Western Australia Guide for Dog Owners
Western Australia - home of the best beaches in the world. Don't believe us? Have you SEEN Esperance?
As East Coasters, we can't call ourselves experts of the great Western state, so, when putting together this advice blog, we reached out to one of our retailers, Karen Scott from Pooch Luxury. Karen's a proud Western Australian and #dogmum. Karen started her business in 2018 and, with three dogs of her own, is well-versed in great places to take your fluffy companion in WA.
Karen says of the ST ARGO range, that whilst the Taupe and Pale Pink Dog Collars are the most popular, she personally loves the LOLA pet carrier (perfect for her Chi's).
After extensive research, we must say we're pretty impressed with dog friendly things to do in WA. Sure, it's no Melbourne in terms of dog-friendly hospitality options, but the sheer number of beaches and dog-friendly parks means for us, it out-ranks all other states for liveability on a purely dog-friendly basis. Karen agrees, saying she's noticing an increase in WA where more facilities are accommodating to (well behaved and leashed) pets.
FYI, Western Australia is huge - bigger than any other Aussie state. In fact, it is the second-largest country subdivision in the world, surpassed only by Russia's Sakha Republic. So no, we haven't covered the whole state in this guide. We've focused on high-population areas surrounding the capital city, Perth.
Unsurprisingly, this list is extensive. WA has some of the most immaculate beaches in Australia, and the world. The main cities are set along it's coast, which, by the way, spans 20,788 kilometres (16,000 miles).
1. Secret Harbour Dog Beach
Located in Perth's far south, the Secret Harbour Dog Beach is incredibly wide with ample room for your dog (and you) to roam. Access: Once you reach the sign near the Siracusa Court car park, it's an off-lead area year round.
Secret Harbour Dog Beach in Western Australia is a dog off-leash beach, year round.
2. Rockingham Dog Beach
Within the City of Rockingham, you’ll find approximately ten dog-friendly beaches scattered along the stretch of the Indian Ocean coastline for you and your furry friend to enjoy. Yep, ten. And dog's are permitted off-leash at Rockingham year-round.
3. Mosman-Leighton Dog Beach
You'll find this gem of a beach in Freo's northern edge. This 2km stretch of soft, white sand is a favourite amongst dog owners in Perth. The sand! The white, sandy beach is usually not crowded and the shallows are appreciated by water-loving pups and hoomans alike.
Mosman-Leighton Dog Beach in WA. Dog friendly year-round.
4. Floreat
5. Pinnaroo Point
Pinnaroo point in the city of Joondalup is a popular spot for campers and windsurfers. There's plenty of wind and few waves. It also boasts one of the most beautiful vista's (in our opinion) of all the beaches on the list. To the south of Pinnaroo Point, you can head to Whitfords Horse Beach and Hillarys Dog Beach, a stretch of coastline dedicated to the exercising of horses and dogs. There's plenty of parking, food vendors and even a dog washing service! It makes for a fantastic day out.
6. North Beach Dog Beach
North Beach Dog Friendly Beach is a beautiful sandy beach close to the popular North Beach Cafe strip. This beach has truly gone to the dogs, so don't come down for a sunbathing session unless you're prepared to accept your gear getting run over and sanded on by some mischievous mutts.
7. CY O'Connor Beach
C.Y. O'Connor Beach is a beach in the suburb of North Coogee, south of Fremantle. This beach isn't just dog-friendly fun, white sand and crystal water. There's some history to this beach. Named after Charles Yelverton O'Connor, whose statue is situated in the ocean about 30 meters off the shoreline, it acknowledges that this is where Mr O'Connor rode his horse into the surf, never to return. Also on the beach is the hulk of SS Wyola, which was dismantled there for scrap; alongside it is the remnants of the timber barge that was used.
1. Laika Coffee - Lathlain
Located just 6km from the city centre in Lathlain, Laika is a cafe and roastery and the neighbourhood's favourite morning brunch stop.
Laika is an uber-cool indoor/outdoor dog friendly coffee shop in Lathlain.
2. Lot One Kitchen - Hillarys
Located in Hillarys, you might want to swing by here after your beach dip with your dog! Lot One is a neighbourhood hero. Great food and coffee is served in a coastal dining space. Open from 6:30am, 7 days a week - it's a great option after an early morning dip with your bestie!
Lot One pet-friendly casual dining venue in Hillarys.
3. Brother of Mine - Baldivis
Brother of Mine is a sensational and award winning brekky and wood fired pizza restaurant in Baldivis. The food here is exceptional and coffee is roasted on site. Open daily from 5:30am (for you early risers).
4. Naked Apple Cidery - Karragullen
Set on 6.4 hectares of lush gardens and native bushland in Karragullen, Perth Hills, Naked Apple Cider House is a family friendly venue that is also dog-friendly. And yes, they brew their own cider. Now, it's a bit out of town, so you'll need a car. But visitors say its worth the drive and due to the space and food options, great for a family gathering.
Trigg Bushland Walk is a great bush to coast dog-friendly trail.
When taking your pooch out to these dog-friendly places, the general expectation is that they are well-behaved, friendly to kids and other dogs and leashed when it comes to hospitality venues. Try the ST ARGO leash which is the perfect length for dogs of all sizes for inner city expeditions.
Additionally, the council regulations require dog's to be microchipped and easily identifiable with an ID tag. Use the ST ARGO dog collar to attach your dog's ID tag for easy identification.
Finally, the council imposes strict penalties for failure to clean up after your pet. Whilst there is a push towards making beaches and parks more dog friendly, the authorities are also aiming to keep these places pristine and s**t free... Don't forget your ST ARGO poop bag dispenser and biodegradable poop bags.
