Dog-friendly stays, plays and bays

Luckily, there are plenty of excellent accommodation options, breweries, wineries, beaches and other attractions in the Margaret River Region where dogs can stay and visit.

It’s important to note that there are significant national parks across the Margaret River Region where dogs are not allowed. 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 it has been in the park. Protecting endangered shorebird, the hooded plover, is another important reason to steer clear of the beaches where dogs are not allowed.

This dog-friendly guide to visiting the Margaret River Region with a pooch in tow will help make unforgettable memories for four and two-legged visitors alike.

Take your pick from plenty of quality pet-friendly accommodation options in the region. 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 except for long weekends and school holidays.

Situated just metres from two stunning dog-friendly beaches, Broadwater Resort offers self-contained accommodation for the entire family, including beloved canine companions. Dogs are also welcome to join you for a meal in the beer garden of their on-site restaurant, Tonic by the Bay. The thoughtful canine pack, including dog bowls and blankets, will make your furry friend feel extra special.

Just 10 minutes from Margaret River, Big Valley Campsite is a dog-friendly, family-run campground set on a 350-acre working sheep farm. Spacious, shady site and a dedicated off-lead area mean dogs can roam while their humans enjoy the peaceful, rural surroundings. It’s a favourite for travellers exploring the region with pets in tow – with guinea pigs, chickens, and sheep just over the fence to add to the charm.

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park has selected accommodations allowing dogs all year round, as well as camping and caravan sites that are pup-friendly. Plus, it’s only a few minutes walk from the beautiful Geographe Bay, where swimming beaches and white sand abound, and another few minutes walk the other way to Busselton town centre’s restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.

Glamping gives you the best of both worlds, getting close to nature and sleeping under the stars but with all the creature comforts you need. At Busselton Villas & Glamping Village you can bring your furry best friend on the adventure, as all of their tents are completely dog-friendly.

Down South Holidays have 10 pet-friendly properties available, five within walking distance of the beautiful Dunsborough dog-friendly beaches. Check out their impressive selection of properties, including a luxurious Hampton-style estate with a pool in Yallingup or a cosy cottage with a wood fire in the centre of Dunsborough, that will happily accommodate you and your four-legged friend.

Luxury holiday home provider Private Properties has 14 different properties in its portfolio that are dog-friendly, with some properties sleeping up to 12 people. Some have enclosed gardens for the pooch, others have acreage for them to run about, and plenty are on or only a short walk from the coast. The latest addition is Ravenswood in Eagle Bay, a secluded country hideaway where there’s more than enough space for up to five couples, a couple of kids and a pup.

Nestled in the heart of the Margaret River region, Rusticoq Bed & Breakfast offers stylish, pet-friendly accommodation, with a standalone room adjacent to a cottage garden-style courtyard. With elegantly styled guest rooms and communal areas filled with rustic charm, this Cowaramup gem is a perfect haven for that relaxed getaway with your four-legged friend.

If you’re looking for a beautiful forest retreat, indulge in an unparalleled experience at Jarrah Grove Forest Retreat. With luxury chalets nestled in the 86 acres of native private forest, Jarrah Grove welcomes four-legged companions with open arms, offering numerous bush tracks that weave through the serene forest, providing the perfect setting for adventurous walks.

Southern Stars Holiday Park Dunsborough offers extra-large sites with plenty of room for the family holiday needs, and the hugely popular fenced dog-friendly campsites are a welcome relief for your pup after sitting so patiently in the car. The team at Southern Stars loves dogs and welcomes your pooch in non-fenced campsites, they only ask they stay on a lead. They recommend Gypsea Tails for dog adventures and pet-sitting services, in case you’re going somewhere your pooch can’t tag-tail.

Margaret River Properties specialises in pet-friendly accommodations with secure yards and easy access to dog-friendly beaches, trails, and parks. Perfect for families travelling with pets, they actively show pet-friendly stays and experiences on their channels, making it very easy for guests to plan their stays with their furry companions.

Heyscape’s Daniel cabin in Yallingup is a fantastic spot for those looking to bring their furry friends along down south. This dog-friendly retreat lets guests enjoy a getaway with their pets, making it the perfect place to reconnect with loved ones – both human and canine.

Nestled between Dunsborough and Yallingup, Petra Estate offers a tranquil retreat with scenic views across landscaped grounds, often visited by kangaroos. The five Couple Chalets are comfortable, self-contained, and pet-friendly – ideal for a relaxing stay with a four-legged companion. Just note there’s unfenced, deep water on the property, so pets must be supervised.

Redgate Forest Retreat is a peaceful escape for people and a true haven for dogs, just a short drive from Margaret River. Set on 167 acres, this dog-friendly retreat features four self-catering houses – two of which are wheelchair accessible – with large, fully fenced yards and no shared boundaries between properties. There’s no extra charge for dogs (as long as they skip the linen!), and plenty of space to explore.

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 and about with friends.

With puppyccinos served here every day, Drift Café is about to be your little furry friend’s favourite local! These folks love dogs so much, the resident pup ‘Mo’ has his own dedicated mural on the side of the building. Start your day with one of the café’s popular and delicious breakfasts, gather with friends over a lazy lunch, or call in for great coffee. Complimentary pats from the friendly (and dog-loving) staff included.

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 with your very happy (and likely wet) best furry friend on the deck. Just note which sections of the beach are dog-friendly.

Right on the actual Margaret River, The Hairy Marron is almost made for a cuppa with your four-legged companion. With plenty of seating outside in the fresh air, it’s stationed at the starting point of countless walking trails through the native bushland. Dogs will also be able to enjoy a treat from the coffee counter.

