Dogs. They’re our fur children, our companions for their lifetime. They’re our precious pets and where we go, they go. Happily, there are plenty of excellent accommodation options, breweries, wineries, beaches and other attractions in the Margaret River Region where dogs are welcome.
It’s important to note that there are significant national parks across the Margaret River Region, where dogs are not allowed (approved assistance dogs excepted). Sadly, even the gentlest dogs are a threat to the native fauna; for example, a mother possum will drop and abandon their baby if she smells a dog’s scent, even days after its been in the park. Be sure to always check online for dog-friendly areas before you depart, and pay attention to signs when you’re out an about.
This guide to the touring the Margaret River Region with a pooch in tow will see that you and your dog are warmly welcomed.
Pet-friendly stays at Big4 Beachlands Holiday Park
Where to Stay
Take your pick from plenty of quality pet-friendly accommodation options in the region, including some with dog runs that allow you to leave your precious pet for a few hours. For recreational vehicle travellers in caravans and campervans, holiday parks in the region are highly aware of the need to provide pet-friendly site options and do so, usually with the exception of long weekends and school holidays.
BIG4 Beachlands, Busselton
BIG4 Beachlands Holiday Park has selected dog-friendly accommodation, camping and caravan sites. Dogs are allowed in selected accommodation all year round, and on camping and caravan sites except during Christmas holidays, the March long weekend and Easter – bookings must be made by phone. Doggos can expect a little welcome pack – treats, poo bags and a list of dog-friendly places to visit. The nearby beach is dog-friendly, and a lovely swimming beach for the whole family too. If things get salty and sandy at the beach, treat your pooch to a bath and blow dry in Beachlands’ new dog wash.

Pooch-friendly cafe with a view at White Elephant Cafe
Coffee Spots for Canines
Sidekick Cafe, Margaret River
Sidekick Café is owned by a couple who love their dogs just as much as you do, so you’ll find all the little touches here. Water bowls, plenty of outside seating and spots to tie a leash up to. The best bit? You’ll find plenty of other pups, so if your dog is a social one they too will be out with friends.
White Elephant Cafe, Gnarabup
The White Elephant Café is a no-brainer of a coffee spot when you have the dog with you. Right next to the dog beach in Gnarabup, you can either choose to grab a takeaway for a stroll along the beach and a game of fetch, or you can sit down for a cuppa at the end of a walk up through the sand with your very happy (and likely wet) best furry friend.
The Hairy Marron, Margaret River
Right on the actual Margaret River, The Hairy Marron is almost made for a cuppa with your four legged companion. With most of the seating outside in the fresh air, it’s stationed at the starting point of countless walking trails through the native bushland. Doggos will also be able to enjoy a treat from the coffee counter.
Commonage Coffee Co, Yallingup
With oodles of outdoor space Commonage Coffee Co is the perfect place to enjoy freshly roasted coffee with your canine alongside. Quiz the knowledgeable staff to find the right blend for you, order a snack and find a spot for you and your pup to enjoy the fresh air and vineyard views.

Afternoon brews at the Monkey Bar in Vasse
Breweries to Bark About
Cheeky Monkey Brewery and Cidery, Margaret River
There’s oodles of room outside at Cheeky Monkey, under the market umbrellas and in the sunshine to enjoy a bevvy with your doglet. They often have a dog in residence that’s a handsome puppy too. The food is great at this lovely modern brewery and the service is fast and welcoming. The new Monkey Bar up in Vasse has just opened its doors to customers of two and four legged varieties.
Brewhouse Margaret River, Margaret River
One of the most popular spots in the township of Margaret River, The Brewhouse ticks all the boxes. Playground for the kids? Tick. Plenty of grassy space for the dog? Tick. Craft beer so good it’s worth a drive from Perth for? Tick. Fresh, flavoursome and punchy food? Tick. Plus, you can pop on the leash and walk there from the front door if staying in central Margaret River.
The Beerfarm, Metricup
The Beerfarm is a playground for dogs, grownups and kids alike. Set on a working farm there are all the smells and sights a dog could wish for, and there is a smashable selection of craft beers alongside a solid menu. Kids will go wild over the slippery slide in the warmer months.
