Margaret River, Western Australia · Australia
Caves Road
Dunsborough / Busselton to Augusta
A winding tunnel of karri forest and vineyards running the length of the Margaret River wine country between two capes.
Caves Road runs about 111 km down the limestone ridge of Western Australia’s Capes region, from near Busselton and Dunsborough in the north to Augusta in the south, parallel to but set back from the coast. It threads through tall karri and peppermint forest, rows of vines and rolling paddocks, passing the show caves that give it its name and the turnoffs to Margaret River’s surf beaches and cellar doors. It is a narrow, sinuous touring road rather than a hard climb, best taken slowly with plenty of stops. Mind the narrow forested corners, kangaroos at dawn and dusk, and slow tourist and winery traffic in peak season.
On the road
The road runs from Dunsborough and Busselton to Augusta. It leaves the Bussell Highway at Abbey, west of Busselton, and heads west through Dunsborough to Yallingup. From there it turns south for the long run to Augusta. Most of it carries Tourist Drive 250, the signed route between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin.
The road is sealed, but it stays narrow and winding for most of its length, so it suits a steady pace. Further south, Boranup Forest lies between the road and the sea. Its pale-barked karri trees reach 50 metres or more, and this is the westernmost place karri grows. Boranup Drive winds through the trees and is fine for two-wheel-drive cars. It passes Boranup Lookout, with views over the forest to the coast at Hamelin Bay.
Three caves on the road make good breaks. Calgardup Cave is self-guided by torchlight, 27 metres down on boardwalks and stairs, and opens daily. Lake Cave is visited on a one-hour guided tour, down 325 steps into a sinkhole. It holds a permanent lake below its suspended table formation. Giants Cave is the adventurous one, 86 metres deep, with ladders and rock scrambles. It opens daily in Western Australian school holidays and at weekends otherwise. Entry to the national park is free. The forest looks its best in late afternoon light, and spring brings wildflowers.
Scenery
Best seasons
In these collections
Caves Road on the map57.6 mi · point to point
Navigate to the start: Apple Maps · Google Maps
Character
Corners
busiest around mile 4Elevation
under 4%4 to 8%over 8%15 to 131 mFrom the road
Points of interest3 stops
- Calgardup CaveLandmark35 mi in
- Lake CaveLandmark37 mi in
- Giants CaveLandmark38 mi in
Hazards
- Narrow forested corners
- Kangaroos at dawn and dusk
- Slow tourist and winery traffic
Sources
“It is a narrow winding road in most parts, and much has been made of its picturesque quality and passage through Karri forest.”
Route traced from OpenStreetMap, with its stats measured from that line. How the roads are mapped
Routes for iPhone carries Caves Road offline, with live weather and a 7 day forecast.
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Caves Road.
