Perth’s sprawling white-sand beaches and clear waters offer the perfect places for a frolic with a four-legged friend: here are five of the best.
1. Whitfords Hillary's
One kilometre long, this beach offers dogs and owners the perfect summer retreat to cool off, because the waves aren't generally too big. On weekends during the summer months, a coffee van and dog cleaning service usually operate out of the car park to freshen up your salt-encrusted pooch. Just watch out for the horse beach to the north.
2. Peasholm Street
This popular and expansive dog beach commences 200m north of Peasholm Street in Scarborough and extends approximately 1.5 km southwards, providing the most energetic of canines room to roam. It's a great spot for swimming in calm conditions, and offers freshwater taps for those in need of a post-swim drink and wash.
3. Mosman-Leighton
Called Leightons by the locals, this is a quiet beach for dogs and owners to stretch their legs – until Saturday mornings when it transforms into a furry frenzy. With over two kilometres of beach, there is ample room for pooches to play, and for owners there's a great view towards the iconic red cranes of Fremantle Port. Be aware however, that kitesurfers often launch from here in summer, so bring a lead if your dog is the curious type!
4. CY O'Connor Beach
Further south lies CY O'Connor Beach, with its water-bound statue of WA's most famous engineer gazing over his namesake beach. This long stretch of dog-friendly coastline is rarely crowded, with nearby Garden Island sheltering its calm waters, and the eerie, abandoned Fremantle Power Station to the southern end providing a somewhat alternative beachside vista.
5. South Fremantle Beach
While the northern section of Fremantle's intimate South Beach is less than a kilometre long, the waters are calm and the grassy park behind the beach (and welcoming Pickled Fig cafe) are always dog-friendly. Owners here are some of the friendliest in town, often clustering together for a catch up and a laugh at their sand-covered pets.
