Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Overview
The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River is a popular tourist destination for its fine wines and wineries, cave formations, scenic forests, national parks, restaurants, art galleries, coastal scenery, and world class surf beaches. The population of the shire was 11,830 in 2008, with average annual growth around 2.1 per cent over the previous five years.
Wine has become important to the shire’s image, but also a mainstay of it’s economy. Viticulture and wine processing are critical to the strength of the local economy. The local wine industry has experienced strong growth and the area is recognised as a world-class producer of premium wines.
Surfing is also important, bringing in a large proportion of the tourists that support the town. As with any area catering to thousands of tourists in a year, the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has a thriving hospitality and retail sector. There also continues to be a substantial farming industry (primarily beef and dairy) in the shire. Value adding to produce is significant, with locally made wine, cheese and other manufactured produce widely available.
| Suburbs and localities | Significant local events | Tourist attractions | Local industries |
| Augusta | Leeuwin Estate Concert | Cheese factory | Dairying |
| Margaret River | Wine and Food Festival | Wineries | Beef |
| Cowaramup | Masters International Surfing | Caves | Sheep |
| Gracetown | Heritage Week Augusta River Festival | Augusta Historical Museum | Deer |
| Prevelly Park | Augusta Garden Club Spring Show | Marron farm | Fishing |
| Gnarabup | Agricultural Show | Art exhibitions | Timber |
| Witchcliffe | Margaret River Surf Classic | Beaches and surfing | Market gardening |
| Karridale | Rotary Fun Run | Karri forests | Stock sales |
| Rosa Brook | Rambo the Ambo | Augusta Lighthouse | Viticulture |
| Fishing | Cottage industries | ||
| Ellensbrook historic homestead | Tourism | ||
| Chocolate factory | Surfing | ||
| Timber crafts | |||
| Artisan industries |
Statistics
Latest shire statisticsCensus profile overview 1996-2006
Census profile detailed report 1996-2006
2006 Census quickstats
Shire Council
President: Mr Steve HarrisonChief Executive Officer: Mr James Trail
Address: PO Box 61 Margaret River WA 6285
Phone: (08) 9780 5255
Email: gayecarroll@amrsc.wa.gov.au
Website: www.amrsc.wa.gov.au