Dog-Friendly Guide to Western Australia: Things To Do in Western Australia with a Dog

As one of the largest states in the world, Western Australia is an exotic place filled with many unique plants and animals. Beyond that, it’s also packed with places that will welcome your dog with open arms. This dog-friendly guide to Western Australia will highlight the best places where you and your pups can enjoy an authentic, dog-friendly Western Australia adventure!

Plus, if you're looking for house sitting opportunities in Western Australia or need a reliable Western Australia pet sitter, read on to find out more!

Best dog parks in Western Australia

Western Australia is home to many spacious and relaxing dog parks. Here are the top picks:

Perry Lakes Reserve

Perry Lakes Reserve is a vast green space with shaded areas, two calming lakes, and walking paths. It’s fully fenced, ensuring your dog can run freely and safely.

Location: 1 Bold Park Dr, Floreat WA

Whiteman Dog Park

Nestled within Whiteman Park, this dog-friendly Western Australia attraction boasts large open spaces and agility equipment, all surrounded by beautiful bushland.

Location: 233a Drumpellier Dr, Whiteman WA

Aveley Dog Park

In the heart of Ellenbrook, Aveley Dog Park is a local favorite with separate areas for small and large dogs, drinking fountains, and shaded seating for visitors.

Location: 9 Viridian Blvd, Aveley WA

Dog-friendly restaurants in Western Australia

There are many dog-friendly restaurants in Western Australia that happily welcome pooches:

Odyssea

Dogs are welcome on the terrace at Odyssea, where they can enjoy the sea breeze while you savor fresh seafood and take in the stunning ocean views.

Location: 187 Challenger Parade, City Beach WA

Spinifex North Beach

Another dog-friendly place in Western Australia offering ocean views alongside a diverse selection of breakfasts and mains, all served in a relaxed atmosphere.

Location: 251 W Coast Dr, North Beach WA

Bad Love Burger Co.

Claimed to be Perth's favorite craft burger shop, its dog-friendly outdoor seating and warm atmosphere make it ideal for casual dining.

Location: 3 & 4, 39 Harrogate St, West Leederville WA

Fun dog-friendly activities in Western Australia

Looking for dog-friendly things to do in Western Australia? These activities are sure to get those tails wagging:

Explore the Red Dog's Pilbara

Visit the legendary home of Red Dog in the vast Pilbara region. This area celebrates the famous wandering dog with picturesque trails and historic landmarks.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Open year round

Location: LOT 397 Central Ave, Dampier WA

Stroll around Denmark town

Denmark town is a small, peaceful town surrounded by natural beauty. It boasts wonderful places to shop, as well as delicious restaurants and cafés.

Cost: From $150 per hour

Date and time: Open daily, bookings required

Location: Western Australia

Drive along the Gibb River Road

With stunning landscapes and plenty of stops for walks and exploration, a road trip along the iconic Gibb River Road is perfect for nature-loving dogs and their humans.

Cost: Free (vehicle and fuel costs apply)

Date and time: Best during the dry season (May to October)

Location: Derby Highway to Great Northern Highway

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Western Australia

Nothing beats a good walk. Below are some breathtaking dog-friendly walks in Western Australia for all levels of adventure:

Whistlepipe Gully

Considered one of the easiest dog-friendly trails in Western Australia, Whistlepipe Gully is a picturesque route that follows a flowing creek. The lush surroundings make it ideal for a peaceful walk with your dog.

Location: End of, Lewis Rd, Forrestfield WA

Length: 3.5 km

1872 Railway Heritage Trail

A historic walk through the old railway line in Mundaring, this trail is long and gentle, perfect for adventurous pooches who love to explore.

Location: Jarrahdale WA

Length: 10 km

Castle Rock Walk Trail

Castle Rock Walk Trail is one of the steepest dog-friendly hikes in Western Australia. It is a famous tourist attraction in southern Western Australia and is renowned for its fauna and flora.

Location: Castle Rock Rd, Porongurup WA

Length: 5 km

The best dog-friendly cafes in Western Australia

Need a caffeine fix? These dog-friendly cafes in Western Australia are perfect for a coffee break:

Laika Coffee

This buzzing café in Lathlain is known for its specialty coffee and spacious dog-friendly courtyard. Water bowls and treats are also on offer.

Location: 11 Lathlain Pl, Lathlain WA

Tribeca & Co

Located in Southern River Shopping Centre, Tribeca & Co welcomes dogs in their outdoor area, along with delicious brunch options and a chill vibe.

Location: Southern River Shopping Centre, Shop 2/1 Boardwalk Blvd, Southern River WA

Two Dogs Laughing

Aptly named, this dog-friendly coffee shop in Western Australia caters to dog lovers with a warm outdoor patio, nice for sipping coffee while your pups enjoy their own dedicated menu.

