The Dog’s Guide to Margaret River – Dog Friendly Campsites and Wineries

The Dog’s Guide to Margaret River – Dog Friendly Campsites and Wineries

The dog's guide to going south

Do you love camping or caravanning but hate leaving your four-legged bestie at home? So do I. Our dog, Billie Jean loves road trips and camping as much as we do and it breaks my heart to leave her behind. I know that she would be wagging her tail the entire time and going on a trip without her just isn’t the same.

As much as I like having her with us, taking a dog on a camp trip can be a challenge. Most of our coastline in the southwest is national park, which prohibits dogs and other domestic animals because they pose a risk to native wildlife and fauna.

The good news though, is that there are several fantastic dog-friendly camping sites in Margaret River with great locations and facilities that do welcome our furry friends. Perhaps even better news is that there are also plenty of Margaret River dog-friendly wineries and breweries where you can take your four-legged friend too.

I’ve listed these places below, but be sure to let me know if there are any others.

NOTE: Please be aware that there is a risk of 1080 poison in Western Australia. The bait is used to contain pest animals such as foxes and rabbits. While 1080 poison is predominantly used in national parks, reserves and state forests which have warning signs other areas are also at risk as birds have been known to spread the poison. Dogs are highly sensitive to 1080 and it’s advised to take all necessary safety precautions to avoid putting our beloved dogs at risk. This is also one of the main reasons why dogs are not permitted inside national parks. 

Billie Jean

One of the family – Billie Jean is always up for an adventure, especially if it includes the beach and car trips

Dog-friendly Camping Southwest 

Beachlands Busselton

For a dog-friendly escape to Busselton, look no further than Beachlands Busselton. Here you’ll find pet-friendly caravan and camping sites. Beachlands also has selected dog-friendly cabins, check pricing and availability here.

Beachlands offers a range of outstanding facilities for the whole family, including a resort-style pool, kids activities and playgrounds. There’s a coffee lounge serving Yahava coffee and for campers, Beachlands has all the amenities for a comfortable camping experience. You can read a detailed review of Beachlands here.

Dunsborough Lakes Holiday Resort and Caravan Park

If you like being close to Dunsborough then the Lakes Holiday Resort and Caravan Park is a great pet-friendly option. The campground is a 5-minute walk to the beach and a short drive to the town centre.

The resort has powered and unpowered sites as well as self-contained cabins. There’s also a pool – although this not intended for your pooch, tennis courts, mini-golf and a kids playground.

Caves Caravan Park, Yallingup

Caves Caravan Park is located in one of the most picturesque spots in the southwest and is just a skip away from the fantastic beach in Yallingup and across the road from Caves House and one of the best beer gardens in West Australia.

Nestled amidst the natural bush, the park has plenty of shaded areas for you and your pooch, all within easy access to the regions best sights.

The caravan park has powered and unpowered sites, as well as self-contained chalets. Guest also have access to wifi, recreation room and camp kitchen. Some of the amenities are on the older side but the park is well maintained, friendly and clean.

Big Valley Campsite, Margaret River

If you want to be close to town, then Big Valley Campsite is your best option for dog-friendly camping in Margaret River. The campsite is located in a picturesque valley on a working sheep station that allows a glimpse of farm life.

The campground is surrounded by lush green paddocks with grazing sheep, natural bush and plenty of visiting kangaroos.

The campground has a large undercover area with a decked out camp kitchen, laundry facilities and a campfire to sit around during the evenings.

Olive Hill Farm Campground

Olive Hill Farm is located 10 km south of Margaret River and has 17 caravan friendly camping bays as well as a Farm Stay Option with Scottish hospitality.

The Margaret River campground is located on a private farm and nestled amid gorgeous Olive Trees. Complimentary scones await the traveller on Monday and Friday. There’s also sundowners, free haggis and bagpipe nights to mingle and meet other travellers.

Potable water and a dump point are available for a $5 fee. Bring own toilet.

Olive Hill Farm is located on 232 Bramley River Road, Margaret River.

Flinders Bay Caravan Park, Augusta

With absolute beachfront access to one of the prettiest beaches in the southwest, this caravan park south of Augusta is a winner and not least of all because pooch can come too.

You’re just a few steps away from Flinders Bay where water-based activities await. You’ll also find a designated dog exercise beach a short walk further south.

The Park has clean and modern amenities and caters for both powered and unpowered sites.

Westbay Retreat Caravan Park, Augusta

This charming spot located north of Augusta is nestled amidst 14-hectares of natural bushland and borders the picturesque Blackwood River. There’s a diversity of birds, wildlife and walking trails throughout the park.  If that’s not enough, there’s a private boat ramp and a great little beach that’s perfect for kids and of course your dog.

Apart from its enchanted setting and shady grassed areas, the park provides powered and unpowered sites, hot showers and laundry facilities.



