Dog-Friendly Esperance: Visiting Esperance with a Dog

With its magnificent beaches, it’s no wonder than Esperance is a popular holiday destination, whether you’re travelling from elsewhere in Western Australia or have just crossed the Nullarbor. But how dog-friendly is Esperance? Read on to find out about what you can do while holidaying in Esperance with your pup. 

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Esperance

Esperance is luckily a great destination to visit the beach with your dog, as most of the beaches around Esperance are dog-friendly, other than the western end of Twilight Beach (in between the car park and the rocks to the east of the Surf Life Saving Club), plus the beaches in nearby national parks, such as Lucky Bay.

Some of the beaches allow dogs off-leash at restricted hours, such as West Beach that only allows dogs off-leash between 5-8am and 4-8pm, and on-leash other hours. Similar restrictions apply to the beaches along the town foreshore, with dogs only permitted off-leash during the same hours on the stretch between the Tanker Jetty and Chaplin Street in Castletown.

However, at the other beaches I visited it just stated that dogs are allowed, with no mention of needing to be on-leash. Presumably because these beaches are outside the town boundaries, dogs are allowed off-leash. 

The other dog-friendly beaches on the western side of town include Blue Haven, Salmon Beach, Fourth Beach, Ten Mile Lagoon and Eleven Mile Beach, accessed along the Great Ocean Drive.

To the east, head to Bandy Creek Beach, on the eastern side of the Bandy Creek Fishing Boat Harbour, or the westernmost part of Wylie Bay, at the end of Wylie Bay Road. I’m disappointed I didn’t visit Wylie Bay after later seeing some photos!

Further afield, dogs are allowed on Wharton Beach, a one hour drive east of Esperance on the other side of the Cape Le Grande National Park. Voted one of the world’s best beaches, 4WDs are allowed to drive on its sand.

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Esperance

While a few of the popular sightseeing options around Esperance are out of bound for four-legged friends, including visiting Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid National Park, or heading out on an island cruise, there’s still plenty of terrific dog-friendly options available. 

#1 Stroll Along the Foreshore

The town centre of Esperance lies right next to a beautiful foreshore and it’s possible to stroll all the way along it. Starting from the Taylor Street Jetty near the Southern Ports area (which is not accessible to the public), it’s possible to keep walking for nearly 5km to the far end of Castletown Quays Beach.

Along the way you’ll pass by stretches of beaches and multiple jetties (at least one that dogs can walk out on) and through parks dotted with picnic tables and other amenities, as you follow the footpath along the foreshore. Look out for the Lighthouse Sculpture (near the Taylor Street Jetty) and the Whale Tail Sculpture (in the James St Precinct). 

It’s the perfect place for a stroll with your pup, whether the whole length or just one part. The section between the Tanker Jetty and Chaplin Street in Castletown is off-leash between 5-8am and 4-8pm. From 8am to 4pm dogs should be on-leash, plus at all times in the area west of the Tanker Jetty (although I noticed locals have a relaxed approach). 

#2 Take the Great Ocean Drive

One of the must-do sightseeing options in Esperance is to drive along the Great Ocean Drive tourist route, looping around the western side of town along the magnificent coastline. At 40km long, it’s easily done in 1-2 hours, but you could also spend a whole day, stopping along the way.

The biggest attraction along the drive are the many gorgeous, white sandy beaches it meanders past. Along the way you’ll pass by West Beach, Blue Haven, Salmon Beach, Fourth Beach, Ten Mile Lagoon and Eleven Mile Beach, all that are pet-friendly (see above for full details).

It’s also worthwhile stopping at the Rotary Lookout, the starting point for multiple walks, including to Lovers Cove (see more below). Dogs are also welcome to join you at Observatory Point, a top spot for whale watching, or on a visit to the windfarms.

#3 Visit a Windfarm

As it’s not connected to the rest of the WA power grid and is a rather windy location, Esperance was home to both the first research windfarm and the first commercial windfarm in Australia. It’s possible to visit the site of both as a side trip on the Grand Ocean Drive, with no restrictions on pets joining you. 

Closest to town is the Salmon Beach Windfarm. Since being decommissioned many years ago, only one out of the six turbines remains, accessed by a short walking trail, with multiple information panels along the path. I recommend stopping to learn more.

The site of the Ten Mile Windfarm is located much further west, near Ten Mile Lagoon. Along with the adjacent Nine Mile Windfarm it used to supply nearly 30% of the town’s power. When I visited the windram on a windy day in 2021, it was disconcerting walking underneath the noisily spinning turbines on the walking trail below.

Unfortunately though, since the windfarm was recently decommissioned, all of the blades on the turbines have been removed and it’s no longer as interesting. Maybe skip the detour.

#4 Watch for Whales

Every year Southern Right Whales can be seen migrating along the Esperance coastline. If you visit between June and October, you have a chance to spot these giants, either frolicking off the shore or resting in Esperance’s protected bays. 

