White sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, the beach of your dreams really does exist and you can find it in Esperance WA. One of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Australia, Esperance is not just a beach lover’s haven, it’s also a delightful place to spend a getaway with your dog!
Spend your days surrounded in the natural wonder of Esperance and frolic in crystal clear waters with your pet before exploring the rest of the pet-friendly town of Esperance. We’ve gathered a handy guide of all the pet-friendly things to do in Esperance, where to eat, what to do and best of all, where to stay with pets in Esperance!
Lucky Bay Brewing
A favourite local haunt, Lucky Bay Brewing love their beer and dogs in equal measure! Boasting a great menu with scrumptious pizzas on offer, sink a cold one while overlooking the view from inside the brewery or out on the deck. Dogs are very welcome on their leads, so set up shop at one of their under-shelter outdoor tables, (or the tables scattered on the lawn) and prepare for a relaxed arvo sesh. There’s also a large grassy lawn to walk the dogs on when your dog needs a quick stretch.
If you’re looking for a family-owned restaurant that’s also pet-friendly, look no further than Taylor St Quarters, a restaurant and bar serving great food and wine on the water in Esperance. Sit on the veranda with your dog while looking out over the water at and enjoy the food using the freshest local ingredients sourced by their chefs. They have an ever-evolving menu, so every visit promises a new culinary delight!
Don’t worry, you’re not in France! You’re just in Bistro Louis, a quaint café serving French-inspired food and drinks in the heart of Esperance. Enjoy the relaxed café atmosphere with your dog at the outside tables and tuck into their delicious menu. They’re also open at night as a restaurant that serves up French-inspired dinner and drinks. Al fresco and cosy indoor tables are available, though dogs will have to be on their leash outside.
Have we mentioned the beaches in Esperance yet? World-renowned as one of the most beautiful places boasting the best beaches, the stretches of pristine coast and sparkling blue waters need to be seen in person to be believed. Luckily, many of the beaches around Esperance are pet-friendly, so you can take your dog along with you on your beach trips while you explore Esperance!
West Beach, Image: Australia's Golden Outback
A beautiful beach set within a striking bay, explore the rock formations with your dog at this pet-friendly beach. Dogs are allowed on West Beach on the lead, and off the leash between 5 AM and 8 AM and 4 PM and 8 PM. Explore the natural lagoon and go rock hunting or enjoy a spot of fishing from the shore. You can access West Beach with its white sands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of the surrounding coastline and islands easily as it’s right near the town centre!
A fantastic stop along the Great Ocean Drive, Eleven Mile Beach is protected on both sides, so you’ll find a calm and scenic swimming spot with very little wind. Also a pet-friendly beach, enjoy a spot of snorkelling while your dog waits patiently for you on the beach!
Named Blue Haven for it’s turquoise waters, Blue Haven Beach is one of those special beaches that will have you dreaming about it in years to come. Sheltered from the wind, this is a perfect beach for sun-bathing after a dip in the pristine ocean. Rather a hidden gem, it’s not a crowded beach, so it’s perfect for those travelling with dogs that are a little anxious around people.
If you’re someone who likes to be one with nature, you might want to check out Ten Mile Lagoon which has a ‘clothes optional’ policy. Explore the pet-friendly lagoon, sun-bathe on the beach or take a swim, while the day away with your dog on this stunning beach. Keep a lookout and see if you can spot some wildlife like pelicans, cormorants and herons.
Twilight Bay, Image: Annabel Claire
Often voted as Australia’s best beach, Twilight Bay is beloved to the locals and visitors alike. Just a few minutes from town, the sparkling waters, white sands and calm waters make this a great place for families and dog-lovers alike. There are plenty of facilities on the beach, including toilets, picnic tables, and BBQs, so you can easily spend the whole day there.
Please note that dogs are banned from entering the western end, between the car parks and the rocks east of the Surf Life Saving Club.
Take a pleasant scenic drive to the lighthouse on the edge of the harbour for exceptional panoramic views of the coastline or cast a reel into the ocean from Salmon Beach. Enjoy the views of the nearby D’Entrecasteaux National Park, Salmon Beach’s shallow waters are perfect for you and your dog to spend the day exploring.
The sandy coastline at Fourth Beach seems to go on forever and is a great choice for a long walk with your dog. A great spot for water sports if you’re love a good paddle, this is also a great pet-friendly beach to sit and watch for whales during whale watching season (July – October)!
Get outdoors in the breath-taking beauty of Esperance! There are so many pet-friendly things to do in Esperance, and while some of the more popular activities are out of bounds for dogs (like visiting National Parks), you’ll still be able to fully experience all Esperance has to offer with your dog.
Esperance Foreshore
Stroll along the Esperance Foreshore along Castletown Quays and enjoy the spectacular views of beaches, jetties and parks dotted across the path. If you’re looking for a long walk to start the morning, dogs can join you on this 5km walk if they’re on a leash, look out for the lighthouse and whale tail sculpture along the foreshore for an insta pic!
Tick this off the bucket list, driving along the Great Ocean Drive in Esperance is a must-do when visiting this magnificent coastline. At 40km long, it’s easily done in 1-2 hours, but you could also spend a whole day driving past gorgeous beaches with your dog in the backseat. Make sure you stop by Observatory Point with your dog to look out over a spectacular blue ocean and watch out for whales during whale watching season!
Home to the very first research windfarm in Australia, you can stop by while driving along the Great Ocean Drive in Esperance. If it’s a windy day, the turbines will be spinning at it’s best, so it can be a little intimidating to walk right underneath!
Whale watching is Esperance is one of our favourite activities. Every year between June and October, you can start seeing Southern Right Whales migrating along the Esperance coastline towards the North. Camp out on one of the dog friendly beaches like Observatory Point or Fourth beach with your dog to spot these gentle giants!
Esperance Bay Holiday Park
Whether you’re camping or in a caravan, Esperance Bay Holiday Park is a pet-friendly caravan park that allows pets and dogs on their campsites. Just a short 5 to 10 minute walk from the town centre, Esperance Bay Holiday Park is centrally located to spectacular beaches, jetties to fish off, and cafes and restaurants alike.
