Margaret River Visitor Guide

AuguSTA The European history of Augusta dates back to 1622 when the Dutch were the first Europeans to see the area and named the nearby Cape "Landt van de Leeuwin" (Land of the Lioness). Cape Leeuwin became vital in the European spice trade in South East Asia as the navigational landmark indicating that mariners must sail north. The town was formed on the basis that most of the good land near the Swan River had been granted and on Governor James Stirling's recommendation that a new sub-colony be formed in the vicinity of Cape Leeuwin. The first white settlers arrived in 1830 and the town was named after Princess Augusta, the daughter of George III of England. The founding Bussell family eventually sailed onto the mouth of the Vasse River in 1834 and founded another South West icon, Busselton. The 1880s saw the development of the timber industry in the area following the construction of a timber mill near Kudardup. The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse began operation in 1896 and to this day remains a vital maritime landmark for mariners navigating Cape Leeuwin. Augusta experienced another influx of new arrivals in the 1920s when the Group Settlement Scheme commenced and today is renowned as a summer holiday town. Augusta is a peaceful community which boasts some of the most stunning and dramatic natural landscapes in the region. Situated at the mouth of the Blackwood River, and nearby the meeting point of the Southern and Indian Oceans, Augusta is a water-lovers haven with a growing reputation as the home of the biggest adventure race in the world which traverses the southern cape and waters around the town. MARgARET RiVER Margaret River officially became a town in 1913 and it is believed the town was given its name by John Bussell in honour of Margaret Wyche, a family friend from England. During the late 1860s a timber industry thrived in the area. The WA Government's Group Settlement Scheme in the 1920s aimed to attract migrants to country areas, which helped open up agricultural land. In the 1920s the completion of a railway line opened up transport networks for the timber and agriculture industries. During this time a fledgling dairy industry emerged and became the main driver of the local economy. The 1960s brought a third wave of settlers searching for surf and an alternative lifestyle. They soon established a strong presence in the community, working in local dairies, creating an art and craft industry and introducing more environmentally sustainable practices; including the distinctive mud brick and rammed earth architecture for which the region is renowned. It wasn't until the late 1960s when Dr John Gladstone proclaimed Margaret River a viticultural paradise that the region underwent profound change. Within two years vines were planted at Vasse Felix and by the early 1970s other pioneering wine producers such as Moss Wood, Cullen and Cape Mentelle emerged. Over the last few decades viticulture has transformed the landscape and brought significant wealth to the area. It is now the main industry and an enormous source of You can hear many stories about the trials and pride for the community. tribulations of the first settlers and the town's settlement by talking with the locals or visiting CAPE LEEuWin LighThOuSE the Augusta Historical Museum. The early pioneers built their livelihood on timber logging and Hamelin Bay became a bustling port from which timber was shipped to England. Evidence of this heritage can be seen with the remnants of the Hamelin Bay jetty providing an iconic backdrop at this alluring holiday spot. The waters around this coastline were wild and treacherous and tragically resulted in many shipwrecks. In 1895 construction of the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse began to make the passage safer for seafarers. Late August, September and mid October Time to return to the coast. Time to hunt possum, harvest their fur while they still have thick winter coats. Time to hunt qwinda (southern brown bandicoot). Time to dig for jubak (orchid bulbs). Time to feast on nurruk (eggs). Be careful to take only one nurruk from each nest. Leave the rest to hatch. KAMBARAng MAKKuRu June and July Time of cold fronts. Time to wear buka (cloaks). Time to catch wetji on his nest. Whales come close in shore. Sometimes if we are lucky, one will come home to die and give us a feast. dJiLBA Situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia, standing at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland and remains an important maritime and meteorological landmark. It is one of the few remaining operational lighthouses where you can undertake guided tours, which run daily. Mid October, november and mid december Time to hunt ducks. Time to feast on kooljark (swans). Time to camp at the rivermouths close to the coast. Time to join coombart (family) and friends to feast on fish caught in our fish traps. Time of the great manjar (trade gatherings). information & bookings +61 8 9780 5911 or margaretriver.com | 7

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