Head to one of the higher vantage points for your best chance to spot a whale. Observatory Point along the Great Ocean Drive is one of the highest points around and pets are allowed. Climb the stairs up from the carpark – small dogs may need to be carried. Note that the steep access road to the carpark is not accessible to caravans.

Alternatively, head to any of the other lookout points along the Great Ocean Drive, or the Rotary Lookout. 

#5 Taste the Local Beer

While dogs aren’t permitted at Lucky Bay, the local brewery named after this popular spot is certainly dog-friendly!

Lucky Bay Brewing is located on the eastern side of town on Bandy Creek Road and has a large number of under-shelter outdoor tables, plus more tables scattered on the lawn, that are dog-friendly. We even got asked if our dog wanted his own drink (albeit water).

The brewery is a very local operation, using locally grown barley directly purchased from local farmers. With a long list of beers on tap, I recommend starting with one of the tasting paddles.

Dog-Friendly Walks in Esperance

There’s a wide variety of walks in and around Esperance that allow off-leash dogs – there’s no need to break the rules and visit a national park! 

For an easy option, check out my above suggestion of going for a stroll along the foreshore. While the entire length of the walkway is almost 5km, there’s plenty of carparks along the way, so you can easily walk a short section of your choosing. 

The Great Ocean Drive can also be the Great Ocean Walk. Alongside the drive runs a shared cycle-pedestrian pathway, extending from the town centre to Twilight Beach, a total of 12km, or just 8km from West Beach. Walk the entire length or just one part, starting from the many beach carparks. 

There’s also a side route just before the far end of Twilight Beach, extending through bushland for 4.5km to Pink Lake Lookout. (Although, be warned Pink Lake is no longer pink!)

Alternatively, head to the Rotary Lookout for a selection of shorter walking trails. (Lookout for the sign to Dempster Head and Lookout.) There’s the 20-minute Rotary Loop Walk, or follow the 1.3km trail to Lovers Cove, a secluded beach with no road access. All walks are dog-friendly, although keep them on a leash. 

Dog-Friendly Parks in Esperance

In addition to the time-restricted off-leash hours along part of the foreshore, there are two other off-leash options for dogs within the town of Esperance.

Wildcherry Dog Park is a relatively new fenced off-leash dog park located just off Wildcherry Avenue in Castletown. The fenced park has separate areas for small and large dogs, along with shelter, seating, a water fountain, natural agility equipment and a sand pit.

Dogs are also allowed off-leash at the Greater Sports Ground on Black Street, as long as the ground is not being used for organised sports or other events. 

Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafes in Esperance

One of the most dog-friendly places to dine in Esperance is Lucky Bay Brewing. Alongside their long list of beers to drink, their list of wood-fired pizzas is even longer and look delicious. There’s also a variety of substantial and lighter meals on the menu. With an early closing kitchen (6pm except Fridays when it stays open until 7pm), head there for lunch or an early dinner.

Another highly recommend local spot is The Quarters. Overlooking the water near the Taylor Street Jetty, the restaurant is open from 10am (8am on weekends) until late, Tuesday to Sunday, also serving up coffee, wine, beer and cocktails.

The outdoor tables and tables along the verandah are dog-friendly, with a dog water bowl sitting next to them. (There’s also a “dog hitching post” across the lawn, although I’d recommend keeping your dog always in your eyesight.)

Other cafes with outdoor dining areas in Esperance are also generally pet-friendly, or there’s also the option of hitting up one of the local “foodie vans”. Head to the Tanker Jetty Precinct for the highly rated coffee from the Coffee Cat, now located in a shipping container.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Esperance

If you’re camping or caravanning there’s plenty of options in Esperance, with all six caravan parks around town being pet-friendly, although the rules slightly vary from park to park.

One of the best options is the RAC Esperance Holiday Park, a large park close to the beach on the north side of town. Pets are allowed on all campsites, with up to two pets allowed, plus in the pet-friendly two bedroom cabins. Make sure you include your pets when you make a booking. There is also a dog wash onsite – just the thing for after a visit to the dog-friendly beaches!

Another great park is the recently renovated Bathers Paradise Caravan Park. This park now warmly welcomes pets year round, with a dedicated page to Paradise pets on their website. All campsites are pet-friendly, but pets must be declared at the time of booking. They also have a dog wash and can assist with dog sitting while you visit the national parks.

Unfortunately, none of the motels located in Esperance were pet-friendly when I last checked, but there are some pet-friendly holiday rentals around. One highly recommend option is JJ’s Holiday Cottages, run by the friendly Jenny, with two cottages that are pet-friendly by prior arrangement.

Alternatively, check out Eco Valley Retreat near Pink Lake. This child-friendly property has two self-contained studio units and welcomes socialised dogs. I’ve also heard reports that they have an enclosure, where you can leave your dogs for the day.

Head Next To

• Dog-Friendly Albany
• Dog-Friendly Wave Rock
• Drive Across the Nullarbor