History of Augusta, Western Australia in Timeline

Augusta is a town in Western Australia, situated at the mouth of the Blackwood River where it meets Flinders Bay, near Cape Leeuwin, the southwesternmost point of Australia. Its population increased from 1,091 in 2001 to 1,211 in 2021.

1961: Bushfires destroy farms and forests

In 1961, bushfires destroyed over 40,000 hectares of farms, bushland and forests between Margaret River and Augusta. Augusta was spared due to a previous fire creating a low fuel zone.

July 1986: False killer whale stranding

In July 1986, 114 false killer whales were stranded at Town Beach, Augusta. A three-day rescue operation, coordinated by the Department of Conservation & Land Management, involved volunteers who successfully returned 96 whales to the sea.

2001: 2001 Census

In 2001, the census recorded Augusta's population as 1,091.

2009: 2 Oceans FM begins broadcasting

In 2009, 2 Oceans FM was established at the Augusta Community Centre and started broadcasting on 97.1 MHz FM.

2011: Bushfire threatens Augusta

In 2011, a bushfire threatened Augusta, leading to the evacuation of over 200 residents. The fire had already burned 40,000 hectares before reaching East Augusta, but it was eventually brought under control.

January 2018: Bushfire Threatens Town

In January 2018, the town of Augusta was threatened by a bushfire.

2021: 2021 Census

By 2021, Augusta's population was 1,211, excluding East Augusta.

2021: Archaeological findings reported

In 2021, archaeological researchers, guided by Wardandi traditional owners, reported on an excavation near Flinders Bay, revealing grooves indicating stone tool making around 9,700 years ago.