Perth’s Best Dog Beaches To Cool Off At This Summer
There’s something about a beach day that just feels incomplete without your dog in tow—especially when Perth turns on those long, sun-soaked stretches of perfect weather. Luckily, this city delivers when it comes to coastal spots where your pup can run wild, splash around and socialise to their heart’s content.
From calm, shallow shores ideal for tentative swimmers to wide-open sands built for full-speed zoomies, Perth’s dog beaches tick all the boxes—for both you and your four-legged sidekick. Towel, tennis ball, treats…you know the drill. Here’s our round-up of the best dog beaches in Perth.
North
Peasholm Street Dog Beach
Scarborough
Image credit: Spud The Spitz | Instagram
One of the most popular dog beaches going around, Peasholm tends to draw a crowd—so it pays to time your visit early or swing by as the first wave starts to head off. When the conditions line up, little lagoons form along the shoreline, making it a dream for pups who prefer a calmer paddle. On rougher days, keep an eye on the swell. There’s space to spread out, but if you’re keen for a longer stretch of the legs, park at Scarbs and walk your way down. Just be warned—on a hot day, the car park to the beach is a walk in its own right.
Hillarys Dog Beach
Hillarys
Image credit: Rebecca Keating | Supplied
A true gem of the north, Hillarys Dog Beach is the kind of spot that makes you wonder why you’d go anywhere else. Expect stretches of white sand, clear water and usually a mobile dog washer on hand for a post-splash cleanup. It’s an absolute dream for pups—and just as good for anyone who loves being surrounded by a whole lot of happy, sandy dogs.
South City Beach
City Beach
Image credit: Supplied
South City Beach dishes up a generous two-kilometre stretch of sand where dogs can roam, sprint and splash without feeling on top of each other. The conditions are usually pretty gentle, making it a solid pick for pups who love a swim, and it tends to feel a little more relaxed than some of the busier northern spots. For the ultimate finish, leash up and head to the deck at Bert’s—it’s dog-friendly, and honestly, there are few better ways to wrap up a beach day.
North Beach Dog Beach
North Beach
Between Castle and Margaret Streets, this compact 500-metre stretch proves good things come in small packages. The water is typically shallow and easy going—perfect for more tentative swimmers or older dogs who prefer an easy paddle. It’s just a short stroll from the Flora Terrace café strip, so you’re never far from a post-beach pick-me-up.
Access can be a little tricky if you’re coming down from Lawley Street, with a steep, rocky section to navigate, but there are stairs at the southern end that make things much easier. Once you’ve both had your fill of sun and salt, swing by Yelo for a smoothie and a well-earned dog treat.
Quinns Rocks Dog Beach
Quinns Rocks
A little further north, Quinns is well worth the drive when you’re chasing a more laidback pace. Thanks to natural offshore reefs and a solid rock breakwater, the conditions here are often calmer than other stretches—ideal if your pup prefers a gentler swim over rolling surf.
The beach runs for just under a kilometre, starting near the calcarenite bluffs and stretching up to the foreland, with plenty of room to roam without the usual crowds. On a good day, you might even spot a few paragliders drifting over the dunes while you and your pup take it all in—hard to beat.
Bennion Beach
Trigg
Image credit: Rebecca Keating | Supplied
Tucked between rocky outcrops, Bennion Beach is a great little hideaway that feels a bit more contained than the bigger stretches nearby. Take the stairs and you’ll land on a small, dog-friendly patch on the southern side—ideal for a low-key dip or a wander along the sand. There’s also a lookout above with sweeping ocean views if you’re keen to take it all in from up top. Time it right with the pooch-friendly Summer Salt Markets or hit up Bennies for acai and coffee—you’ll both be very happy campers.
South
South Beach
Fremantle
Not too many waves and a nice park to dry off in, the northern section of South Beach is one of Perth’s best dog beaches. Easy to get to for south-siders, there’s plenty of parking and always loads of dogs for your pooch to have fun with. When you’re both pooped, there are plenty of dog-friendly cafes nearby—like Third Wheel—so you can roll straight from sandy paws to a well-earned coffee or bite.
Mosman–Leighton Beach
Mosman Park
Image credit: Supplied
Tucked below the dunes so your pup can’t make a surprise dash for it, Mosman–Leighton Beach is a laidback favourite for good reason. The long stretch of soft white sand gives dogs all the space they need, while the generally calm conditions make it ideal for a paddle or swim. Add in all that seaweed to sniff through and you’ve got a spot that keeps curious noses busy long after the first lap of the shoreline.
C Y O'Connor Beach
North Coogee
Image credit: Supplied
If you’re after a quieter stretch of sand, C Y O’Connor Beach is hard to beat. Rarely crowded, this long sweep of coastline runs from the southern reserve up to the northern end, giving dogs plenty of space to run off-lead without the chaos. The water is typically clear and calm, making it a great spot for a splash, while the surrounding reserves add to the laidback feel.
Keep an eye out for the SS Wyola shipwreck—its hull still peeks through the sand near the water’s edge about halfway along, adding a little slice of local history to your walk. Once the zoomies are done, the grassy reserve at the southern end is perfect for a picnic or barbecue, with plenty of shelter to settle in and make an afternoon of it.
Rockingham Dog Beach
Rockingham
Image credit: Olivia Prior | Instagram
Calm, clear and reliably gentle, Rockingham is a go-to for pups who aren’t fans of bigger waves. The off-leash stretch makes it easy for dogs to splash and socialise, while the protected conditions keep things nice and cruisy in the water.
Beyond the sand, you’ve got all the extras covered—barbecues, picnic shelters, a playground and even water bowls dotted around for thirsty dogs. There’s also a doggy water bubbler at the southern entrance near Naval Memorial Park, making it an easy spot to settle in and stay a while.
Looking for more dog-friendly places in Perth? Here’s our favourite dog-friendly cafes in Perth.
Image credit: Supplied
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