Dog Friendly Margaret River, WA: Visiting Your Dog - Travelnuity (2023)

The Margaret River region is famous for its incredible surfing beaches and world-class wineries. Fortunately, when visiting the Margaret River region inwestern australiawith your dog you can experience both and many other highlights.

Dog-Friendly Wineries in Margaret River

There is a long list of wineries in the Margaret River area, many of which are open daily for wine tasting and many of which are dog-friendly.

To discover the full list of dog-friendly wineries in the area, I recommend visiting the Visitor Center in Margaret River, which maintains a current list of pet-friendly wineries (combined with the list of kid-friendly wineries). or look for themLocation Margaret River(purchase the pet friendly filter).

Unfortunately, the list does not mention which wineries allow dogs. While some wineries allow dogs to run free, other wineries just let them outside. It is best to contact the individual wineries for confirmation.

One of the most dog friendly wineries we have visited wasswings and carousels. This award-winning venue is dog-friendly and allows dogs inside. We even saw some dogs relaxing with their owners in the semi-enclosed dining room. However, the beautiful outdoor area with its striking swivel seats can hardly be missed on fine days. There is also a cute dog water station outside.

During our visit we also went to Cape Mentelle. Although the winery is listed as dog-friendly, dogs are not allowed where tastings normally take place. We had the option of holding our tasting outdoors at a picnic table, but that would have been a pain with the long wine list on the tasting list.

Two other wineries that reportedly allow dogs to walk you to the cellar door are the award-winning Stella Bella Wines, which is also great for BYO picnics, and Woody Nook Winery in Wilyaburp, which is also home to the Nookery Cafe. Of course, dogs must be on a leash.

If you are interested in taking your pup on a wine tour, please contact Grape Escape for more information on their private property.tasty excursions.

Dog Friendly Beaches in Margaret River

The Margaret River is equally famous for its surfing beaches, and in that regard, dogs have not been forgotten. Although dogs are strictly prohibited on the beaches of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and on the main bathing beaches, there are also off-leash beaches scattered throughout the region.

One of the best beaches is Gnarabup Beach in Prevelly, just a few miles west of present-day Margaret River town and close to popular Surfer's Point. Off-leash dogs are allowed on the northern part of the beach behind the Riflebutts Preserve behind the dunes, except in the play area.

Another off-leash beach is in Gracetown, the next town north. To access the off-leash stretch of beach (dogs are not allowed in the main swimming stretch at the north end), look for the dirt access road just before Percy Street. Dogs are also allowed in the northern part of Yallingup Beach.

Augusta, at the southern end of the Margaret River region, is also home to a long, dog-friendly stretch of shoreline. Dogs are off leash on the stretch along Albany Terrace from the mouth of the river to near the trailer park.

Finally, there are also several off-leash beaches if you head north of the region, in the towns ofdunsboroughand Busselton, on the calm waters of Geographe Bay.

Dogs are allowed on much of the Dunsborough Foreshore, just check local signage beyond Bunker Bay on Cape Naturaliste. And most of the beach west of downtown Busselton is dog-free year-round, with the exception of a stretch near the Margaret Street parking lot, which prohibits dogs during the summer months.

For more information, seeAugusta-Margaret River County websitemiCity of Busselton website.

Dog Walking on the Margaret River

Your dog walking options in the Margaret River area aren't just limited to wineries and beaches, there are plenty of other fun options for dogs.

1. Check out the waves

It wouldn't be a visit to Margaret River without visiting the famous surf breaks!

One of the most famous spots is Surfer's Point in Prevelly, just west of the town on Margaret River. Head to the lookout, just keep your dog on a leash, and watch the action in the breaks below.

The site is also a great place to watch the sunset, and food trucks often stop here in the late afternoon on busy days.

2. Stroll through the Cowaramup

While the town of Margaret River is quite posh with a variety of upscale restaurants, cafes and boutiques, the northern town of Cowaramup has retained its rural charm.

Take a stroll down Main Street and stop at some of the great grocery stores offering items ranging from artisan chocolate to canned goods to locally roasted coffee. Although dogs are not allowed in the house, there are often water bowls outside.

Along the way, keep an eye out for the cow sculptures that can be found throughout the village, partly in reference to the village's name, but also as a nod to the significant dairy production of neighboring farms. There are also beautiful murals to see, including the bird's wings on the Cowaramup Agencies building.

3. Relax with a local beer

If you'd rather relax with a beer than a sip of wine, you'll be pleased to find a growing number of breweries in the Margaret River area. And luckily, almost all breweries are dog-friendly. On the list provided by the visitor center, seven breweries are listed as dog-friendly, though sometimes only in certain areas.

We made a stop at the end of the afternoon.Wild Hops Breweryin Yallingup. Catching lots of afternoon sun while looking out over the dam was a great way to end the day. Dogs are allowed on the brewery deck, including the enclosed portion beyond the lawn, although the staff are very dog-friendly. The brewery offers ten batch beer taps with the option to choose your own tasting club.

Another dog-friendly brewery option is Beerfarm at Metricup. Dog friendly inside and out, and with a designated area to roam free, enjoy one of their beers paired with smoked meats.

4. Conduce por Caves Road

While there is a road that crosses the Margaret River and down to Augusta, the more scenic alternative is Caves Road, particularly the southern section. Along this stretch, the road passes through magnificent stretches of Jarrah, Karri and Marri forests, mainly in the Boranup Forest.

Although most of this section is within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, where pets are not allowed, dogs are allowed in your vehicle along the main road as long as you do not stop within park boundaries.

5. Watch out for whales

During the colder months of the year, whales can be seen off the coast of the Margaret River region, so take your dog to a coastal lookout and see if you can spot one.