Location: 199 South St, Beaconsfield WA

Annual dog events in Western Australia

In this dog-friendly guide to Western Australia, we’ve compiled several tail-wagging events that will be a must-visit for you and your doggos:

Dogapalooza

Dogapalooza takes place in several major cities each year, including Perth, Western Australia. It’s a festival with live music, food stalls, and dog-centric activities.

Cost: $25 per person

Date and time: Typically in March

Location: TBA

Dog Lovers Festival

This festival celebrates all things canine with exhibitions, demonstrations, and shopping stalls.

Cost: $20 per person

Date and time: Annually in March

Location: Claremont Showground

Dogtober

The Beaufort Street Network’s annual dog parade consists of markets, a dog show, and a kids' activity zone.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Annually in October

Location: Birdwood Square

The best dog-friendly pubs in Western Australia

Looking for a night out with your dogs? Check out these dog-friendly pubs in Western Australia that locals love:

Frisk Small Bar

This quirky Perth neighborhood gin bar welcomes dogs in its outdoor seating area, making it an excellent place to spend the evening socializing.

Location: 103 Francis St, Northbridge WA

BERTIE

Located in Inglewood, BERTIE is known for its friendly vibe, selection of 120 wines, and dog-friendly beer garden.

Location: 77 Old Perth Rd, Bassendean WA

The Unicorn Bar

A lively bar in Shenton Park, complete with live music performances, as well as water bowls and treats to make your pups feel at home.

Location: 210 Nicholson Rd, Subiaco WA

Gage Roads Freo Brewery

This laid-back micro-brewery in Fremantle has a spacious selection of brewed ales, lagers, and cider, with stunning ocean views and a dog-friendly policy.

Location: Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle WA

Dog-friendly wineries in Western Australia

For wine lovers, these dog-friendly places in Western Australia are perfect for flavourful tasting sessions:

Riverbank Estate Winery

This award-winning winery offers a premium, romantic setting and beautiful outdoor seating where dogs are welcome to relax.

Location: 126 Hamersley Rd, Caversham WA

Ugly Duckling Wines

A rustic and charming dog-friendly winery in Western Australia that produces premium, locally grown wines.

Location: 7790 W Swan Rd, West Swan WA

Dog-friendly beaches in Western Australia

These dog-friendly beaches in Western Australia are perfect for sandy paws:

O’Connor Beach

Famous for its peaceful ambiance, this beach features an off-leash ground, gorgeous coastal views, shaded picnic areas, and gentle surf and soft sand.

Location: North Coogee WA

Floreat Dog Beach

Floreat Dog Beach is a popular beach in Western Australia and one of the local favorites around Perth. Its long stretches of dunes are great for long walks and playing with other furry friends.

Location: 3QH4+67, City Beach WA

Secret Harbour Dog Beach

This stunning beach in the southern region offers a vast stretch of pristine sand and crystal-clear waters.

Location: Palermo Cove, Secret Harbour WA

Tips for pet parents

No dog-friendly guide to Western Australia is complete without some top tips. To keep things worry-free, we highlight below some important things to consider when exploring Western Australia with your pup:

Tip 1. Explore pet-friendly trails

While most national parks don’t allow dogs, there are plenty of scenic pet-friendly walks. Or, why not take a road trip? Many beautiful coastal and country routes have pet-friendly stops.

Tip 2. Have all necessities ready

Make sure you have all the essentials ready before you head off. This includes enough food, treats, medications, favorite toys, and blankets. Carry fresh water for your dog, avoid midday heat, and bring a cooling vest or shade cover if you’re out for long periods.

Tip 3. Be wildlife aware

Western Australia is home to unique wildlife, including snakes, kangaroos, and quokkas. Always keep your pup on a leash where required and be mindful of native animals.

Tip 4. Scout out some dog-friendly accommodation

There are numerous options for dog-friendly accommodation in Western Australia, from pet-friendly hotels to coastal villas your pet companion will love.

But what about when the time comes for you to go on your next adventure without your furry friend? Pets are happiest at home, and vets agree–so why not consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter to keep your home and pets safe while you're away? To find out more, click below:

Finding a pet sitter

How it works

Tips for pet sitters

There are tons of dog-friendly activities in Western Australia. However, caring for someone else’s pets is a big responsibility, so keep these tips in mind to ensure the satisfaction of both pets and their owners.

Tip 1. Check for pet-friendly policies

Before visiting a destination, always check the pet-friendly policies to confirm whether dogs are allowed, if off-leash play is permitted, and which specific dog-friendly activities are available.

Tip 2. Monitor the dogs’ health

Keep an eye out for any signs of health issues, especially if the poor pup has pre-existing conditions. If anything seems unusual, contact the owners or a vet immediately.

Tip 3. Never leave dogs alone for too long

As a sitter, it’s important to avoid leaving pets alone for long periods. If you need to step out for errands or a brief break, ensure the pet has access to water and a safe space, away from any potential dangers.

Finding a house sit