18 Nov 2022
Mums, dads, couples, kids and four-legged furballs all have a world of options to choose from across Australia’s largest state.
From diversely beautiful nature to the rugged outback, stunning beaches and world-class wineries, you’ll never be short of things to do with your dog as long as you plan ahead.
For culture vultures, there’s a vibrant art scene and rich aboriginal history to explore across the state. Plenty of foodie delights await too, as do lazy river trips and city fun in the sun. Pack up the family and get to it!
Things to do with your dog near Perth
Perth is a gloriously isolated sunny paradise full of treats, eats and adventure for you and your pet to uncover. However, it’s well worth going to the city’s outskirts for some tranquility and to check the views from another perspective. John Oldham Park is an idyllic oasis just off the cycle path where you and your pup can unwind by the lake, surrounded by wildlife.
The lure of a riverboat trip to Fremantle is hard to resist when in Perth and the good news is Fremantle is renowned for its dog-friendly cafes and dining options. Check out Duck, Duck, Bruce on the aptly-named Collie Street, where you can help yourself to a stack of pancakes on the porch with your pooch at your feet. They say the best ribs in town are available at Holy Smoke’s, on the same street.
Wine lovers can delve into some of Western Australia’s finest, with plenty of wineries dotted along the Swan River. Upper Reach Winery, Lamont’s and Windy Creek Estate are just some of the many great cellar doors in the area where dogs are welcomed.
Pet-friendly accommodation near Perth
Discovery Parks - Perth Airport - Situated between the airport and Perth, this is a convenient and comfortable base to explore the bustling city and its surrounding sights. Dogs are welcome on all sites and in selected cabins.
Discovery Parks - Woodman Point - Only 30 minutes from Perth CBD and even closer to Fremantle, this is an ideal spot for a family beach holiday to remember. Dogs are allowed on selected sites and cabins.
Discovery Parks - Swan Valley - Gourmet food and world-class wines abound in the Swan Valley and this pristine park lies in its heartland. Dogs are permitted on selected cabins and sites.
Things to do with your dog in Kalgoorlie
For a rugged escape into the outback, just a one-hour flight from Perth, you can find the twin towns of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, a great base to explore the outback with your four-legged friend. The towns have some great pet-friendly dining options.
While in town, take your pick of a visit to Hannans North Tourist Mine or some fantastic local museums, like Goldfields War Museum or the Museum of the Goldfields, offering eye-opening insights into the area’s cultural past.
Kalgoorlie is home to a thriving art scene, including Heartwalk, slap-bang in the centre of the CBD and the Goldfields Arts Centre, which regularly hosts first-rate live shows and exhibitions.
Pet-friendly accommodation near Kalgoorlie
Discovery Parks - Boulder - Set up for long-term or short-term guests, this park offers fun, relaxation and some home comforts for weary travellers. Dogs are welcome on selected cabins and sites.
Things to do with your dog in Bunbury
175 km south of Perth sits the aquatic playground of Bunbury, offering sun, sea and surf, far from the hustle of Perth. With plenty of off or on-lead parks throughout the City and an abundance of dog-friendly dining options, you can explore all Bunbury has to offer with your furry companion.= at your side.
Many of Bunbury’s favourite CBD cafes welcome dogs, such as Caf-fez Bunbury, Melo Velo, and Corners on the Bay, to name but a few. There are also a host of cafes outside the CBD, with many offering bowls of water and tasty treats for thirsty pups. Check out The Happy Wife and Coffee and Flour for some mouth-watering pastries and delicious coffee for their owners.
Walk off those pastries on the popular Back Beach, which has some fantastic sections for dogs to run free!
Pet-friendly accommodation in Bunbury
Discovery Parks - Bunbury Village - In close proximity to the sea, the town and outdoor adventure, this park is a winner for family holidays and has plenty of onsite entertainment of its own. Dogs are welcome on sites only.
Discovery Parks - Bunbury Foreshore - A stone's throw from the beach and with ample facilities to keep the kids, both big and small, entertained. A family-friendly spot for a beach holiday to remember. Dogs are welcome in selected cabins and sites.
Things to do with your dog in Onslow
Onslow is a pretty coastal town, just off the Mackeral Islands and home to a rich history of mining and cattle farming. It’s a uniquely Australian sleepy town offering a welcome break or comforting base on your great outback adventure.
On your way to or from Onslow, keep your eyes peeled for the termite mound viewing area and the great natural red sand structures these little architects construct, which can be up to seven metres tall!