Bootleg Brewery, Margaret River
Bootleg Brewery is one of the first breweries in the region and is still one of the best – especially for bringing furry friends along. There is ample outdoor seating and the beers are always good. Any beer lover that has been to the region before will find its green roof a welcome sight.

A dedicated drinking station for your dog at Swings & Roundabouts
Tail-Wag Worthy Wineries
Many wineries and attractions also will welcome your pet – with understandable provisos. Most wineries do ask that you call in advance and they will want to know your breed of dog. You can save the hassle by going on a winery tour with Grape Escape South West Tours who are dog-friendly and have partnerships with many of the wineries who will allow you to bring your dog along for the tastings. They won’t just get tied up near the car either – they are there for all the action.
Xanadu Wines, Margaret River
A short drive from town, Xanadu is a great spot for a wine tasting and some serious tastebud tantalising. The wines have been winning awards left right and centre, and chef Mel Kokoti is one of Western Australia’s top female chefs. Doggos are welcome to join the party, they’ll just need to be well behaved and happy to be tied up for a little while under a shady tree.
Passel Estate, Margaret River
Almost all of the staff at Passel Estate are dog owners and dog lovers. Most days you are likely to arrive to a four legged welcome party, always keen for a new play date. Dogs are welcome inside and out of the tasting room, and if you happen to be dog free, you’ll be able to get plenty of pats if you so desire from the resident fur babies.
Cape Mentelle, Margaret River
A gentle, yet sizable stroll from town, Cape Mentelle is easily doable with your doggo thanks to the shady, tree lined path along Walcliffe Road. Pop in for a tasting, grab a bottle to take with you and stroll back home in time for dinner.
A few more sips…
Try Lenton Brae Estate, House of Cards, Swings and Roundabouts and Hay Shed Hill for maximum doggo enjoyment. You can also head to The Colony Concept, Howard Park Cellar Door, Flametree Wines, Snake and Herring, Cullen Wines, Rivendell and Cape Grace Wines for a warm doggy welcome.

A warm welcome for all four-legged friends at Glenarty Road
Dog-Friendly Dining
Generally, restaurants and cafes in the Margaret River region will accommodate responsible owners and their pets in outdoor or patio areas. The locals have their favourites, and if you keep your eyes open you will see residents and their pooches out and about. Going where the locals go is always a good idea. Remember when entering eateries to keep your canines leashed at all times and, while some do provide water bowls, responsible owners usually have their own.
Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough
Plenty of outdoor space for your dog to enjoy? Check. Upscale pub grub prepared with the whole family in mind? Check. Cold brews and good vibes? Check. Clancy’s Fish Pub is always reliable as a dog-friendly dining destination.
The Studio Bistro, Yallingup
Combine your meal with a dose of art and culture at the Studio Gallery & Bistro at Yallingup. There’s a wide patio and garden suitable for dogs, and take turns watching pooch and checking out the restaurant’s adjacent art gallery.
Petra Olive Oil Estate, Yallingup
Petra Olive Oil Estate has 1200 trees on 30-acres of gently sloping land, three dams (complete with kangaroos!) and a backdrop of Yallingup ocean views. Visit their shed door, tasting room and farm shop. Petra produces their own lovely Extra Virgin Olive Oil, gourmet vinegars and delicatessen products as well as a gorgeous range of EVOO cosmetics. You can pop in for a tasting or two and then head out with your furry friend to their outdoor seating situated in a stunning tranquil setting around the olive grove and dams for an antipasto picnic lunch, morning or afternoon tea.
Glenarty Road, Karridale
Glenarty Road is a working farm, winery and restaurant and is the ideal spot when heading south from Margaret River for a lazy lunch. Dogs are welcome, just ensure they are well behaved as there are plenty of distractions nearby to drive even the most sensible pup wild. Sheep manure is made for rolling in, isn’t it? The wines here are quaffable, and the meals are made with the best produce you’ll set your eyes on. It’s true paddock to plate, with those sheep ending up beautifully medium rare and with a side of veg from the garden.

Take your dog for a run at Gnarabup dog beach
Furry Fitness: Dog-Friendly Beaches & Walks
The Margaret River Region has plenty of beautiful dog-friendly beaches that will eat up hours of your holiday stay.
