Taking the kids and the dog to the beach is one of the easiest ways to escape the everyday and soak up that gorgeous Perth sunshine together. Perth is spoiled for choice with dedicated dog exercise beaches along the coast and calmer river spots along the Swan. Many have toilets, showers and drinking water on hand, and on busy weekends you’ll often find mobile dog washers and coffee vans setting up too. Whether your pup loves bounding through waves, trotting along the shoreline or just digging in the sand, there’s a dog-friendly stretch of coast (or riverbank) that will suit your family.
Below is our guide to dog beaches in Perth, grouped broadly into north, south and river locations. Always keep an eye on local signage as councils may update dog exercise zones, and remember to pick up after your pooch to keep these beautiful spots welcoming for everyone.
Dog Beaches in Perth – North of the River
At the very northern end of the metro area, Two Rocks Dog Beach offers a relaxed, less crowded option. Dogs are permitted to play off-lead on the section of beach south of the southern groyne. With big ocean views and a long stretch of sand, it’s a great spot for a run and a splash before exploring more of this coastal suburb.
Further down the coast, Yanchep Dog Beach is a designated dog exercise area south of the northern end of Compass Park. Families can combine a beach visit with a stop at nearby Playgrounds or attractions around Yanchep, making it an easy day out with both kids and canines.
Quinns Rocks Dog Beach is a long, sandy dog exercise area with two main entry points from nearby car parks. There are a few large rocks along the shoreline, which kids often enjoy clambering over, while dogs have plenty of room for a game of fetch in the shallows. This one’s ideal if your dog loves a proper, long walk.
Hillarys Dog Beach is one of the most popular northern dog beaches and a real favourite with local families. Facilities here include toilets, showers and drinking water for both people and pups, making it very practical if you’re planning to stay a while. On weekends you’ll often find a mobile dog washer and a coffee van set up, so you can grab a hot drink while your furry friend gets a spruce-up. At the northern end of this beach, horses are also permitted to swim, which can be a fun sight for the kids.
Watermans Dog Beach is a small, sheltered stretch of sand tucked below rocky cliffs on West Coast Drive. Access is easy from the car park between Margaret Street and Ada Street. After a play and a paddle, you can take a short stroll up to Little Bay Café, where there’s a takeaway coffee and snack window – handy if you’re juggling kids, leads and towels.
North Beach Dog Beach is a lovely sandy option with fewer rocks in the water, making it a good choice for both humans and dogs who prefer clear, gentle entry to the surf. From here you can wander up to Flora Terrace to visit popular local cafes like Tropico. Beach access is via concrete steps at the southern end, so keep that in mind if you have a pram or toddlers in tow.
Bennion Beach in Trigg is a small dog-friendly beach set opposite the much-loved Yelo Café on West Coast Drive. Access is via steep stairs, which may not be ideal for older dogs or anyone unstable on their feet, but once you reach the sand you’re rewarded with beautiful scenery and a quieter feel. At the top of the stairs there’s a water bowl and drinking fountain so your four-legged friend can rehydrate before heading home.
Peasholm Dog Beach in Scarborough is a wide, long beach that’s made for active dogs. The dog exercise area stretches a couple of kilometres south to the “Floreat Drain” at North Floreat Beach, so you can clock up some serious steps while the kids and dog burn off energy. There are public toilets and water fountains nearby, and on calmer days it’s a lovely place for kids to paddle or bodyboard alongside their canine companion.
South City Beach offers around 2km of sand that often enjoys relatively calm waters, especially compared with some of the more exposed beaches along the coast. The dog-friendly stretch sits close to a cluster of eateries, including Hamptons and Odyssea, and you can also pick up takeaway from the café next to Clancy’s Fish Pub. It’s easy to turn a simple dog walk into a relaxed brunch or sunset dinner.
Mosman / North Leighton Beach is a beautiful, expansive stretch of white sand and dunes that’s extremely popular with both locals and visitors. Right next to the beach you’ll find Orange Box café with plenty of outdoor seating, perfect for grabbing a coffee or snack while your dog dozes under the table. Nearby Bib & Tucker also offers “dog parking” out the front, so even if pups can’t come inside, they’re still very much part of the outing.
Dog Beaches – South of the River
South Beach in Fremantle has a designated dog swimming area at the northern end of the main beach. It’s a very family-friendly option with relatively gentle waves on many days, making it a good starting point if your dog is still getting used to the ocean. South Beach Café is close by for cold drinks, ice creams or an easy post-swim meal.
