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Travel & Touring| Camping & Caravanning
By: Tatum Stafford
Everyone needs a holiday every once in a while - even our pets.
Two thirds of Australian households consider their pet as part of their family, so it makes sense they're a part of a family holiday, too. And when it comes to enjoying a getaway with your furry friend, a great option is camping.
Just keep in mind that when you're camping with a dog, they must be kept on a leash at all times so they don't impact the environment too much - like running off and eating all the native flora and fauna, for instance.
There are plenty of dog-friendly campgrounds closer to Perth - but if you'd rather head further afield, here are some of WA's best dog-friendly campgrounds.
Remember, unless you're in a designated off-leash area, always keep your dog safely restrained and stay away from areas with 1080 baits. These poisonous baits are lethal for domestic pets. Look out for signs warning about baits, ticks (that could lead to ehrlichiosis) or other harmful objects in the area - and also, check the location of vets nearby so you know where to go in an emergency.
1. Sandy Cape Recreation Park, Jurien Bay
Just 10 kilometres north of Jurien Bay, the picturesque Sandy Cape Recreation Park is a popular beach camping spot operated by the local shire. With plenty of tent sites just steps from the water, this is a great spot for families keen on swimming, fishing and searching for marine life in rock pools. Sandy Cape doesn’t accept bookings, so it’s first in, best dressed.
Amenities: Public toilets (long drop self-composting toilets), barbeque area and picnic tables. No drinking water or power.
Cost: $20 per night (for four people), additional charges for extra adults or children.
Fee for dogs? No.
2. Big Brook Arboretum, Pemberton
Located within the Big Brook State Forest, the Big Brook Arboretum in Pemberton has seven caravan sites, six tent sites and an overflow area for peak periods. A drawcard for the campsite is its close proximity to a number of the region’s key attractions - including the Bibbulmun Track for bush walking, and the Big Brook Dam for swimming or fishing.
Bookings cannot be made, and there’s no running water available, so remember to bring drinking water with you.
Amenities: Picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and an entry station.
Cost: $11 per night for adults, and $3 per night for children aged over 5 and under 16 years.
Fee for dogs? No.
3. RAC Busselton Holiday Park, Busselton
The RAC Busselton Holiday Park hosts a variety of cabins, apartments and campsites – but for dog-owners, their pet-friendly powered sites are the ones to book. The family-friendly park in Busselton is nestled within eight hectares of natural bushland, is packed with amenities and is only a short stroll from the picturesque Geographe Bay. Plus, if you're an RAC member, you'll save up to 20%* on accommodation.
Amenities: Close to amenities block, camp kitchen and barbecue area.
Cost: Contact the park on 08 9755 4241 for prices and booking information for pet-friendly sites.
Fee for dogs? Yes, a pet bond of $100 will be added to your booking.
4. Bungle Bungle Caravan Park, Purnululu
The Bungle Bungle Caravan Park provides accommodation for outback tents, caravans and motorhomes - and also offers scenic tours into the Purnululu National Park using its fleet of custom 4WD coaches and helicopters. Iconic attractions such as the Domes Walk, Echidna Chasm and Picininny Creek are all within a few hour’s drive of the park, making it a popular stop-off point for those road-tripping through Australia’s North West. Bookings can be made online.
Amenities: Barbecues, kitchen, community fire pit and ablution block.
Cost: $15 per person, per night.
Fee for dogs? No.
5. RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Shark Bay
The RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is home to one of the world’s best-known dolphin encounters – and also has plenty of open space for your dog to explore and get some exercise. The unspoiled shores of Shark Bay are the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday, and there are plenty of accommodation types to choose from; including dog-friendly camping and caravan sites.
Amenities: Close to amenities block, camp kitchen and barbeque area.
Cost: Contact the park on 08 9948 1320 for prices and booking information for pet-friendly sites.
Fee for dogs? Yes, a pet bond of $100 will be added to your booking - but you'll be refunded at the end of your stay if your dog is well-behaved.
6. Dongara Tourist Park, Port Denison
With prior permission, dogs are welcome on powered and unpowered sites at the Dongara Tourist Park in Dongara-Port Denison. Conveniently located on the town’s South Beach, the park offers some incredible views of the Indian Ocean, is jam-packed with useful facilities, and is walking distance from the bustling marine, boat ramps, beaches and restaurants.
Amenities: Ablution block, barbecue area, campers kitchen, dump area and laundry.
Cost: From $39 per tent, per night.
Fee for dogs? Yes, a $50 dog deposit is payable upon arrival.
7. Warner Glen Campground, Margaret River
Set in the stunning jarrah forest of the Blackwood National Park, the Warner Glen Campground in Margaret River has both a group camping area and nine individual campsites available. The campground lies on the banks of the Chapman Brook (near its confluence with the Blackwood River), and provides direct access to both the brook and the river for swimming and launching canoes and kayaks.
Bookings are not available, and visitors are advised to bring their own drinking water with them.
Amenities: Undercover gas barbecues, sheltered camp kitchen and drop toilets.
Cost: $11 per night for adults, and $3 per night for children aged over 5 and under 16 years.
Fee for dogs? No.
8. Fonty's Pool, Manjimup
The expansive Fonty’s Pool estate features plenty of caravan and camp sites, convenient amenities and a tranquil swimming pool that is perfect for a dip or a pool-side picnic or barbeque. As the official venue sponsor of the annual Truffle Kerfuffle food and wine event, Fonty’s Pool is a popular accommodation choice during Manjimup’s thriving truffle season.
Amenities: Camp kitchen, ablution block, recreation area, TV outlets, campfire.
Cost: $38 per night for powered sites (off-peak), and $30 per night for unpowered sites (off-peak).
Fee for dogs? No, but dogs aren’t permitted on certain days of the year. Check the campground policy for more details.
9. RAC Cervantes Holiday Park
Renowned for its beachfront views and prime location within Australia’s Coral Coast region, RAC Cervantes Holiday Park in Cervantes has a large range of powered and unpowered camping sites that welcome up to two pets per booking. The park is jam-packed with facilities for guests - and with the Pinnacles only a short drive away, it's a great stop-over point for those travelling up north from Perth. And as with all RAC Parks & Resorts, RAC members save up to 20%* on accommodation.
Amenities: Amenities block, barbecue area, camp kitchen, water and power (on powered sites).
Cost: From $36 per site, per night.
Fee for dogs? No.
10. Sues Bridge, Nannup
With direct access to the Blackwood River, Sues Bridge Campground’s 25 camp sites in Nannup are great for those who love spending time in and around the water. As well as swimming, fishing and catching marron, paddling is a popular pastime for campers, as the journey from Sues to Hut Pool is one of the area’s most enjoyed day trips.
Bookings cannot be made, and there is no running water at the site – so don’t forget to bring water with you.
Amenities: Undercover shelters, gas barbecues, dishwashing sinks, picnic tables and toilets.
Cost: $11 per night for adults, and $3 per night for children aged over 5 and under 16 years.
Fee for dogs? No.
Last updated February 2021
