Dog Friendly Camping in Margaret River: The Complete Guide for Pet-Loving Travellers
Dog Friendly Camping in Margaret River
If you’ve watched your dog press their nose against the car window while driving south of Busselton, you already know the feeling. Margaret River deserves to be shared with your best mate. This world-famous corner of Western Australia offers plenty of dog-friendly experiences. However, you need some local knowledge before arriving. Rules vary between parks, beaches and seasons, while some iconic locations do not allow pets.
That’s why we created this insider guide to dog friendly camping in Margaret River. It covers welcoming caravan parks, off-lead beaches, wineries and cafés where your four-legged co-pilot can join you.
The Best Dog Friendly Caravan Parks in the Margaret River Region
Margaret River Tourist Park
Margaret River Tourist Park sits close to the centre of town. It suits dog owners who want easy access to shops and the river trail. The park welcomes pets on powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites. Pets cannot stay in the cabins, cottages or ensuite sites, so check the current conditions when booking.
Facilities include a large camp kitchen, lounge, modern bathrooms and laundry facilities. You can also walk to the main street, the river trail and the dog-friendly Brewhouse Margaret River.
Big Valley Campsite
Big Valley Campsite lies about ten minutes south-east of Margaret River. This family-run campground sits on a 350-acre working sheep farm. It offers spacious, shady sites and a dedicated off-lead dog run.
Big Valley welcomes pets throughout the year, including public and school holidays. Keep your dog on a lead around the property and farm animals. The dog run gives them a safe place to stretch their legs. The campsite also provides a large undercover area, laundry facilities, power and water.
The charm factor is high — guinea pigs, chickens, and sheep are just over the fence, which makes it as entertaining for kids as it is for dogs.
Southern Stars Holiday Park, Dunsborough
About 40 minutes north of Margaret River, Southern Stars is one of the region’s most dog-friendly caravan parks. Every camping site is pet-friendly, and selected powered sites have a private fence. These popular fenced sites let your dog relax beside your caravan without remaining on a lead inside the enclosure.
The park offers spacious grassed sites and easy access to Dunsborough, wineries and dog-friendly attractions. Book a fenced site early because availability is limited.
The Southern Stars team also recommends local dog adventures and pet-sitting services. This can help when you want to visit a national park or another attraction that does not allow dogs.
Know Before You Go: Margaret River Dog Rules
Check the rules before leaving your campsite. Some beautiful parts of the region do not allow dogs, and discovering that after you arrive can derail the day.
Top Off-Lead Dog Beaches in the Region
Prevelly and Gnarabup
Prevelly Beach is one of the closest off-lead options to Margaret River town. The designated exercise area runs between the Georgette Way beach access and the cliff faces near Surfers Point Road. Dogs can also exercise off-lead at Riflebutts Reserve, but not inside the playground.
Gnarabup Back Beach provides another designated exercise area. It covers roughly 300 metres between the northern cliff face and the southern point near Marmaduke Drive. Follow the signs at each access point because boundaries and seasonal restrictions can change.
Gracetown has a designated off-lead section at the southern end of the bay. Dogs cannot enter the main swimming area at the northern end. Check the signs before entering the sand to confirm the current boundary.
Further north, Yallingup Beach has a designated dog exercise area north of the Dawson Drive access path. Smiths Beach also has a dog-friendly section. Always check the City of Busselton signs for current boundaries and seasonal time restrictions.
Where Dogs Are Prohibited
Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park does not allow dogs or other pets. This restriction includes famous locations such as Canal Rocks and Redgate Beach. Other reserves and main swimming beaches may also prohibit dogs. Read the signs at every access point and never enter an area displaying a 1080 baiting warning.
In town, a fenced off-leash dog exercise area was added to Brookfield Reserve in Margaret River in 2024, located on the corner of Brookfield Avenue and Leschenaultia Avenue on the eastern side of the reserve — a great option for a quick off-lead burn before a winery tour.
Seasonal Caravan Park Policies
Pet policies vary between holiday parks and can change during school holidays or long weekends. Many parks accept dogs only on selected camping sites, not in cabins or shared facilities. Big Valley welcomes pets year-round, while Southern Stars lists all camping sites as pet-friendly. Confirm the rules directly with your chosen park before paying.
Local tip: Always call ahead and confirm your dog-friendly site in advance, especially during Easter, the July school holidays, and the busy October–November wildflower and wine festival season.
Dog Friendly Things to Do Beyond the Beach
Margaret River has a surprisingly rich dog-friendly social scene — if you know where to look.
Wineries: Several cellar doors welcome well-behaved dogs in their outdoor areas. Swings & Roundabouts welcomes dogs when they remain on a lead. Always confirm the current policy before visiting.
Cafés: The White Elephant Café sits beside Gnarabup Beach. Grab a takeaway before your walk or relax on the deck afterwards. The Hairy Marron sits beside the Margaret River and several bush trails. Dogs can even enjoy a treat from the coffee counter.
Town: The Brewhouse Margaret River offers a playground, grassy outdoor space, craft beer and fresh food. Confirm its current dog policy before arriving.
FAQ: Dog Friendly Camping in Margaret River
Can I take my dog to Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park? No. Dogs are prohibited in all areas of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, which includes many of the region’s most dramatic coastal lookouts, Canal Rocks, and beaches like Redgate. Check the Parks WA website and select the ‘dogs allowed’ filter before planning any bushwalk.
What is the closest dog beach to Margaret River town? Prevelly Beach is the closest off-lead beach to the township, just a few kilometres west near Surfers Point. Gnarabup Back Beach (off Reef Drive) is the next closest. Both have designated off-lead sections — check the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s interactive dog exercise area map for current boundaries.
Camping, Wineries and Trip Planning
Are dogs allowed at Margaret River caravan parks during school holidays? Most standard parks do not permit dogs during WA school holidays or long weekends on camping sites. Big Valley Campsite is a notable exception, welcoming dogs year-round on their farm campsite. Always confirm directly with the park before booking.
Are dogs allowed at Margaret River wineries? Some are, some aren’t. Outdoor areas at several cellar doors welcome well-behaved dogs on leads. It’s always worth calling ahead. See our dog-friendly winery guide for a regularly updated list.
Is there a vet in Margaret River? Yes — Margaret River has a veterinary clinic in town, which is a handy advantage over more remote destinations. It’s still worth carrying your dog’s vaccination records, any regular medications, and the clinic’s number before heading out for the day.
What’s the best time of year to camp with a dog in the Margaret River region? Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to October) are the sweet spots. The weather is mild and pleasant for both you and your dog, the parks are quieter outside school holidays, and the wildflower and harvest seasons mean the region is at its spectacular best.
Ready to Plan Your Dog Friendly Margaret River Escape?
With the right planning, the Margaret River region is one of the most rewarding destinations in Western Australia to explore with a dog. The beaches are world-class, the camping options genuinely welcoming, and the food and wine scene has plenty of space for your four-legged mate at the table.
The key is booking your dog-friendly site early, knowing your beaches, and steering clear of the National Park boundaries. Do that, and you’re in for a trip that you — and your dog — will want to repeat every single year.
👉 [Browse all Margaret River accommodation options] on visitmargaretriver.au, where we highlight pet-friendly properties across every budget and travel style.
Travelling with a dog in Margaret River? Drop your tips and favourite spots in the comments — we’d love to hear from the community!
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