Did you know, a whopping 3.6 million people in Australia own a dog? That's almost two in five households, making our country one of the highest household rates of pet ownership in the world! We love our best (dog) friend. Thus, it's safe to say, leaving the furry members of the family at home over the holidays just isn't an option for us pet lovers.
Travelling with dogs is a lot of fun, but it's important to invest in the right research before you go if you want to snap up pet-friendly accommodation. If you're thinking about heading away this holiday season, don't leave your best friend at home! There are some great places in
Western Australia to enjoy with your pooch. Here are a few to get you started:
Dog-Friendly Accommodation
Forest in the Town, Margaret River
A chance to get up, close and personal with one of the country's most popular wine regions without leaving your dog at home? Yes please! Forest in the Town is a picturesque retreat surrounded by bushland only 5 minutes drive from the city centre. You can rent out a modern and cosy home, with enough room for 6 guests and of course, your furry friend.
Seas the Day, Margaret RiverEscaping to WA's Southwest is a popular option for dog lovers because there's plenty of pet-friendly places to explore. Margaret River's Seas the Day is just one of its gems, where you can sit back and relax in a beachfront home with your own private deck and ocean views to complete the package. Seas the Day sleeps up to 6 guests and is dog-friendly by negotiation. Whilst they do love the furry members of the family too, it can help secure your dog into the holiday home by having a written 'reference'.
Wolfes Landing Eco Retreat, Denmark
Located in the rural setting of Denmark, this retreat offers a slice of solitude with all the best activities at the tip of your fingertips. It's the perfect place to soak up nature and focus on some pet-friendly fun. The retreat includes all the modern conveniences too, with multiple beautiful beaches and dog-friendly places nearby.
Serpentine Falls Tourist VillageIf you're just looking to escape an hour out of Perth, Serpentine Falls Tourist Village offers a taste for holiday relaxation and adventure just 50 minutes out of Perth city. Explore the iconic Serpentine Falls, walk the dog-friendly trails with your buddy and be in awe of the historic towns of Jarrahdale. Add the Millbrook winery to your list of adventures too!
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Arguably one of the prettiest beaches along WA's coastline, Sandy Bay is also dog-friendly. Whilst you have to get in quick to snap up the camping sites (first served basis and cannot be reserved), it's well worth the road trip for you and your best (dog) friend.
Pilbara, Karratha Holiday Park Whether you're after a caravan/camping site or a beautiful cabin or chalet, this dog-friendly holiday park has it all. Get close to nature and waterfront views, explore the nearby swimming pools and gardens and don't forget to bring your pooch for the ultimate experience!
RAC Holiday Park, Cervantes
Cervantes is home to some of WA's best beaches – and ones you can take your furry friend too as well. The RAC Holiday Park is a prime location on the beach front, with newly upgraded facilities to make the stay more comfortable.
Emu Beach Holiday Park, Albany 10-minute drive from Albany city centre and a few metres from the beach you'll find Emu Beach Holiday Park. The beach, which is dog-friendly too, is packed full of summer adventures every great holiday needs. It's the idyllic location and camping/accommodation spot for anyone after a paradise retreat.
Dine Out Activities with Doggie
It's impossible to head away with your best friend and not include some dog-friendly activities. Whether it's a picnic and run on the beach or just an excuse to sit back and relax in one of WA's wineries, here are the top places to dine out with doggie:
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Not only does this Yallingup hot-spot have dog-friendly accommodation (there are 5 luxury chalets to choose from), but its dining experience is something else. Taste their gourmet olive oils, vinegar and delicatessen products or soak up the stunning surroundings with lunch in their outdoor seating area along with your furry friend.
Eagle Bay Beach, Dunsborough
All dogs love a beach adventure and Eagle Bay has something spectacular on offer for the whole family to enjoy. Spend a day soaking up the sun and beach activities at the dog-friendly Eagle Bay Beach and drop into a few wineries along the way for some tastings.
Cape Naturaliste Winery, Yallingup
Family-owned and dog-friendly, Cape Naturaliste is one of WA's top wineries. Whilst your pooch plays with Monty the Jack Russell, you can indulge in some of the country's tastiest wines before you make your way out for lunch. A good one to check out before or after exploring Eagle Bay Beach!
Clancy's Fish Pub, Dunsborough
Summer road trips with your best friend need a healthy dose of beach living and fish n' chips. Clancy's Fish Pub Dunsborough have their own doggy side entrance leading to the outdoor terrace. Not to mention the great grub, beers, live music and local seafood extravaganza on offer too.
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To encourage a safe, comfortable and fun-filled holiday with your best friend, make sure you follow these tips:
• Come prepared! Bring plenty of water and don't leave your dog in the car.
• Make sure your best friend is well-trained, this makes booking pet-friendly accommodation a lot easier for everyone involved.
• Bring dog tidy bags. Most dog-friendly parks and beaches will have their own stock, but it's best to bring your own supply too.
• For long trips, it can be ideal to bring a dog chew toy or treat to keep them occupied.
• Don't forget a few toys from home so your dog has something familiar with them. Bringing their bed can be a good idea for some accommodation options as well. This will also help your dog settle into the new surroundings better.
• Get a vet check. If you're planning a trip, make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date. Some accommodation options may require a recent vaccination certificate too.
