Dog-Friendly Exmouth, WA: Visiting Exmouth with a Dog

Located just inside the tropics, Exmouth is a popular holiday destination in Western Australia, especially during the winter months, when its balmy temperatures and brilliant blue skies beckon holiday makers from further south, not to mention the allure of swimming with whale sharks.

But what about if you are visiting Exmouth with a dog? Find out more about the dog-friendly options in Exmouth on offer, from sightseeing and beaches to dining out and accommodation. 

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Exmouth

Many of the big attractions of the Exmouth region and Ningaloo Reef are off the cards for dogs, from swimming with whale sharks to snorkelling and hiking in the Cape Range National Park to watching turtles nest on the beaches. So, what can you do with your dog? Here’re my top tips for dog-friendly sightseeing in Exmouth…

#1 Visit Bundegi Beach

My favourite dog-friendly beach near Exmouth is Bundegi Beach. This beach is about 10 minutes drive north of Exmouth itself, up towards the tip of the cape. This beach is just inside the gulf, but is still beautifully sandy and offers crystal clear waters for swimming. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach.

For further adventures, there’s a recommended snorkelling spot a few kilometres to the south, accessible by kayak or boat. See the signs next to the boat ramp. Alternatively, check out the fish hanging around the boat ramp while snorkelling, but don’t expect to see coral here.

Previously, there was a dog-friendly cafe located right next to the beach, The Beach Shack. But unfortunately during late 2023 they closed and relocated to the town centre – see below for more information about their new location, The Shack Exmouth.

#2 Head to the Lighthouse

For excellent views up and down the coast, head up to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, a 15 minute drive northwest of Exmouth. It’s an easy but steep sealed road up to the lighthouse, which is no longer in operation, superseded by a light on the communication towers to the north. There’s no restriction on dogs, but they should be kept on a leash.

The lighthouse and nearby carpark is a popular spot for sunset. Just be warned there can be a lot of mosquitos that arrive before sunset after rainy periods. The lookout is also the best location on shore for spotting the whales that head to Ningaloo Reef each winter. 

#3 Taste the Local Craft Beer

Exmouth is home to not just one but two craft breweries. We headed to Whalebone Brewing Company, located in the industrial area on the southern side of town. It’s dog-friendly (although now only until 5pm), with a large outdoor yard of tables. It’s also very kid-friendly, with play equipment and a sandpit. 

At the time of our visit there were seven locally brewed beers on tap, plus three guest brews. Tasting paddles come in three different sizes, ranging from five to nine generous sized tasting glasses. If you’re feeling peckish, choose from the fantastic range of pizzas, with some also served in kid sizes. Double check the opening hours that vary between the seasons.

The other brewery in town is Froth Craft Brewery. Located next to the main shopping mall, this brewery is combined with a full restaurant, offering a more extensive menu. There’s still plenty of outdoor tables, where well-behaved dogs are welcome. Like Whalebone, there is also live music on selected nights. 

#4 Head to Coral Bay

While the best snorkelling spots close to Exmouth are located in the Cape Range National Park and strictly prohibit dogs, the same doesn’t apply at Coral Bay. It’s worthwhile visiting for the day (it’s only a 90 minute drive) or for longer.

The main beach at Coral Bay doesn’t permit dogs, with signs at every access point. But dogs are permitted in the grassed park behind the beach and in the carpark. If you’re not travelling solo, perhaps take turns to snorkel and look after your pup?

Alternatively, the beaches south of the point are dog-friendly. The main dog beach is Paradise Beach, in between the point and the boat ramp, but access is tricky – I’ve also heard reports that access is blocked off while the new resort is being constructed.

At the time of my visit, the most popular way to access the beach was by walking up to the lookout and down onto the initial stretch of sand there, although there are signs prohibiting walking on the dune to prevent erosion. There’s also an un-signposted 4WD track to the beach.

Two other options are the small beach next to the boat ramp, plus Five Finger Reef. The turn-off for Five Finger Reef is just before the boat ramp, but it’s a 4WD only track. I wish I could have visited, as I’ve heard great reviews about the snorkelling!

Double check for any new signs with changes in rules since we visited in 2021.

#5 Stop at the Potshot Memorial

Exmouth owes much of its existence to its military role. A military base was firstly established at Learmonth to the south during WWII as part of Operation Potshot. Later in the 1960s, the establishment of the Harold E. Holt Communications Station led to the founding of the town. 

It’s interesting to stop off at the Potshot and Krait Memorials, near the Learmonth Airport, to learn more of this fascinating history. In particular, the complaints of the soldiers of the inhospitable environment are a far-cry from the area’s popularity with tourists these days, although enduring the summer heat without aircon would be tough. 

The memorial is located about a 25 minute drive south of town, not far from the Learmonth Beach Jetty. A popular fishing spot, dogs are also allowed off-leash on the beach around the jetty.

#6 Stay at a Station

Despite its coastal location, Exmouth and the Ningaloo region is part of Outback Australia, surrounded by stations. Many of these stations offer the chance to stay for a night or longer, with most welcoming dogs on camping sites.