CY O’Connor Beach in North Coogee is a fantastic choice if you’d like to make a full day of it. As well as a dog-friendly stretch of sand, there are barbecues and picnic shelters in the adjoining reserve, plus toilets, water fountains and a Playground for the kids. Families can move between the beach and the grassed area, giving everyone a break from the sun when needed.
Jervoise Bay, near the groyne at Woodman Point Reserve, is another popular dog beach in the southern suburbs. There’s plenty of parking and public toilets, which helps when you’re loading and unloading children, toys and beach gear. If you’re hungry, Woodman Point Café is nearby for takeaway drinks and snacks.
Rockingham Dog Beach is known for its usually calm, shallow waters, which makes it a top pick for small dogs or those that find big waves overwhelming. The gentler conditions here may tempt more cautious pups into taking a dip, and younger children often enjoy the more protected feel too. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed, splashy wander along the shoreline.
Secret Harbour Dog Beach offers a wide and spacious Playground of sand and surf – perfect for very energetic dogs and kids with endless energy. There’s lots of parking and a water fountain and shower for rinsing the worst of the sand and salt off feet and paws before you hop back in the car.
Golden Bay Dog Beach continues the theme of long, white sandy coastline, ideal for long “walkies” or a refreshing swim. Across the road you’ll find a dog-friendly deli, which is handy for grabbing a drink or bite to eat on the go, particularly if you’re visiting around meal times.
In Mandurah and the surrounding coastal suburbs, there are multiple dog-friendly beaches and foreshore areas to explore. Because regulations and designated areas can change, it’s worth checking the City of Mandurah website for the most up-to-date maps and guidelines before you head down for the day.
Naval Base Beach is another southern favourite with dog owners, tucked between Henderson and Kwinana. This more low-key beach has a relaxed, almost country-coast feel, and is close to the Naval Base Caravan Park, so it’s especially handy for families holidaying or camping nearby with their pets. Dogs can enjoy a good run and a paddle, and you’ll often spot horses being exercised along the shoreline too, which can be a real highlight for kids. Just be mindful to give horses plenty of space and keep nervous dogs close when they pass. Facilities are more basic than some of the larger suburban beaches, so it’s a good idea to pack your own water, shade and snacks.
Swan River Dog Beaches and Foreshore Spots
If your dog is hesitant around surf or you simply prefer calmer water for little kids, Perth’s Swan and Canning Rivers offer several off-lead dog areas and foreshore reserves where pups can enjoy the water without big waves. As with the ocean beaches, always check local council signage on arrival and keep an eye on river health warnings, especially after heavy rain.
Along the South Perth and Como foreshore you’ll find dog-friendly spaces such as Sir James Mitchell Park and Neil McDougall Park, where families can picnic, play and walk with the dog against a backdrop of city views. On the western side of the river, Mrs Herberts Park, Claremont Foreshore Reserve and Alex Prior Park in Claremont provide more grassy, riverside options for a stroll and a splash.
Further downstream, the North Fremantle Foreshore and Rock Bay Foreshore give dogs access to sandy, riverbank sections, while Salter Point Parade and sections of the Canning River foreshore create quieter alternatives to the busier city stretches. In Mosman Park, Minim Cove and Point Roe Park are both popular riverside spots, with calm water and scenic surroundings that kids and dogs alike will enjoy.
The John Tonkin Dog Exercise Area in East Fremantle is another designated area where dogs can run, dig and socialise while families take in the riverside outlook. Do be mindful of boat traffic and currents along the river, and make sure your dog has reliable recall if you are letting them off the lead near the water.
Tips for Visiting Perth Dog Beaches with Kids
With so much choice, it’s easy to find a dog beach that matches your family’s needs. If you have younger kids or a nervous dog, look for beaches known for calmer water or choose a river spot. Older children and confident swimmers may love the more exposed coastal locations, where the dog can charge through the surf while the kids bodyboard or kick a ball on the sand.
Many regular beach-goers recommend using a dog life jacket, particularly if your dog isn’t a strong swimmer, is older, or if you’re visiting a new beach with different conditions. A floating toy can encourage even reluctant pups to paddle, and it’s a simple way to keep playtime safe and fun. Don’t forget fresh drinking water and shade – Perth sun can be harsh, and dogs overheat quickly.
From north to south and along the rivers, there are countless spots for your pooch and kids to explore. Even if your dog has no intention of swimming, the chance to run free, dig and sniff to their heart’s content is bound to leave the whole family happily tired by the end of the day.
See our guide to places to take your dog in Perth here.
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