Busselton
Busselton beaches are generally flat with relatively calm waters, as they’re protected from large swells by Cape Naturaliste. The waters of Geographe Bay are relatively shallow, making it perfect for kids and dogs, with fine sand and crystal-clear water. Look out for dolphins swimming by, and the occasional friendly ray. This is a dog friendly beach, all year round. It stretches from Dolphin Road in the West to the Margaret Street Beach Access Carpark in the east.
Dunsborough Foreshore
The Dunsborough foreshore has everything families with young kids need for a perfect day at the beach: shady, grassed areas; long stretches of fine sand; shallow, clear waters; barbecues and picnic tables; toilets nearby, and it’s close to the town centre. For older kids and adults, it’s the perfect place to try kayaking or stand-up paddling (SUP) too.
Dogs are welcome in areas between the fisherman’s boat ramp (near McDermott St) and the Beach access path opposite Lot 30 Geographe Bay Road, then from West of Tulloh Street and Centennial Park Dunsborough. In Old Dunsborough between Gifford Road access path and Burt Court Beach access path, and Vincent Street and Bay View Court.
Bunker Bay
Bunker Bay, out on Cape Naturaliste, is one of the region’s most sublime beaches. The sheltered bay boasts crystal clear water in hues of blue and turquoise with a light, lapping surf. Start the day with breakfast at Bunkers Beach House then hit the sand for a swim and a run with your dog, who is welcome on the beach north of the café access path.
Yallingup Beach
In Yallingup, dogs are welcome on the beach north of the Dawson Drive access path. It’s well sign posted and the exclusion zone includes from the Dawson Drive path to the Slippery Rocks Car Park. Yallingup Beach is surrounded by national park so be careful to use the Dawson Drive entrance.

The paw-fect family getaway
Smiths Beach
Smiths Beach is a popular spot for surfers and offers huge expanses of dunes to play in. Dogs are welcome before 9am and after 5pm in summer. Check online for details and detour to Yallingup if in doubt.
Walk the Geographe Path
The Geographe Path is the paved walking trail along the foreshore, and it’s perfect for walking your dog. It stretches 23 kilometres from Busselton to Dunsborough; a pretty serious walk or bike ride. Break it up into shorter jaunts and check for dog-friendly beaches along the way. If you’re staying at BIG4 Beachlands Holiday Park, enter the path at Earnshaw Road. From here it’s four kilometres to the Busselton Jetty and five kilometres to Abbey.
Hike the Bush Loop
The Bush Loop in West Busselton is a 4.5-kilometre hiking and biking trail, and dogs are welcome on a lead. Enter the trail from Frederick Street in the Light Industrial Area and follow the path along bushland. The path will begin to loop at Queen Elizabeth Avenue, then you’ll follow the Vasse Diversion Drain along College Ave, cutting in through suburban streets to arrive back where you started.
Margaret River
If you’re staying further south near the Margaret River township, dogs are allowed off lead on the northern half of Gnarabup dog beach, best accessed from Riflebutts reserve. Or, try the dog-friendly stretch of beach in Gracetown, which is slightly further around the bay from the main Gracetown Beach.
Augusta
Flinders Bay is a lovely place to run the pooch. The dog can go free range from the surfer’s lookout at Albany Terrace to the point where Albany Terrace turns west.
For a comprehensive list of Dog-Friendly exercise areas within the Margaret River Region, please refer to Busselton City Council and the Augusta Margaret River Shire Council websites.
