River) |
The lighthouse sure was needed, by golly, but 20 bucks really is too much!
ReplyDeleteThat wooden water wheel-story is amazing. Nature taking back or even improving!
So sad. We had "unlimited" time in 1999, just didn´t know where to go/what we miss.
It "hurts" in the aftermath. Stupid to bring back so much money, too!
I agree the lighthouse was a life-saver. This area of W.A. is quite pretty.
DeleteLovely post to read the history of the places you visited. It seems so recent that it all has been discovered by stangers only in 1830.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marianne. Compared to the old continent of Europe, it's all so recent in Australia, isn't it?
DeleteIt is so pretty down there Sami, I love the Margaret River area. Fab wineries too. Super lighthouse, a little more traditional than mine yesterday, but I wouldn't have paid $20 either, I would have got out the long lens :)
ReplyDeleteI agree your lighthouse s are a lot prettier. Yes, $20 is a bit too much for a lighthouse visit.
DeleteYour journey through the Denmark region to Margaret River reads like a captivating adventure! From the serene forests of Pemberton to the historic charm of Augusta, you've beautifully captured the essence of each stop along the way. The rich history, stunning landscapes, and fascinating anecdotes about the landmarks you encountered make for a truly engaging read. Looking forward to hearing about your experiences in Margaret River.
ReplyDeleteTravel with my pet