With no real hippos in sight, Hippo Lakes in Busselton offers a delightful experience with a charming café and farm shop, complete with a welcoming veranda, cosy indoor seating and picturesque picnic spots. Roam the grounds with your dog and sit down for breakfast, lunch, high tea or picnic with delicious local and seasonal produce.

You’ll find more wagging welcomes at Riversmith, The Colourpatch Cafe & Bar, Commonage Coffee Co & Yallingup Chocolate, and Maison Lassiaille.

There’s oodles of room outside at Cheeky Monkey, under the market umbrellas and in the sunshine to enjoy a bevvy with your dog. 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 Cheeky Monkey Taphouse up in Vasse also opens its doors to customers of two and four-legged varieties.

One of the most popular spots in the township of Margaret River, Brewhouse ticks all the boxes. Playground for the kids? Tick. Plenty of dog-friendly grassy space? 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.

Beerfarm is known as the go-to dog-friendly spot. There’s plenty of space and water bowls for your pooch. If you don’t have your own dog to bring along, keep an eye out for some farm dogs who can be spotted most days and are available for pats.

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 who has been to the region before will find its green roof a welcome sight.

Check out Bailey Brewing Co., Cowaramup Brewing Co, Shelter Brewing Co, Wild Hop Brewing Co, and Rocky Ridge Brewing Co, who all welcome well-behaved dogs.

Many wineries and attractions also will welcome your pet, with understandable provisos. Most wineries do ask that you call in advance, and they might want to know a few details about your dog. You can save the hassle by going on a winery tour with Grape Escape South West Tours or Margaret River Pick Me Up, which are dog-friendly and have partnerships with many of the wineries that will allow you to bring your dog along for the tastings.

Off the region’s most famous scenic road, Caves Road lies a family-owned and highly regarded cellar door, vineyard kitchen and local producer Clairault Streicker Wines. Paired with some of the region’s finest wines and bites, settle in with stunning Wilyabrup and vineyard views on the spacious dog-friendly veranda and lawns. Perfect for lapping up the rays of the sun or doing zoomies.

Swings & Roundabouts is another favourite cellar door and restaurant for those with (and without) tails in tow. With a dedicated dog drinking station at the entrance, huge lawns and undercover areas, you’ll quickly understand why. Both pups and guardians are treated like royalty here, and the latter can enjoy luscious wine tastings, woodfired pizzas, rustic plates and of course – the famous swings.

A short drive from town, Xanadu is a great spot for wine tasting and some serious taste bud tantalising. The wines have been winning awards left right and centre, and Head Chef Andrea Gasparini will take you on a culinary expedition through his homeland Italy. Dogs 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 is known for being a dog-friendly winery where guest and their furry friends are always welcome. The team, along with chief wine dog Toby, love having dogs join wine tastings on the outdoor deck and lawn, with stunning views of the dam, vineyard, and bushland. Just remember to keep dogs on a leash, as the nearby bushland is home to local wildlife.

A gentle, yet sizable stroll from town, Cape Mentelle is easily doable with your dog thanks to the shady, tree-lined path along Wallcliffe Road. Pop in for a tasting, grab a bottle to take with you and stroll back home in time for dinner.

On the quiet east side of Bussell Highway, this family-run vineyard has been growing grapes since 1997 and is proudly accredited with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. Known for its cabernet sauvignon, petit verdon, and cabernet franc – and as one of the few local pinot noir producers – this small vineyard produces some seriously great wines, and it’s dog-friendly.

Try House of Cards, Lentedal Vineyard Estate and Hay Shed Hill for maximum doggo enjoyment. You can also head to Howard Park Cellar Door, Flametree Wines, Snake and Herring, Cullen Wines, Fermoy Estate, Amato Vino, and Cape Grace Wines, or browse all wineries with a warm doggy welcome.

Generally, restaurants and cafés 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.

Busselton newcomer, Busselton Pavilion, or ‘The Pav’ as we know it, is quickly becoming a staple for locals, visitors and their doggies alike. Being a relaxed gastro pub with a generous serving of Down South, four-legged friends are welcome to lap and laze in their sunny beer garden too. Sip your way through the carefully curated drinks menu with the best of the local beer and wine, and a little bird whispered they’re not far off from serving their very own distilled gin too.

Plenty of outdoor space for your dog to enjoy? Check. Delicious pub grub prepared with the whole family in mind? Check. Award-winning brews and good vibes? Check. Bailey Brewing Co is always reliable as a dog-friendly dining destination.

For more plates and bowls, swing past Dear Darnell’s, The Sea Garden Cafe, Settlers Tavern, Caves House Hotel, and Rustico at Hay Shed Hill, or browse more doggie dining options here.

The Margaret River Region has plenty of beautiful dog-friendly beaches that will eat up hours of your holiday stay.

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. This dog-friendly beach all year round stretches from Dolphin Road in the West to the Margaret Street Beach Access Carpark in the east.

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.

You’ll receive a dog-friendly 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, 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. Hit the sand for a swim and a run with your dog, who is welcome on the left side of the beach.

In Yallingup, the beach north of the Dawson Drive access path is dog-friendly. It is well signed, and the exclusion zone includes from the Dawson Drive path to the Slippery Rocks Car Park. Yallingup Beach is surrounded by a national park so be careful to use the Dawson Drive entrance.

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.

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 Breeze Holiday Park, enter the path at Earnshaw Road. From here it’s four kilometres to the Busselton Jetty and five kilometres to Abbey.

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.

If you’re staying further south near the Margaret River township, you can let your dog off the lead at the Gnarabup dog beach which is accessible via the steps at the Reef Drive carpark. Or, try the dog-friendly stretch of beach in Gracetown, which is slightly further around the bay from the main Gracetown Beach.

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 more information on taking your dog to a national park, use the Parks WA Park Finder website and select the ‘dogs allowed’ option.