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4.7
Gnarabup Beach
Great For: Birdwatching,Child Friendly,Disabled Access,Dog Friendly,Fishing & Boating,Free,Scenic Spot,Scuba Snorkelling & Diving,Stand Up Paddling & Canoeing,Sunny Day,Swimming,Walking & HikingGnarabup Beach, Western Australia 6285
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4.4
Sidekick Cafe
Monday - Sunday: 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM5/110 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285
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4.4
The White Elephant Beach Cafe
Monday - Sunday: 7:00 AM until 3:00 PMGreat For: Child Friendly,Dog Friendly,Fireplace,Takeaway,WiFiGnarabup Rd, Margaret River WA 6285
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4.8
The Hairy Marron
Monday - Sunday: 8:00 AM until 4:00 PMGreat For: Disabled Access,Dog Friendly,Fireplace,Mountain Biking & Road Cycling,Rainy Day,Scenic Spot,Sunny Day,WiFi69 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285
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4.8
Commonage Coffee Co
Friday: 8.00 am - 12.30 pm Saturday: 8.00 am - 1.30 pm Sunday: 8.00 am - 1.30 pm Monday: 8.00 am - 12.30 pmGreat For: Dine In855 Commonage Rd, Yallingup Siding WA 6282
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4
Cheeky Monkey Brewery & Cidery
7 days a week 11am - 5pmGreat For: Child Friendly,Outdoor Playground4259 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup WA 6280
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4.8
Monkey Bar Vasse
Monday - Wednesday: Closed
Thursday - Friday: 4:00 until 7:00 PM
Saturday: 2:00 until 7:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 until 6:00 PMGreat For: Cellar Sales,Dine In,Disabled Access,Dog Friendly,Seated Tastings44 Commerce Rd, Vasse WA 6280
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4.6
Brewhouse Margaret River
Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM
Friday - Sunday: 11:00 AM until 9:00 PMGreat For: Child Friendly,Dine In,Disabled Access,Dog Friendly,Outdoor Playground,Sunny Day35 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285
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4.6
Beerfarm
Venue Sunday-Thursday 11am-6pm Friday 11am-9pm Saturday 11am-7pm Kitchen Sunday-Thursday 11am-4pm Friday 11am-3pm Raise the Steaks 5pm-8pm Saturday 11am-5pm Slip n Slide December - April only Saturday-Sunday 11am-2pm School holidays 11am-2pm everydayGreat For: Cellar Sales,Child Friendly,Dine In,Dog Friendly,Outdoor Playground,Vegan Beer177 Gale Rd, Metricup WA 6280
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3.6
Bootleg Brewery
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Sunday: 11:00 AM until 5:00 PMGreat For: Child Friendly,Dine In,Dog Friendly,Outdoor Playground,Picnic Spot,Scenic Spot,Seated Tastings,Sunny Day,Vegan Beer37 Wildberry Rd, Wilyabrup WA 6280
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4.7
Busselton Foreshore
Open 24 HoursGreat For: BBQ,Child Friendly,Children's Attraction,Dog Friendly,Free,Outdoor Playground,Picnic Spot,Scenic Spot,Scuba Snorkelling & Diving,Stand Up Paddling & Canoeing,SwimmingForeshore Parade, Busselton WA 6280
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4.3
Xanadu Wines
Cellar Door: Daily 10am-5pm Restaurant: Thursday to Sunday from 11.45am.Great For: Child Friendly,Dine In,Disabled Access,Outdoor Playground,Seated Tastings,Vegan Wines316 Boodjidup Rd, Margaret River WA 6285
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4.8
Passel Estate
Monday - Sunday: 10:30 AM until 5:00 PMGreat For: Cellar Sales,Seated Tastings655 Ellen Brook Rd, Cowaramup WA 6284
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4.4 From $10
Cape Mentelle Vineyards
Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM until 5:00 PMGreat For: Cellar Sales,Disabled Access,Dog Friendly,Seated Tastings331 Wallcliffe Rd, Margaret River WA 6285
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4.3
Clancys Fish Pub Dunsborough
Monday: 12:00 until 8:30 PM
Tuesday - Wednesday: Closed
Thursday - Sunday: 12:00 until 8:30 PMGreat For: Child Friendly,Dine In,Dog Friendly,Fireplace,Outdoor Playground,Takeaway1710 Caves Rd, Dunsborough WA 6281
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4.6
The Studio Gallery & Bistro
Gallery open: Wednesday - Monday, 10 am - 4 pm Available for private gallery viewing after-hours, before 10 am or after 4 pm. Booking required. Bistro open: Lunch Thursday - Monday & Dinner Saturday evening.Great For: Dine In7 Marrinup Dr, Yallingup WA 6282
