Visiting Jewel Cave in Margaret River: All You Need to Know

Planning a trip to the region and wondering what the best cave in Margaret River is? This detailed travel guide covers my favourite one: Jewel Cave.

If you’re planning a trip to the Margaret River region and want to experience something truly awe-inspiring beyond the wineries and beaches, Jewel Cave in Augusta should be at the top of your list. It’s the largest show cave in Western Australia, and trust me, it’s every bit as spectacular as it sounds.

My mom, husband and I visited Jewel Cave in the late morning during our two weeks in the region. It was one of my favourite days of the trip. As soon as I stepped down into the main cavern, I was completely blown away by the sheer scale of it.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through why Jewel Cave is worth a visit, how to get there, what to expect on the tour, practical tips, and why it’s an unforgettable stop in the Augusta area. Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious explorer, or just looking for a unique experience to round out your Margaret River itinerary, Jewel Cave is a must-see.

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Why Visit Jewel Cave

What makes Jewel Cave so special is the moment you step underground and realize just how massive and intricate it is.

This isn’t your average tourist cave; it’s the largest show cave in Western Australia, and its chambers are nothing short of breathtaking. The stalactites and stalagmites here are some of the most impressive I’ve seen, with delicate formations that have taken thousands of years to grow.

The lighting inside the cave is beautifully done – soft, warm, and perfectly placed to highlight the natural architecture. It gives the whole place a magical, almost cathedral-like feel. If you’re into geology, photography, or just love unique landscapes, Jewel Cave will absolutely captivate you.

But even if caves aren’t usually “your thing,” this one is different. It’s easy to access, the guided tours are well-paced and informative, and the whole experience feels immersive without being overwhelming.

Where Jewel Cave is Located

Getting There Quick Guide: A scenic 30-minute drive south from Margaret River Town or a quick 10-minute trip north from Augusta.

Jewel Cave is located in Augusta, about a 30-minute drive south of Margaret River Town, making it a perfect half-day trip or part of a full-day adventure exploring the southern end of the region.

The drive itself is gorgeous. Think winding country roads, towering karri trees, and glimpses of the coastline as you approach Augusta.

The cave is set within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, just a short drive inland from the coast. It’s easy to reach by car, and the route is well signposted from Margaret River and Augusta. There’s plenty of parking on-site, along with a visitor centre, café, and restrooms.

Because Jewel Cave is so close to other top attractions like Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and Hamelin Bay, it’s easy to combine it with other adventurous things to do in Margaret River.

What to Expect on the Jewel Cave Tour

Visiting Jewel Cave is only possible on a guided tour, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable. Tours run regularly throughout the day and last around 45–60 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

Prebook your Jewel Cave tour so you aren’t disappointed.

After you’ve parked your Perth rental car in the free parking lot, the tour begins at the visitor centre, where a guide shares a short intro to the cave’s history and geology.

Then you descend down a series of well-maintained stairs into the darkness until the chamber opens up around you.

The moment the lights come on and you see the enormous main cavern, it’s hard not to gasp. The scale is incredible, with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and shawls hanging and stretching in every direction.

The pathways are clear and stable, and there are handrails along the steps, so most visitors will find it manageable. The temperature inside is a constant 16°C, making it cool and comfortable even on a hot summer day.

The guides are fantastic, knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about the cave. I loved hearing stories about its discovery and learning how these intricate formations were created over thousands of years.

What stood out most for me was the stillness. At one point, our guide switched off the lights, and we stood in complete darkness. It’s hard to describe how peaceful and humbling that moment felt.

Good to know: Tours are well-paced and suitable for most fitness levels, but there are some steps to navigate.

Practical Information & Tips

Opening Hours

Jewel Cave is open daily, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last tour departing mid-afternoon. Tours run every hour, but it’s smart to book your ticket in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or school holidays.

Ticket Prices

Entry is ticketed through the visitor centre. You can purchase tickets online or on arrival, but I recommend pre-booking if you’re short on time. Combo tickets with other nearby caves are also available if you plan to do a cave-hopping day.

What to Wear

The cave stays at a cool 16°C year-round, so bring a light jacket even on warm days. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as there are steps and damp patches inside.

Photography Tips

You’re allowed to take photos (no tripods), and the lighting inside is beautifully done. A camera or phone with good low-light performance will help you capture the magic, but don’t forget to put it down and just take it in, too.

Accessibility

The tour involves stairs and uneven surfaces, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. There are handrails along all stairways, and the pace is manageable for most visitors.

Facilities

There’s a visitor centre, small café, gift shop, restrooms, and plenty of free parking on site. Making it an easy stop, even if you’re coming straight from Margaret River Town.

Pro Tip: Grab a few snacks from the Margaret River Farmers Market if you happen to be visiting on a Saturday. It’s is one of my favourite foodie things to do in Margaret River.

Other Things to Do Near Jewel Cave

I include a full day exploring the southern region of Margaret River in my 10 day road trip through Southwest WA.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Just a short drive from Jewel Cave, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse marks the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Climb to the top for sweeping coastal views, or simply wander the grounds and take in the rugged beauty of the southern coastline.

Hamelin Bay

A quick detour on your way back north, Hamelin Bay is famous for its friendly stingrays that glide right up to the shoreline and also makes my list of recommended Margaret River beaches to visit. It’s a fantastic spot for a spontaneous swim or a scenic photo stop.

Augusta Town

The nearby town of Augusta is a charming place to grab lunch or a Margaret River coffee after your cave tour. There are a handful of cafés, bakeries, and riverfront spots that make for a relaxed, local experience.

Margaret River Winery

Jewel Cave is located near some of the region’s best wineries. Pick one to enjoy a wine tasting after your visit to the cave, or simply take this self-guided Margaret River winery tour by car.

Pairing Jewel Cave with one or two of these stops makes for a perfect day trip to the southern end of the Margaret River region.

Have I Convinced You to Visit Jewel Cave in Margaret River?

Whether you’re a geology buff, a curious explorer, or just someone looking to add something unique to your itinerary, Jewel Cave is absolutely worth the detour.

It’s easy to reach from Margaret River Town, well organized with guided tours, and surrounded by other incredible attractions like Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and Hamelin Bay.

If you’re planning a trip to the southern end of Margaret River, whether you decide to stay in Augusta, one of the top Margaret River region towns to stay, or simply set aside a few hours, visiting Jewel Cave is a must.