The closest option to Exmouth is Bullara Station, about an hours drive back down the highway, and accessible with 2WD. It’s open between April and October each year (double check the exact dates on their website), with pets welcome in one of the campsites.

Other options south of Coral Bay include Warroora Station and Gnaraloo Station. Double check the details in advance, as some campsites are only accessible by 4WD and self-contained vehicles are sometimes required.

Dog-Sitting Options in Exmouth

If you do want to head out on a snorkelling trip or visit a national park for the day, there are multiple dog-sitting options available in Exmouth.

For starters, contact the visitors centre who can provide you with a list of local dog sitters. There are also sometimes signs at the caravan parks, or check out Mutts Cafe which usually has a listing on their noticeboard.

Another alternative that may still be available is Exmouth Veterinary Clinic – we left our dog at their kennels for the day. The vet is only open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays, plus the rates were quite high, but it’s an easy option, without the need to ring around.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Exmouth

In addition to Bundegi Beach and the area around Learmonth Beach Jetty (see above), there are two dog-friendly beaches within the township area of Exmouth. Both are shown on this map in yellow.

Dogs are allowed off-leash on Golf Club Beach. This beach is immediately north of Town Beach, starting at Warne Street. It’s also popular for 4WDing on the beach, so watch out for vehicles.

The other option is Macleod Beach. This beach is located south of the Exmouth Boat Harbour and is quieter.

Note that dogs are not allowed on the main Town Beach, near the Yacht Club. There are plenty of clear signs stating that pets are not allowed.

Dogs are also prohibited from many of the other beaches in the region. For instance, the popular Turquoise Bay, with its superb snorkelling, is located in the Cape Range National Park, where dogs are not allowed.

Further north outside of the national park, many of the beaches on the western side of the cape still don’t allow dogs, due to turtle nesting that occurs during the summer months. Look out for signs at the access roads, plus for signs warning of 1080 baits.

Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafes in Exmouth

There’s plenty of dog-friendly dining options to choose from around Exmouth, which is not surprising given the climate and the popularity of outdoor dining.

As I mentioned above, both Whalebone Brewery and Froth Craft Brewery offer dining options. Whalebone has a great selection of pizzas (while dogs are not allowed onsite after 5pm, they offer takeaway), while Froth is combined with a full restaurant offering an extensive menu. 

Probably the most dog-friendly venue in Exmouth is Mutts Cafe. Located opposite the RAC caravan park, this casual cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch, plus selected evenings. (Just check for a seasonal closure over the summer.) Pets are welcome to join you, and they even have a handy board listing local dog sitters.

The Shack Exmouth is another dog-friendly cafe in Exmouth. The latest incarnation of The Beach Shack at Bundegi Beach, these days it’s open for breakfast and dinner most days of the week. The new owners have introduced a Filipino menu for dinner.

Alternatively, head to The Social Society, located in the town centre just outside the mall area. It’s open for brunch daily, with both its coffee and breakfasts highly rated. Pets are welcome in the outdoor seating area, with water bowls provided and dog treats on sale.

Note that dogs are not allowed in the shopping mall in the centre of Exmouth, as well as Federation Park opposite (although I couldn’t spot any signs in the latter area). For a full list of places in Exmouth dogs are prohibited, see this council map. 

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Exmouth

Both of the caravan parks located in the centre of Exmouth, the RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort, are dog-friendly year round, although only on selected sites. Make sure you choose a pet-friendly site when making a booking, or call up to book. Bookings well in advance are necessary during the winter school holidays.

Dogs are also allowed on campsites at Yardie Homestead Caravan Park (located closer to the Cape Range National Park), Bayview Caravan Park (one of two caravan parks in Coral Bay) and at many of the nearby station stays, such as Bullara Station (see above). 

For dog-friendly holiday homes, contact Exmouth Holidays for their latest listing of pet-friendly homes. Note that a pet bond is required and pets are generally required to stay outside.

Keeping Your Dog Safe Around Exmouth

Note that 1080 baiting is used in the Exmouth region, including in the nearby Cape Range National Park. Keep an eye out for signs warning of the poison. Outside of town areas, keep your dog on a leash and possibly muzzled, especially if they are likely to eat anything they find on the ground. 

Dingos are also present in the Exmouth region. I’ve never seen any dingos on either of my visits to the area, but there are signs warning of the dangers. Keep your dog inside at night and follow any guidelines.

The tick-borne disease Ehrlichiosis has been detected in the region around Exmouth, according to the WA government website. This disease can be fatal if left untreated so it is important that you use a tick prevention treatment, ideally a collar or spot-on treatment. Also check your dog daily for ticks and keep them out of long grass.

Finally, in the summer months, the temperatures in Exmouth are usually very high. Even in winter, temperatures of 25C or more during the day are common. Don’t leave your dog in a hot car and make sure they always have plenty of water. 

For more tips about keeping your dog safe while travelling in Australia, see my full guide. 

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