Augusta, a charming coastal town at the edge of Western Australia’s southwest, offers stunning landscapes, tranquil beaches, and easy access to the incredible Cape Leeuwin. Whether you're here to explore the Blackwood River, visit the famous lighthouses, or simply relax by the sea, Augusta offers some fantastic accommodation options to suit every traveller’s taste and budget. From rustic holiday parks to cosy cottages and beachfront motels, here’s a guide to the top-rated places to stay in Augusta.1. Molloy Hideaway Holiday ParkFor travellers looking to connect with nature while enjoying comfortable amenities, Molloy Hideaway Holiday Park is a perfect choice. Nestled along the banks of the Blackwood River, this scenic park offers a serene escape with a focus on nature and outdoor activities.Surrounded by native bushland and wildlife, guests can unwind in peaceful surroundings, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and boating. The park offers a variety of accommodation options, including powered caravan sites, camping grounds, and cosy chalets. Molloy Hideaway is ideal for families and adventure-seekers looking for a laid-back escape.Key Highlights:Riverside location with stunning views of the Blackwood RiverFamily-friendly environment with playgrounds and outdoor activitiesClose proximity to Augusta’s fishing spots and water activitiesTip: Bring your kayak or fishing gear to make the most of the riverside setting. This is an excellent spot for water enthusiasts.

Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only famous for its incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes but also for its rich history that dates back thousands of years. From Indigenous heritage to early European exploration, the historical sites scattered across Shark Bay offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Here’s a guide to some of the most significant historical landmarks in Shark Bay, providing visitors with a journey through time and a deeper understanding of this extraordinary region’s cultural and historical importance.1. Dirk Hartog Island: Australia’s First European LandingThe story of Shark Bay’s historical significance begins with Dirk Hartog Island, where in 1616, Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog became the first European to set foot on Australian soil. Hartog’s landing on the island is considered a major event in Australia’s maritime history, marking the earliest known European exploration of the Australian coast.To commemorate this moment, Hartog left behind an inscribed pewter plate, which he nailed to a post as a record of his voyage. While the original plate has since been removed and returned to the Netherlands, a replica now stands at the Dirk Hartog Island Landing Site, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and imagine the historic moment when Australia was first documented by Europeans.Today, Dirk Hartog Island is not only a historical landmark but also a national park and conservation area, where visitors can explore its untouched landscapes, go wildlife spotting, and learn about its environmental restoration projects. The island remains a must-visit for those intrigued by the intersection of history and nature.Image © Tourism Western Australia

Hidden within the protected waters of Hamelin Pool in Shark Bay, Western Australia, lies one of Earth’s most fascinating natural wonders: the stromatolites. These ancient structures are considered the world’s oldest living organisms, dating back over 3.5 billion years. Often referred to as "living fossils," stromatolites offer a rare glimpse into the beginnings of life on our planet, making Hamelin Pool a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Earth’s geological history.What Are Stromatolites?Stromatolites are layered structures formed by cyanobacteria, a type of microbe that captures and binds sediment together in shallow water. Over time, these layers create rock-like formations that resemble reefs or mounds. While stromatolites once thrived across the world, they are now extremely rare, making Hamelin Pool one of the few places where you can still see them growing in their natural environment.What makes stromatolites so significant is their role in Earth’s early atmosphere. Cyanobacteria, the organisms that form stromatolites, were among the first life forms capable of photosynthesis, a process that releases oxygen. This oxygen release billions of years ago led to the Great Oxygenation Event, which dramatically changed Earth's atmosphere, making it possible for more complex life forms, including humans, to evolve.Why Hamelin Pool?Hamelin Pool is one of only two places in the world where living stromatolites can be found. The waters here are hypersaline, meaning they contain higher salt levels than typical seawater. This extreme environment is crucial for the survival of stromatolites because it limits the presence of predators and other life forms that might otherwise outcompete the cyanobacteria.The shallow, warm waters of Hamelin Pool create the perfect conditions for these ancient organisms to thrive. The area is protected as part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Site, ensuring that these delicate structures are preserved for future generations.