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Caves Road: Dunsborough to Augusta, Margaret River region, Western Australia
Photo: SouthWestAngl3r · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Western Australia, Australia Perth and the South West

Caves Road: Dunsborough to Augusta

Caves Road, Bushby Road, Bussell Highway · Dunsborough → Augusta

Leisurely57 mi1 hr 20 min3,000 ft climbHigh point ≈ 400 ftOne way
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The drive

Caves Road is the scenic road down the Leeuwin-Naturaliste coast, an alternative to the faster Bussell Highway. This drive runs 92 km (57 mi) from Dunsborough south past Yallingup and through Margaret River country, then through the Boranup karri forest, before leaving Caves Road near Karridale for Bushby Road and Bussell Highway into Augusta. Main Roads WA describes Caves Road as a narrow winding road in most parts.

It forms most of Tourist Drive 250, and it is named for its access to the region's caves. Most of the surf breaks between the two capes are reached from it. The northern part was paved in 1921, when motor cars could first travel it both ways. The drive ends in Augusta, near Cape Leeuwin.

Along the way

  1. Dunsborough
  2. Yallingup
  3. Caves Road (Margaret River)
  4. Boranup Forest
  5. Augusta
Elevation
3,000 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 400 ft
DunsboroughAugusta
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
DunsboroughAugusta
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The road is narrow and winding in most parts, so allow the full 1 hr 20 min and expect slower drivers.
  • It is busy with visitors in summer, and visitors turn in and out at caves and beaches along the way.
  • There is no toll on the route.
  • The last 15 km into Augusta are on Bushby Road and Bussell Highway, which the route joins near Karridale.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Main Roads WA Travel Map.

Questions about this drive

How long does Caves Road take from Dunsborough to Augusta?

From Dunsborough to Augusta, Caves Road and the final stretch on Bushby Road and Bussell Highway is 92 km (57 mi) and takes about 1 hr 20 min.

Is Caves Road twisty?

Caves Road is a narrow winding road in most parts, with mostly gentle curves through karri forest.

Why is it called Caves Road?

It was named for its access to the region's caves. It forms most of Tourist Drive 250, the Caves Road Tourist Drive.

Is there a toll on Caves Road?

No. There are no tolls on Caves Road or on the Bushby Road and Bussell Highway finish into Augusta.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Caves Road: Dunsborough to Augusta, from Dunsborough to Augusta