Alexandra Bridge Campsite

This is a beautiful bush camping spot ideally located on the banks of the Blackwood River. The campsite has it’s own boat ramp and is a great spot for a dip in the river.  Sites are suitable for caravans but there are no powered sites available.

Alexandra Bridge is located along the Brockman Highway, 10km east of Karridale and approximately 30 minutes from Margaret River township.

Warner Glen Recreation Site, Chapman Pool

This is a beautiful and peaceful campsite nestled amongst the towering Jarrah Trees on Chapman Brook. All campsites are secluded and private with a few sites suitable for caravans. There are walking trails along the river and a very pretty swimming spot.

The Warner Glen Campground is located southeast of Margaret River, approximately a 20-minute drive from Margaret River and Augusta. To get there follow Glen Warner Road and follow the turnoff for the Glen Warner Recreation Area.

Margaret River Dog-Friendly Beaches

The following is a list of designated dog beaches between Dunsborough and Augusta:

Dunsborough – Dunn Bay road north to Burt Court and Dunsborough Foreshore
Eagle Bay – Caladenia Close to Rocky Point
Yallingup – Dawson Road steps to the southernmost point of Rabbits Break Car Park
Gnarabup Beach, from Narda Avenue approximately 300m south-west.
Gracetown – the southern stretch of beach opposite the township
Chapman Pool Campground- Warner Glen Road, Blackwood National Park
Prevelly Beach – off Mitchell Drive
Augusta – Flinders Bay, from the Surfers Lookout at Albany Terrace to the point where Albany Terrace turns west.

Margaret River Dog-friendly Wineries, Breweries and Cafes

There are plenty of wineries and breweries throughout the Margaret River region that is dog-friendly. If you visit these places, be courteous to your fellow guests and attach your dog to a lead and enjoy the wine and beer.

3 Oceans Wine
Anniebrook
Arimia Estate
Beckets Flat Winery
Beer farms
Blackwood Meadery
Bush Shack Brewery
Capel Vale
Cape Grace Wines
Cape Mentelle Winery
Cape Naturaliste Winery
Caves House Hotel – Beer Garden only
Cheeky Monkey Brewery and Cidery (recommended that you make a booking, as dogs are only allowed in certain areas)
Churchview Estate
Clancy’s Fish Pub, 4 allocated tables or grassed area
Cowaramup Brewing co.
Cullen Wines
Driftwood Estate
Edwards Wines
Evans and Tate
Evviva Cafe – Dunsborough
Flame Trees Wines
Fermoy Estate
Flying Fish Cove Winery
Gracetown Sunset Cafe
Happs  Winery
Hay Shed Wines
Hamelin Bay Wines
Howard Park / Madfish Wines
House of Cards
Howling Wolves
Island Brook estate
Juniper Estate
Killerby Wines
Knee Deep
Knotting Hill Estate
Lenton Brae Wines (dogs permitted in the picnic area)
Occy’s Bar
Olio Bello Cafe
Petra Olive Oil Estate (also offers dog-friendly accommodation and shed door tasting room)
Peacetree Estate
Rosily Vineyard
Sandalford
Shaana Cafe – Yallingup Beachfront
Sea Gardens Cafe Prevelly
Swooping Magpie
Swings and Roundabouts
The Berry Farm
Willespie
Windows Estate
Yallingup Coffee, Dunsborough
Yallingup Maze

Margaret River Dog-friendly Accommodation

If your dog doesn’t like camping, here are a few more luxurious options for dog-friendly places to stay:

Beachside Prevelly Villas have been welcoming dogs for a long time and offer the perfect dog-friendly holiday. The villas are all individually fenced so that you can leave pooch home alone if needed. For the latest pricing and availability click here.

Petra Olive Oil Luxury Chalets

Cullen Homestead 

Dog-Friendly Camping in WA – Get the PDF

The ebook includes 50 dog-friendly camping spots from Albany to Exmouth.

The PDF combines the Dog’s Guide to Margaret River, Dog’s Guide from Perth to Exmouth, Dog-friendly camping in Albany and surrounding areas and Dog-friendly camping sites near Perth.

It’s downloadable in one easy PDF so you can take it with you wherever you go.

 


Did I miss anything? Please let me know in the comments below.

WA Explorer is the outdoor guide to West Australia. Subscribe to the newsletter for travel tips, inspiring stories and outdoor adventures straight to your inbox. 

You may also like:

8 Awesome dog-friendly walking trails near Perth

The Dog’s Guide to going north – pet-friendly campsites from Perth to Exmouth

Forest Camping in Margaret River

Walk the Cape to Cape Track 



This article contains affiliate links, read my disclaimer here.

50 Comments

  1. Brittney says:

    Thanks so much for this information. My dog loves car rides, so I am sure she would love going camping. I will take a few of these tips into consideration.

