The Cape to Cape: Australia's most dog-friendly road trip
The Cape to Cape route from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin through the Margaret River region has been independently assessed as the most dog-friendly road trip in Australia. The highest density of dog-friendly parks, beaches, and accommodation of any route in the country.
Gnarabup Beach near Prevelly and Smiths Beach at Yallingup are the standout beach options. The winery culture with Howard Park, Stormflower, Swings and Roundabouts, and House of Cards all genuinely welcoming to dogs.
Busselton on Geographe Bay is a good base town with the longest timber jetty in Australia, good foreshore walking, and dog-friendly beaches along the bay.
Perth to Geraldton: the Coral Coast
The drive north from Perth to Geraldton and beyond takes you into the Coral Coast. The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park are inaccessible to dogs but the surrounding areas have good beach access.
Lancelin Beach is a long stretch of white sand with good off-leash access and excellent windsurfing conditions. Jurien Bay has calm water and a relaxed pace. Geraldton has good beaches and is a reasonable overnight stop on the way further north.
Note that the heat increases significantly as you drive north of Perth. Plan around this if travelling in warmer months.
The South West: Albany, Denmark, and Esperance
The far south of WA from Albany through Denmark to Esperance is one of the least visited and most beautiful parts of Australia.
Albany has excellent dog beach access at Middleton Beach and good foreshore walking through the town. Denmark has the Wilson Inlet foreshore and a beautiful natural environment.
Esperance is remote but extraordinary. The turquoise water and white sand beaches around Esperance town are dog-friendly and almost always uncrowded. Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park is where the famous kangaroos swim but dogs are not permitted in the national park.
The Kimberley
The Kimberley is one of Australia's most spectacular regions and one of the most challenging for dog travel.
Saltwater crocodiles inhabit all coastal and tidal waterways throughout the Kimberley. The heat from October through March is extreme. Most of the spectacular national parks including Purnululu and Windjana Gorge do not permit dogs.
The Kimberley in the dry season, May through September, is accessible with a dog with careful planning. Broome has good dog access at Cable Beach in the early morning hours before the cable beach camel tours begin. The Dampier Peninsula has some accessible areas.
Drive the Kimberley with a dog only if you have extensive remote travel experience and a vehicle equipped for the conditions.
Western Australia has the best dog road trips in Australia. The Cape to Cape alone is worth the flight from the east coast. Write to us at hello@pawtrips.com.au with your WA road trip recommendations.
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