Augusta

WA 6290 • Rest of WA

1,463
Population (2021)
$28,132
Median Income
29.94 km²
Area
$280/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenRuralTourist HubPeaceful

About Augusta

Augusta is a small coastal township nestled at the southern tip of Western Australia, approximately 320 kilometres south of Perth within the Augusta-Margaret River Shire. With a population of 1,463, the town has grown modestly since 2016 and is characterised by an older demographic — the median age of 62 reflects its strong appeal among retirees and sea-changers drawn to its relaxed coastal lifestyle. The township sits at the confluence of the Blackwood River and Hardy Inlet, offering a picturesque natural setting of waterways, forests, and rugged coastline.

Augusta is renowned as the site of Cape Leeuwin, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet, and home to the iconic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse — a major tourist attraction and significant heritage landmark. The town is a gateway for whale watching, with Southern Right and Humpback whales commonly spotted during their annual migration between May and September. Residents enjoy access to the Blackwood River, excellent fishing, kayaking, and the broader Margaret River wine and tourism region just to the north, making Augusta a sought-after destination for those seeking a quiet but richly scenic coastal lifestyle.

Augusta falls under postcode 6290 and is governed by Augusta-Margaret River Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Warren-Blackwood electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
6290
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-34.31°, 115.14°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
29.94 km²
Elevation
26m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Transwa coach services — Bunbury / Perth (Elizabeth Quay Bus Station) 3 hr 30 min – 4 hr 30 min to Perth

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
320 km
By Train
No direct train service; Transwa coach to Bunbury then train to Perth
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 20 min – 3 hr 50 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr – 3 hr 30 min

🛣️ Augusta is a remote coastal town; a car is essential for daily life. Transwa coaches run limited services to Bunbury and Perth.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car; the small town centre has basic shops but limited walking infrastructure for a wide range of needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$280
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,551
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
62 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.9%

19 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,382
Census 2021
1,463
5.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,272
Income 2021
$28,132
11.3% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,026
Born Overseas 301

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 143
  • 2. New Zealand 43
  • 3. Germany 14
  • 4. Scotland 13
  • 5. India 7
  • 6. Netherlands 6
  • 7. South Africa 6
  • 8. United States 6
  • 9. Canada 5
  • 10. Ireland 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 796
Australian 513
Scottish 187
Irish 137
German 74
Italian 27
Dutch 19
New Zealander 15
Welsh 15
Australian Aboriginal 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

760
Both parents born in Australia
377
Both parents born overseas
197
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.1%
Christianity
40.9%
Buddhism
0.5%
Judaism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
54 (3.7%)
5-14 years
87 (5.9%)
15-19 years
34 (2.3%)
20-24 years
31 (2.1%)
25-34 years
80 (5.5%)
35-44 years
104 (7.1%)
45-54 years
170 (11.6%)
55-64 years
243 (16.6%)
65-74 years
350 (23.9%)
75-84 years
200 (13.7%)
85+ years
100 (6.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Augusta WA known for? +

Augusta is best known for Cape Leeuwin, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet, and the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. The town is also renowned for whale watching from May to September, fishing on the Blackwood River, and its position as the southern gateway to the Margaret River wine region.

How far is Augusta from Perth CBD? +

Augusta is approximately 320 kilometres south of Perth, making it roughly a 3 hour 30 minute drive via the South Western Highway. It is one of the most remote coastal towns in the South West region.

Does Augusta have public transport? +

Augusta has very limited public transport. Transwa coach services connect the town to Bunbury and Perth on limited schedules, but there is no train service and no regular local bus network. A car is essential for getting around.

What is the population of Augusta WA? +

According to the 2021 Census, Augusta has a population of 1,463 residents — up from 1,382 in 2016. The median age of 62 is notably high, reflecting the town's popularity with retirees and lifestyle changers.

Is Augusta WA a good place to live? +

Augusta suits those seeking a quiet, scenic coastal lifestyle far from city pressures. It offers outstanding natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and proximity to the Margaret River region, though residents should be comfortable with limited services and reliance on a car.

What is the postcode for Augusta WA? +

The postcode for Augusta in Western Australia is 6290.