A Guide to Dog-Friendly Touring in the Margaret River Region

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 and 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Monkey Bar up in Vasse has just opened its doors to customers of two and four legged varieties.

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.

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 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.

Check out Cowaramup Brewing Co, Shelter Brewing Co, Wild Hop Brewing Co, and Black 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 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.

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.

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.

A gentle, yet sizable stroll from town, Cape Mentelle is easily doable with your doggo 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.

Try Lenton Brae Estate, House of Cards, Howling Wolves Wines 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, Swings and Roundabouts, Cullen Wines and Cape Grace Wines for a warm doggy welcome.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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. 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.

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, 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.

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.

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 Beachlands 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 lead at the Gnarabup dog beach which is accessible via Riflebutts reserve. 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.