Yes, Augusta is the town and home to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is situated at the most south-westerly point on mainland Australia, and is the spot where we can see the meeting point of two oceans – the Southern Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

Augusta was about an hour’s drive from Margaret River, and we took another half hour from Augusta to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, cruising through long roads surrounded by vegetation and grassland. Quite peaceful, though sleep-inducing I must say. Don’t attempt this when you’re tired – you’ll probably end up in a ditch somewhere lol.

Cape Leeuwin – with the lighthouse behind us.

At such close proximity to the vast ocean, the wind was undoubtedly strong, though not that chilling because it was still the autumn season. I remember the last time I visited Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in 2005 during the winter, it was horrendously cold and the wind felt like ice-cubes slamming against your face LOL.

I have no idea why they placed a cow there hahaha

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

History has it that there were 23 shipwrecks in the vicinity of Augusta-Cape Leeuwin area, 22 prior to the construction of this limestone lighthouse, and 1 after. Till date, the lighthouse serves as the beacon of light for vessels navigating the treacherous cape. During the whale-watching seasons from May to September, you may even get lucky and spot these magnificent creatures venturing around the cape area!

(Info via Margaretriver.com)

The place where two of the world’s oceans meet. The splash-rock at the left of the signboard is the meeting point.

We bought our tickets for the morning tour, which led us right up to the top of the lighthouse. To get up there, we had to “survive” a 176-step climb all the way to the top. Breathtaking, literally – for it takes your breath away given the number of people in the confined lighthouse tube at one time. There are oxygen tanks and supplies at each of the rest-stops on the way up, in case you need the whiff of life lol.

View from one of the “port-holes” on the way up.

Part of the spiral 176-steps we had to climb to get up.

And we finally made it to the top!

The wind up there, being 40 metres above ground level, is really spectacular. We crowded around the side of the lighthouse facing inland first to get our photos, before venturing over to the ocean-facing side to get the full blast of wind into our faces and hairs. It was quite nerve-wrecking holding your camera up or even your handphones to take photos – imagine what will happen if you just lose your grip… wooooo

View from the top of the lighthouse.

This picture doesn’t do justice to the strong and amazing wind up there LOL.

The huge 3.7m lens that sends beacons of light as far as 45 kilometers out into the sea.

Tour over – making our way down…

Satisfied with the dosage of strong sea winds from the top of the lighthouse, we set off in search of lunch in the town of Augusta. Nothing much to do there, just a few cafes and mainly houses. I didn’t even spot a single shopping mart like Coles or Woolworths there ><

My beef lasagne for lunch!

Kai’s beef burger at one of the cafes in the town of Augusta.

Next up, we headed over to the famous Margaret River Chocolate Factory! If you’re a fan of chocolate or simply just cannot resist munching on these wonders of life, this is a must-go for you if you’re in Perth. There are currently three outlets – one within Perth City itself, one at Swan Valley up north, and the one at Margaret River/Peel Region where we visited.

CHOCOLATE TIME!

The prices may be a little high for chocolate, but I must say it is really good stuff and worth every single penny of yours. They have a wide variety of dark, white and milk chocolate, in all forms and shapes – from golf balls to chocolate bars to mini hampers filled with chocolate seeds.

Margaret River Chocolate Factory

Huge tasting bowls for people to have a bite.

The tasting bowls are a signature of each Chocolate Factory outlet – where they allow people to scoop a few of each to try out before deciding on their purchases. Unfortunately, during our time there, we saw numerous people too greedy for their own good, scooping over and over again, piling MOUNTAINS of chocolates in their hands just to feast on them. And guess what – these are usually Asians. I shan’t name nationalities here but you probably can guess who they are. Seriously, you’re so cheap that you can’t afford to buy a pack back to eat? Fucking disgrace.

They serve a variety of chocolate syrups and wines too!

If you’re at the Peel Region factory outlet, remember to head to the rear of the Chocolate Factory where Providore stands. Providore is their home-made winery vineyard and plantation area where they grow different kinds of fruits and greens, and even make their own jams!

Entrance to Providore – just a minute’s drive away from the Chocolate Factory.

Providore houses a vineyard, vegetable and orchard gardens. Oh yes, and a farm too LOL.

Just one of the many plots growing fruits and greens.

The sky was getting dark and it was nearing 5 pm – the time where most shops would close and people retire for the day. So, it was the same for us – retiring for the day and heading back to Merribrook!

Coming up next: Exploring the Jewel Cave! Stay tuned!

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Check out the rest of our Perth travelogue here:

Part 1: Our first day there
Part 2: Exploring Fremantle and Perth city
Part 3: Down south @ Seashells Resort Mandurah!
Part 4: Merribrook Retreat @ Margaret River!

I have always enjoyed creating a custom piece for someone, but working with a bride has to be the epitome of everything I do. It is such an honor to craft something that will forever be a part of a couple’s special day, that holds such memory and value. When it comes to brides, I have to say, I have hit the jackpot in terms of fabulous ladies I’ve gotten to work with. One of my all time faves recently tied the knot  in a lovely wedding  at Sittella Winery in the Swan Valley in Perth, Western Australia.

ashleigh + warwick

Sittella Winery

the lovely bride and her parents

bouquets & pins

Photo credit: Dave Collins, Blackbox Photography