Esperance welcomes all visitors, great and small, furry and fluffy. Can't imagine going on holiday without your pooch? The good news is you don't have to. Esperance has places where you can exercise, pamper, treat and stay with your best friend.
A few places are off-limits, national parks and nature reserves in particular, so it's worth knowing where you can and can't go before you set off.
At a glance
| Where | Dogs |
|---|---|
| Streets, footpaths and public places in Esperance | On leash, always |
| Beaches from West Beach to Eleven Mile Beach (except Twilight Beach) | off leash under effective control, unless local signage indicates otherwise |
| The Great Ocean Trail, the Esplanade and the Baarndi Trail | On leash |
| Dempster Head: Rotary Walk, Taananeditj Summit and Lovers Cove Trail | On leash |
| Bandy Creek and Wylie Bay beaches | off leash under effective control, unless local signage indicates otherwise |
| Wharton Beach, Orleans Bay | off leash under effective control, unless local signage indicates otherwise |
| The Foreshore, Tanker Jetty east to Straker Street | Off leash under effective control 5am to 8am and 4pm to 8pm; on leash at other times |
| Wildcherry Dog Park, Castletown | Off leash under effective control, daylight hours |
| The Greater Sports Ground | Off leash under effective control, when no event is on |
| Twilight Beach, from the headland to the rocks east of the Surf Life Saving Club | Not permitted |
| National parks, Lake Monjingup Reserve, Kepwari Trails, Helms Arboretum and Mount Ridley | Not permitted, even on leash or in the car |
Know before you go
Keep your dog on a leash
In public places, dogs must always be on a leash and under effective control. That means you can hold your dog without it pulling away, stop it rushing at people or other animals, and it obeys simple commands. Everyone should be able to relax and enjoy their Esperance holiday, so help keep the peace.
Keep it clean
Help keep Esperance clean for visitors and locals alike. Use the free dog poo bags provided, pick up after your dog, and put the bags in the bins.
Keep it clean
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), like other national park services across Australia, doesn't allow pets in national parks and nature reserves, even on a leash or inside your vehicle. Around Esperance, that means dogs aren't permitted at:
- All national parks, including Cape Le Grand, Cape Arid, Stokes, Fitzgerald River and Peak Charles
- Lake Monjingup Reserve
- The Kepwari Trails
- Helms Arboretum
- Mount Ridley
Dogs are also prohibited on Twilight Beach, from the headland to the rocks east of the Surf Life Saving Club.
For the full rules, see the DBCA's pets in parks(opens in new tab) page and the Shire of Esperance's Animal Exercise Areas page.
Find & Book
Off-leash areas
Esperance has dedicated areas where your dog can enjoy a run without a lead. Off leash, you still need effective control of your dog: stay close by, and carry the leash in case you need it.
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The Foreshore: from the Tanker Jetty east along the beach to Straker Street at Castletown Quays, off leash from 5am to 8am and 4pm to 8pm daily. Outside those hours, dogs must be on a leash. West of the Tanker Jetty to the Port isn't an exercise area, so keep dogs on a lead on the beach, grass and footpaths there.
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Wildcherry Dog Park: a safe, dedicated space to exercise your dog, at 26 Maple Street, Castletown. Open during daylight hours only.
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The Greater Sports Ground: off leash, as long as you're not interrupting an organised event.
Outside the Esperance townsite
Leash rules apply within the Esperance townsite only, not in the remote areas the public can access, unless signs say otherwise. Keep in mind that 1080 poison baits may be laid in areas around the district, so keep a close eye on your dog.
Walks and beaches
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Dempster Head
The Rotary Walk and Taananeditj Summit, as well as the Lovers Cove Trail, welcome dogs on leash. They're lovely nature trails with big views, and Lovers Cove is one of the prettiest beaches around.
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The Great Ocean Drive
The beaches between West Beach and Eleven Mile Beach are all dog-friendly, except for Twilight Beach. Alongside the drive, the Great Ocean Trail welcomes dogs on leash all the way.
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The Esplanade, Castletown Quays and the Baarndi Trail
Start anywhere on the Esplanade and walk towards Castletown Quays and the start of the Baarndi Trail to Bandy Creek. You can even walk all the way to Lucky Bay Brewing which is also dog friendly.
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Bandy Creek and Wylie Bay beaches
The beach between Bandy Creek and Wylie bay is dog friendly, keep an eye out for 4WD cars driving along that stretch. The beach east of Wylie bay is dog friendly for a few kilometres until you reach the sign to the national park boundary.
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Wharton Beach, Orleans Bay
If a national park is off the cards because of your dog, head to Wharton Beach, 85km east of Esperance on sealed roads via Condingup. White sand, turquoise water and dog-friendly, it's every bit as beautiful as Lucky Bay.