  2. Johanna says:

    Love this post. My son has two dogs and is always looking for dog-friendly places to camp. So I’ll be sharing this with him too 🙂

  3. Nina B says:

    Thanks Joanna, I always used to leave my dog at home on our trips down south and was really surprised to find that there are so many dog friendly places around Margaret River.

  4. Alison says:

    swings and roundabouts winery are also pooch friendly.

    • Nina B says:

      Thanks Alison, that’s great news, I’ll add it to the list – it’s one of my favourite places on Caves Road so I’m very happy that I can take Billie next time.

  5. Steele says:

    Be carful of fox baits (1080) they are everywhere, keep your dog close or on a leash.

  6. Bonny says:

    Hi Nina,
    The section of Gracetown Beach directly in front of the town is also a dog exercise area. Dogs are not allowed at all on the northern half of the beach though. This is a great article that I think readers of my blog would like, I’ll link to it from my Gracetown destination guide page.

    • Nina B says:

      Many thanks for the dog beach tip off in Gracetown and sharing the blog post. I’ll add it to the list. The Southwest is actually a lot dog friendlier than I thought 🙂

  7. […] Down South with a dog can be tricky; you might be interested in this article on the West Australian Explorer Blog which gives some helpful tips and a summary of places that are dog-friendly in the Margaret River […]

  8. Fi says:

    chapman pool campground, Warner glen Rd (Blackwood NP) is also dog friendly.

  9. Bodhi says:

    What a fantastic list!
    While we live over on the East Coast I think this is a good excuse to give Mum a nudge and take me on a holiday.

  10. […] For dog friendly campsites click here. […]

  11. […] The Dog’s Guide to Margaret River – dog-friendly campsites and wineries […]

  12. Rachel says:

    This is great info Nina, thank you! I’m going to plan our first trip with the dog for springtime!

  13. […] The Dog’s Guide to Margaret River – Dog-friendly campsites and wineries […]

  14. […] The dog’s guide to Margaret River […]

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  16. Lindsay says:

    Thanks for all the dog camping areas.
    We are coming from Victoria.
    Does anyone know any places near Fremantle?
    Thanks
    Lindsay

    • Nina B says:

      Hi Lindsay, I just had a look for Perth dog-friendly camping sites and unfortunately there aren’t many to choose from. The closest to Fremantle is the Baldivis Golden Ponds site, which is approximately 45 minutes from Fremantle or the Serpentine Caravan Park, about 60 minute drive from Fremantle. The others are near Midland or the Swan Valley to the east of Perth. The good news though is, if you intend to travel north of Perth to Carnarvon and beyond things get a lot easier (and dog friendlier). Thanks for checking out the blog, happy travels and get in touch if you have any other questions.

  17. […] The Dog’s Guide to Margaret River […]

  18. […] The Dog’s guide to Margaret River – where to camp and drink wine with your dog […]

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  21. Eve says:

    Would love to know if there are any dog friendly wine tours in M.R if not great idea for a new business anyone?

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  26. […] to do with dogs. At the moment the blog post with the most views is Dog’s guide to Margaret River. Seems like everyone wants to camp and drink wine with their dog down […]

  27. […] The Dog’s Guide to Margaret River – Dog Friendly Campsites and Wineries […]

  28. Stephanie says:

    You could add The Beer Farm in Metricup. They welcome dogs: wwwbeerfarm.com.au

  29. […] The Dog’s Guide to Margaret River – Dog Friendly Campsites and Wineries […]

  30. […] The Dog’s Guide to Margaret River – Dog Friendly Campsites and Wineries […]

  31. […] The Dog’s Guide to Margaret River – Dog Friendly Campsites and Wineries […]

  32. Gayle says:

    Olive Hill Farm Campground is 10km from Margaret River $7.50 pp pn and is awesome for dogs. Must have own toilet.

  33. Gayle says:

    Olive Hill Farm Campground is 10km from Margaret River $7.50 pp pn for unpowered sites and is awesome for dogs. Must have own toilet.

    • Nina B says:

      Thanks for the comment, that’s great to know. I’ll add it to the list.

      • Thanks Gayle for your recommendation of Olive Hill Farm. We look forward to seeing our dog friendly campground (all campers must have their own toilet) being added to your list Nina. Great articles forwarded to us from some of our lovely dog owning campers!

  34. […] The dog’s guide to Margaret River – where to camp and drink wine with your dog […]

  35. […] The dog’s guide to Margaret River – where to camp and drink wine with your dog […]

  36. […] A very good website which lists beaches, campgrounds and caravan parks, wineries, breweries and cafes, and holiday houses, all of which would love to pamper your furry friends, is https://www.westaustralianexplorer.com/the-dogs-guide-to-the-southwest-where-to-camp-and-drink-wine-… […]

  37. […] PDF combines the Dog’s Guide to Margaret River, Dog’s Guide from Perth to Exmouth, Dog-friendly camping in Albany and surrounding areas and […]

  38. […] The Dog’s Guide to Margaret River – Dog Friendly Campsites and Wineries […]

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