Fishing, picnics and snorkelling are all on the table when visiting Onslow and dogs are allowed off-leash on Onslow Foreshore between the high and low watermarks. There are some great cafes in town offering coffee, brunch and pastries. Lawley’s Bakery Cafe is a safe bet for accommodating furry friends, as is Excelsior Cafe and Deli, both in Shenton Park.
Pet-friendly accommodation in Onslow
Discovery Parks - Onslow - Studio accommodation, cabins and ample space for caravans and tents; this is a campsite offering comfort in the outback. Dogs are welcome on sites only.
Things to do with your dog in Karratha
The North West of Australia is full of rugged natural beauty and stunning backdrops, making it a perfect destination for a family getaway into nature. Karratha has plenty of outdoor action for adventurous travellers, from boating, diving and fishing to skate parks and basketball courts for the kids.
Karratha also accommodates four-legged visitors with a host of off-leash exercise spots available throughout the city. You can cool off after a day’s adventure at local sports bar, Stadium 26, where dogs are welcome to join you on the terrace for some al fresco dining.
Don’t forget to check out the rock art at Deep Gorge or the spectacular natural phenomenon known as the Staircase to the Moon.
Pet-friendly accommodation in Karratha
Discovery Parks - Pilbara Karratha - Comfortable cabins, motel-style rooms and plenty of space for tents and caravans, the perfect setting to soak in the outback. Dogs are welcome on all sites and in selected cabins.
Discovery Parks - Balmora Karratha - Open between 1st May and 31st August, this park sits on the edge of the Pilbara region, leaving you perfectly situated for an outback adventure holiday. Dogs are permitted on sites only.
Things to do with your dog in Port Hedland
If your Pilbara road trip takes you and your furry travel companion 200km north of Karratha, you will find yourselves in Port Hedland. This is an area rich in Indigenous culture, with a fascinating history of pioneering and diverse wildlife. Fishing, crabbing, whale watching and turtle nesting are all on the agenda here.
There are some great exercise areas for dogs around town. Any of Spoil Bank, McGregor Street Reserve dog park or Marie Marland Reserve should be open, just make sure to follow the local safety laws.
Port Hedland has some fantastic contemporary street art to check out or take yourself up to Koombana lookout for some sundown views. A wide range of tours are available, each showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Pet-friendly accommodation in Port Hedland
Discovery Parks - Port Hedland - A slice of comfort to greet you in the evening after a day’s fun and adventure in the outback or dipping in and out of the blue waters. Dogs are welcome on selected cabins and sites.
Things to do with your dog in Broome
Beautifully isolated Broome is one of Western Australia's classic holiday destinations. With the truly stunning Cable Beach and its surrounding scenery, it is no wonder this tropical town proves a massive hit with tourists by thousands every winter. It’s pet-friendly too! Dogs are allowed off-leash from 700m north of the rocks. Just be aware this is also a designated nudist beach in certain areas.
A favourite spot to see some of the best-preserved dinosaur footprints in Australia is at Gantheaume Point, towards the south of Cable Beach and yes, leashed dogs are permitted there. However, it may be easier to check out the plaster cast prints on the walking path.
Matso’s Brewery claims to be Australia’s most remote brewery. It was established in the late nineties at the legendary Matso’s Store and is famous for its delicious Mango Beer and range of ginger beers. Dogs are welcome to join you in the beer garden as you grab some food. At Town Beach, the waterfront Town Beach Cafe is another dog-friendly option for lunch or a quick coffee.
Pet-friendly accommodation in Broome
Discovery Parks - Broome - Enjoy a beach stay taking in the breathtaking views of Roebuck Bay and enjoying the ‘Stairway to the Moon’ from your doorstep. Dogs are welcome on sites.
Things to do with your dog in Kununurra
Kununurra is a gateway to East Kimberley and an ideal base to explore some of Western Australia's most stunning natural attractions. The rock formations of Kelly’s Knob and Mirima National Park loom large over the town and are well worth a visit. Dogs are not permitted in Mirima National Park but can join you on a leash to visit Kelly’s Knob Lookout.
For a cool and croc-free swim for you and the pooch, hit up Instagram-friendly Swim Beach found next to Diversion Dam on Lake Kununurra.
A tip-top pet-friendly cafe in Kununurra is Ivanhoe Cafe, lying to the north of the town on Ivanhoe Road. You can find a shaded table on the grassy lawn, where you can mingle with the resident doggo. The menu celebrates local produce and is open for lunch and dinner.
Pet-friendly accommodation in Kununurra
Discovery Parks - Kununurra - A warm, comforting welcome awaits in this park, whether you are an adventurous traveller on the trip of a lifetime or a first-timer to the outback experience. Dogs are welcome in some cabins and on some sites.