Need a plan?
The Pet-Friendly Esperance itinerary puts it all together over three days: an easy first day in town along the Baarndi Trail, a day of dog-friendly beaches on the Great Ocean Drive, and a trip east to Duke of Orleans Bay and Wharton Beach.
Bring the dog. Three days of foreshore walks, coastal trails, dog-friendly beaches and outdoor dining in Esperance, plus where dogs can’t go.
Where to stay
Pet-friendly accommodation takes pets by prior arrangement, so book your dog in at the same time as yourself. You'll usually be asked about your dog's breed and nature, and a bond or fee may apply. Some places only allow dogs outside, or in certain rooms or units. During busy times like Christmas, Easter and the school holidays, some can't take pets at all, so please don't be offended if your request is declined.
- Blue Haven Shell Studio and Farm Stay
- EcoValley Retreat
- Esperance Bird and Animal Park
- La Cabane Retreat
Some caravan parks can only take pets if you're staying in your own van, and some don't take pets in peak times such as the summer school holidays, so check before you book.
- Esperance: Bathers Paradise, Bushlands Caravan Park, Esperance Bay Holiday Park, Pine Grove Holiday Park, Pink Lake Tourist Park and RAC Esperance Holiday Park
- North of Esperance: Grass Patch Park'n'Stay
- East of Esperance: Orleans Bay Caravan Park
- West of Esperance: Munglinup Beach Holiday Park
The Shire-managed bush camps at Quagi Beach, Munglinup Beach and Alexander Bay welcome dogs on a lead. Pets aren't permitted in national park campgrounds.
See Bush Camps and National Parks for details.
Eating out
Plenty of Esperance's cafés, pubs and breweries welcome dogs on a leash in their outdoor seating areas, including:
- Bread Local
- The Quarters
- Lucky Bay Brewing
- Esperance Bird and Animal Park Café
- Dome Café
- Bistro Louis
- Break Away Café
- The Pier Hotel
- Pizza & Porter
- Condingup Tavern
Seating areas and policies can change, so it's worth a quick check with the venue on the day.
Other on-leash attractions
A handful of other Esperance attractions welcome dogs on leash too: the Esperance Jetty, the Whale Tail sculpture on the foreshore, and Mermaid Leather. At The Market Village, dogs are welcome around the grounds, just not inside the individual shops.
Pet services and care
If you need anything for your pet while you're here, Esperance has it covered:
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Supplies
Esperance Pet Centre and Tackle and Tails
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Vet
Swans Veterinary Services
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Grooming
Doggy Wellness Esperance
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Pet sitting
Heading to a national park or a restaurant that doesn't allow dogs? Mad Paws connects you with local pet sitters and dog walkers for the day, or longer. Book ahead in peak holiday periods, and ask your accommodation host, as many are happy to recommend a trusted local sitter.
Questions about dogs in Esperance?
Contact the Shire of Esperance Rangers, Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 4.30pm, on (08) 9083 1533, or email rangers@esperance.wa.gov.au. If your call goes to voicemail, leave your name, number and a short description of your enquiry.
Read The Esperance Promise before you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions
The beaches from West Beach to Eleven Mile Beach along the Great Ocean Drive, except Twilight Beach. Wharton Beach at Orleans Bay is dog-friendly too.
On the Foreshore east of the Tanker Jetty (5am to 8am and 4pm to 8pm daily), at the Wildcherry Dog Park in Castletown during daylight hours, and at the Greater Sports Ground when no event is on.
Yes. Pets are by prior arrangement, a bond or fee may apply, and some places don’t take pets in peak holiday periods.
Many welcome dogs on a leash in their outdoor seating areas. Check with the venue on the day, as policies can change.
Esperance has all three. See Pet services and care, above.
Keep exploring
Drive, fly or take the coach. Find the best way to reach Esperance and get around once you arrive.
Download maps and guides to the beaches, trails, Great Ocean Drive and more.
The Esperance Visitor Centre staff can assist you with planning your trip, give us a call or email us your questions. Drop in to the Centre for local tips and timely advice from the people who know the region best.
From scenic road trips through the region, to what to do on a rainy day, find a ready-made plan to suit your time and travel style.
Help care for this place and its people. Learn how to travel responsibly and return home safely. Make the Esperance Promise before you go.
Esperance enjoys a mild, Mediterranean-like climate all year round, sometimes with what feels like four seasons in one day. Find out what each season brings, and check the weather forecast before planning your day.
Check holiday dates to plan ahead, book early for peak times, or find a quieter time to visit.