Summer is here at last, and with the holidays just around the corner, it’s a perfect time for a family staycation - including the four-legged members of the fam!
With so many dog-friendly accommodation providers around Perth, you and your doggo(s) are spoiled for choice; from coastal escapes to urban exploration, and heading off to the country to see the sights and sniff all the new smells, you’re bound to have a “pawesome” time.
Here’s some of Perth’s most dog-friendly staycation spots, so you can get planning a pooch-in-tow holiday to remember.
Perth City staycay
You might think of a Perth City staycation as being all about fine dining, bar-hopping and shopping, but there’s actually plenty of fun to be had for dogs in the City. Head to Kings Park and Elizabeth Quay for on-leash dog-friendly fun, and check out the dog exercise area in Wellington Square. You can even take ‘lap dogs’ on a Swan River Boat Ride with Little Ferry Co! The City of Vincent also welcomes dogs in most public spaces (more info here); and of course, staycationing in Perth City means you’re right in the heart of the city and only a short, easy drive away from surrounding fur-family friendly locations.
For the stay part of your staycation, check out Citadines Perth on St George’s Terrace in Perth City; this Apart’hotel offers a home away from home, with added comforts and luxuries to spoil every traveller whether two or four-legged. A selection of their serviced apartments are pet-friendly, and with many dog-friendly parks and beaches nearby, you’re in just the right place to explore Perth’s natural beauty.
Citadines is a great spot to relax and rejuvenate after a day of summertime fun, with pet-friendly rooms coming with a bed fit for the size of your dog, as well as water and food bowls and a welcome pack which includes a treat and toy.
If you’re looking for a getaway with more than a little bit of luxury, the 5-star boutique hotel QT Perth is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life. This urban oasis in the heart of Perth City is a perfect place to base yourself for your explorations, with a modern design that meets industrial glamour for a contemporary & cool aesthetic.
The QT luxe life isn’t reserved just for humans: if your doggo is under 20 kilos, they’re in for a special QT breed of indulgence! QT’s pet-friendly rooms are filled with fetching features, like a poochie cute mini bar that’s packed with treats, and decadent in-room dogs’ dinner menus designed by Nic Wood, the QT Head of Treats (what a great title!) There’s also a bespoke pupQ grooming service, so your BFF can look their best. With a ton of luxury for humans and dogs alike, you won’t want to miss this designer dog sleepover experience!
Country getaway
Ready to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and escape to the country? With rolling hills, natural bushland, and expansive green spaces, going country is such an idyllic experience for you and your dog alike.
The Avon Valley and its scenic little historic townships are a great place for your staycation; there’s plenty of dog-friendly restaurants and cafes, dog exercise areas and dog-friendly walking trails. Visit TrailsWA’s Trails Map and filter by dog-friendly trails; some favourites are the Kep Track from Mundaring to Northam, as well as the Bilya Walk Track and the Lovers Lane Scenic Drive in Toodyay. For a perfect getaway with your furry bestie, stay at the Lavendale Farmstay and Cottages, which boasts 64ha of gently sloping land on the banks of the Avon River, 10 minutes drive south of historic York. Accommodation is in self contained 1, 2 and 3 bedroom quaint cottages, each with their own outdoor eating area including a gas BBQ. (Because this is a rural property with farm animals, and there’s no enclosed yards for dogs, please ask about Lavendale’s “Dog Policy” before you book.) Moore River and Gingin is another great staycation destination, with on and off-lead dog exercise areas.
Your dog can explore most of Gingin on-leash; enjoy a family picnic and a run-around in Granville Park; enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the Gingin Brook; walk around admiring the heritage architecture of one of WA’s oldest towns, and enjoy stargazing under a beautifully clear night sky. From Gingin, you’re also only an hour away from Lancelin and Ledge Point, where you’ll find dog-friendly beaches, cafes and restaurants to enjoy together.
The Swan Valley is a little touch of countryside life just half an hour from Perth City, and it’s renowned as the food bowl of Perth - making it a beloved getaway for families, couples, and of course foodies. But while you’re enjoying sweet temptations, fine wines, bush tucker and more, what’s a dog to do? Plenty, it turns out: there’s heaps of dog-friendly wineries, breweries, cafes and places for walkies. Whiteman Park is a great place for on-leash walks, or leash-free exercise and socialising at the Dog Park, while Bells Rapids is an off-leash favourite. Lamont's Winery and Funk Cider are just a few of the dog-friendly places to eat and drink. You can also base yourself at Discovery Parks Swan Valley, which is right next to Funk Cider, and surrounded by Swan Valley vineyards, farmland and Bennett Brook.
Coastal escape
Nothing says summer quite like enjoying white-sand beaches, sunbathing, swimming in the ocean, and scenic coastal drives - and what could be better than enjoying that with your precious pooch? Our expansive coastline has plenty of dog-friendly beaches, cafes, restaurants and more. Head up north to dog-lovin’ Lancelin for fun in the sun, where dogs are allowed on-leash anywhere but Harold Park, and there’s several off-leash exercise areas too (check this map from the Shire of Gingin). Experience Lancelin Holiday Park is perfect for camping with your furry friend, and Lancelin Beach Breaks are so enthusiastic about #doglife in Lancelin that they’ve even blogged on dog-friendly activities in the town.
Heading south down the coast instead? Mandurah and Peel are perfect dog-friendly places that combine coastal lifestyle with countryside chilling, urban chic and Venetian canals, all in one diverse and exciting region. The City of Mandurah allows off-lead dog exercise on over 17kms of coastline and 26 reserves throughout Mandurah, and dogs have even been known to make friends with the local dolphins! The 6km Erskine Nature Trail is a popular dog-walking spot which skirts the Peel Inlet, and there’s plenty of walkies to be had in Dwellingup and Lane Poole Reserve; if you’re up for a longish walking trail, check out the five-hour King Jarrah Track. Mandurah Caravan Tourist Park is great for camping and caravanning, or stay in a lovely chalet or cabin; and Marina Canals Apartments is right on the Mandurah Canals and welcomes small dogs.
Last but not least, the more centrally located Executive Escapes has a variety of properties, many of which are pet-friendly. Their accommodation options are stylishly decorated, perfect for family stays, and offer comfort, luxury and privacy so you can relax, unwind and enjoy. They have several properties in Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough that are perfect for a coastal getaway with your dog in tow, including the beachside Cottesloe Executive Beach House and Scarborough Seaview Loft. Just tick the pet-friendly option when searching for your next escape!
We hope we've gotten you started on the right paw with your dog-friendly staycation planning, so that you can enjoy your #bestlife with your furry friend! It's the perfect time of year to enjoy a getaway with those who matter the most to you, and thanks to the many dog-friendly places in Perth, you can enjoy that relaxing break together. Plan your staycation or day trip discovery and explore Perth with a fresh set of eyes.