Southern Right Whales can often be seen migrating north during August, between June and August. Some of the best whale watching is along the dog-friendly Whale Trail (see below).

Whales are most likely to be seen in Geographe Bay, near Busselton and Dunsborough, from September to early December, when south-bound whales enter the bay to rest and nurse their young.

6. Buy local dog treats

One of the most peculiar restaurants that you can visit in the area isMargaret-River-Wild. Dogs are not allowed in the store of course, but they will definitely be happy about it!

In addition to a variety of salamis, sausages, and steaks for humans, there are options for your pup, too. Pet meat buns are available, as is the selection of venison bones on the counter meant for pet treats.

Dog Walking on the Margaret River

A long walk or two goes a long way to burn off the good food, wine and beer that is easy to enjoy when visiting Margaret River. One dog-friendly option near Margaret River is the combined bike path that connects Margaret River Township to Prevelly, which also conveniently passes a few wineries.

Going down to Augusta tour the coastWalspur. The trail begins at the mouth of the Blackwood River near Lions Park and runs 4 miles to August Boat Harbor. The first section of the hike goes through the off-leash stretch of beach in Augusta.

Dog Foods in Margaret River

With so many wineries and fine-dining restaurants in the area, there's no shortage of wonderful restaurants and cafes to eat at, and thankfully many of them are dog-friendly, at least outside.

As I mentioned earlier, Swings & Roundabouts is one of the most dog-friendly wineries, allowing dogs to be indoors, even in their semi-enclosed outdoor and dining areas. There is a pizza menu and a full menu on offer.

Another great option for dogs isthe berry farm, hidden in the hills east of Margaret River. The star of the menu are the jams, chutneys and more, which you can also buy at the local outlet. I highly recommend the scones with deliciously thick strawberry jam. There are plenty of outdoor tables that are dog friendly.

Another option to consider isgood oil. Producer of fine organic oils, its menu is strongly Italian, with its own olive oil and a variety of agricultural products. Be sure to reserve an outdoor table with dog water bowls.

Last but not least, I've also heard great reports from Yardbyrd and Rustico at Hay Shed Hill.gardenerin Witchcliffe there is a highly rated cafe open every day for breakfast, lunch or just a coffee. In addition to a budget menu, there's an outdoor relaxing area and plenty of bowls for your four-legged guests.

On the other hand,RusticIt is famous for its five-course tasting menu, optionally with wine pairing. Give yourself plenty of time (and make sure your dog is tired beforehand!). Other visitors report that they have dog tables and dog treats at the dog-friendly Hay Shed Hill Wines. Please check this when booking.

Dog-friendly accommodation in Margaret River

There is a wide range of pet-friendly accommodation in Margaret River, including some in nearby Dunsborough and Busselton. It doesn't matter if you're going camping or want something a little more luxurious, check out these options...

Margaret River Pet Friendly RV Parks

At the time of our 2021 visit, the Margaret River area seemed to have a higher proportion of RV parks that did not allow dogs than other parts of WA. However, there are still some pet-friendly options if you have your own camper or tent, with one of the more dog-friendly options being one of the most dog-friendly.southern starsen Dunsborough.

At Southern Stars, dog owners are encouraged to bring their pets with them. The few pitches with and without electricity (for a fee) stand out, perfect for parking your caravan or setting up your tent without having to worry about your dog being on a leash. There is also a roped off leash area for all guests with dogs and they can provide a list of local dog sitters should you need to leave your dog behind.

While the park is a bit more expensive than other options, there are also great human amenities including a large camp kitchen, lounge, and private bathrooms, all very new and modern, as well as extremely friendly owners and managers.

Another pet-friendly RV park located in the center of the Margaret River area is theMargaret River Tourist Park, in the town of Margaret River. Please note that dogs are only allowed in the campgrounds at the manager's discretion, not in the cabins.

Another fun alternative that we haven't reviewed isCamp Vale Grande, a family owned sheep farm 10 minutes southeast of Margaret River. In a relaxed and familiar atmosphere, there is also the possibility of renting camping equipment, including tents.

Margaret River Pet Friendly Cabins

If you're looking for something a little more upscale, this is one of the best dog-friendly accommodations in Margaret River.Property of Petra Oil, which have five luxury dog-friendly cabins on the property. There are some conditions for the stay of the dogs (they must be vaccinated, neutered and at least one year old), with an additional cost of USD 25 per night. Consult permission to bring two dogs.

Consider for a more rustic staychales karridale, halfway between Margaret River and Augusta. These three studios and a pair of two-bedroom cabins are dog-friendly with an additional fee of $15 per dog per stay. Dogs are allowed in the house and there is a dog exercise area as well as a walk around the property.

Pet Friendly Resorts in Busselton

North of the Margaret River region proper, there are two excellent Busselton resort options that allow pets in some of their accommodations.

Enjoy a stay in one of the beautiful glamping tents inBusselton Villas y Glamping Village. Pets are allowed in select glamping tents and parking cabins, but not in the villas, which are open from late September through June each year.

Pets are allowed, but not on furniture or beds, with up to two small/medium sized dogs or one large dog. There is an additional charge of $20 per dog per night when pet beds, bowls and blankets are provided.

Alternatively, book a stay at one of the pet-friendly accommodations inHotel Broadwater, with pets allowed outside the summer holidays and Easter (check the exact dates on the web). Depending on the size of the accommodation, up to two pets are allowed.

There is an additional charge of $33 per dog per night and an additional pet deposit. Dogs are allowed but not in beds, with their own bed, blanket and bowl. The hotel's Stelzen beer garden is also pet-friendly.

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