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4.8
Petra Olive Oil Estate
YALLINGUP FARM SHOP ~ Fri to Mon 10 - 5pm NEDLANDS FARM SHOP ~ Mon to Fri 7:30 - 3pm Sat 8am - 1pm ACCOMMODATION & SHOP ONLINE ~ Post delivery or "safe contactless click & collect" Visit our website: petraoliveoil.com.auGreat For: Picnic Spot251 Sheoak Dr, Yallingup WA 6282
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4.8 From $120
Glenarty Road | Kerfuffle Wines
Monday - Wednesday: Closed
Thursday - Sunday: 10:00 AM until 5:00 PMGreat For: Cellar Sales,Child Friendly,Dine In,Dog Friendly,Seated Tastings70 Glenarty Rd, Karridale WA 6288
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4
Bunker Bay
Great For: Birdwatching,Child Friendly,Fishing & Boating,Free,Scenic Spot,Scuba Snorkelling & Diving,Surfing,Swimming,Whale WatchingBunker Bay Rd, Naturaliste WA 6281
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5
Smiths Beach
Great For: Child Friendly,Dog Friendly,Free,Scenic Spot,Surfing,SwimmingSmiths Beach Rd, Yallingup WA 6282
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4.3
BIG4 Beachlands
Monday - Sunday: 9:00 AM until 5:00 PMGreat For: Child Friendly,Disabled Access,Dog Friendly,Outdoor Playground10 Earnshaw Rd, West Busselton WA 6280
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4.1
Bunkers Beach House
Monday - Friday Lunches 11:30am - 3:30pm
Saturdays & Sundays 8:30 - 11:00am Breakfast / 12noon - 3:00pm LunchesGreat For: Dog FriendlyFarm Break Ln, Naturaliste WA 6281
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4.4
Rivendell Winery Estate
Open Friday to Sunday 11am - 5pmGreat For: Cellar Sales,Child Friendly,Dog Friendly,Seated Tastings1172 Wildwood Rd, Yallingup Siding WA 6282
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4.5
House of Cards
Open 7 days 10am - 5pmGreat For: Child Friendly,Dog Friendly,Grazing Platters & Hampers,Picnic Spot,Seated Tastings,Takeaway1/3220 Caves Rd, Yallingup WA 6282
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4.3
Swings & Roundabouts
Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM until 5:00 PMGreat For: Cellar Sales,Child Friendly,Dine In,Dog Friendly,Fireplace,Outdoor Playground,Seated Tastings,Takeaway2807 Caves Rd, Yallingup WA 6282
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5
Cape Grace Wines
Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM until 5:00 PMGreat For: Child Friendly,Disabled Access,Dog Friendly,Indoor Play Area,Seated Tastings,Takeaway,Wildflower Spotting281 Fifty One Rd, Cowaramup WA 6284
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4.3
Cullen Wines & Restaurant
Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM until 4:30 PMGreat For: Cellar Sales,Child Friendly,Dine In,Disabled Access,Dog Friendly,Seated Tastings,Vegan Wines4323 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup WA 6280
Well done, a great feature article for Dog lovers (Man’s best friend).
Wonderful to know about these dog friendly venues. We live in Busselton and have wished to find places we can take our dog too, instead of leaving her home all the time, or taking her on the same old walks.
Thank you!
Hi Sue, I just wanted to make you aware of our little dog friendly cottage as well, Karridale Cottages and Hop Farm. Check out our website for more information. We would love to have you stay with us in the future if you decide to update your list.
Thanks for a great article Mia. At Eagle Bay Olives, we are often asked which wineries are dog-friendly and now we know. We also welcome dogs in our picnic garden, where customers can enjoy one of our gourmet picnic boxes with their pets.
Nice 1 Mia, there is many more dog friendly places in Margs now. Would you consider putting up another page of updated places? I reckon 3/4 of all hospitality places in Margs are now dog friendly. I’m staying tonight in Hilltop Studios off Carter Rd in Margs & my dog “Bruno” has been made more than welcome here. We went to a little Korean restaurant off Bussell Hwy in Margs tonight & the pup was welcomed there too. Thanks for the great page, Dave
Hi Dave just letting you know I contacted Hilltop Studios two days ago and they advised me pets were not allowed 🙁
Cynthia
The Firestation in Busso welcomed us with Waldo the Airedale last night, great place, great beer, great food.