Coral Coast’s Pawfect Travel Guide for Pets
9 August 2023
The ultimate guide to travelling with your pet in Australia's Coral Coast
When it comes to planning your next family holiday, we know how hard it is to leave your fur-babies at home…if that’s even an option! Plan your next pet-friendly holiday by using our go to guide on how to travel with your pet along Australia’s Coral Coast so you can get organised and book ahead.
This extensive guide covers all pet-friendly locations within the region from accommodation to bars, restaurants and cafés and even some of our tours and attractions! That’s right…a few of our incredible tour operators within Australia’s Coral Coast allow pets so you can share the incredible experience with your furry best friend.
We’ve made things nice and easy by compiling our pet-friendly locations by sub-regions within the Coral Coast so you can start planning your next adventure.
Cervantes & Jurien Bay
Located just 2 hours' north of Perth, Cervantes is the perfect weekend getaway or first stop along the Coral Coast Highway (if departing from Perth). This quaint beachside town is perfect for your pooches with pet-friendly accommodation at RAC Cervantes Holiday Park and Nambung Station. The Lobster Shack also welcomes your furry friends (outside only) so settle in for an afternoon of seafood indulgence at this beachfront restaurant. Continue north for an additional 30 minutes to Jurien Bay and stay at the pet-friendly Jurien Bay Tourist Park.
Dongara-Port Denison & Wildflower Country
If you’re planning on passing through Dongara-Port Denison then stopping off at Illegal Tender Rum Co is a must, plus your fur baby is welcome too. We also recommend visiting Southerly's for a feed, this family friendly tavern is pet-friendly too. If you’re looking to stop off for a night or two or holidaying in the area, Leeman Carvan Park is your best pet-friendly option or head inland to Wildflower Country and stay at the gorgeous Wittwer Farm in Carnamah, just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Dongara-Port Denison.
Geraldton & Surrounds
Located 4 hours’ north of Perth, Geraldton is the capital city of Australia’s Coral Coast and full of pet-friendly options. If you’re looking for accommodation then look no further than Nesuto Geraldton Apartments or Geraldton Belair Gardens Carvan Park. Grabbing a bite and want to bring the pooch? Burnt Barrell and Flowvitality Café are ready to welcome you. Latitude Jewellers and Chapman Valley Fisherman Park in Geraldton are also pet-friendly so treat yourself to some shopping or head out for a day of fishing with your little four-legged friend.
Kalbarri and Surrounds
Known as Western Australia’s outdoor holiday playground and family-favourite destination, there are range of places ready to welcome your pet. Treat yourself to fresh local produce at Finlay’s and sample their craft beer (brewed on site), everyone is welcome, including kids and fur babies! Pet-friendly accommodation in Kalbarri is in abundance, Horrocks Beach Carvan Park, Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park, Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park or Wooleen Station allow pets.
Shark Bay World Heritage Area
If you’re looking to enjoy an adventure with your fur-baby then you need to add Shark Bay Aviation and Wula Gura Eco Adventures to your list! That’s right, these wonderful tour operators are pet-friendly so you can share these once-in-a-lifetime experiences with your pooch, just be sure to let them know prior as there may be some restrictions when entering national parks. Base yourself at RAC Monkey Mia, the only pet-friendly accommodation in Monkey Mia.
Carnarvon
With a range of pet-friendly accommodation options to choose from, Carnarvon is ready to welcome your family, including your four-legged friend. The list includes Capricorn Holiday Park, Coral Coast Tourist Park, Quobba Station or Wooramel River Retreat. Why not stop in with your fur-baby at Gwoonwardu Mia for an indigenous experience whilst in town?
Coral Bay
This picturesque coastal town is a must-do whilst travelling through the Coral Coast, pet-friendly accommodation includes Coral Bay Peoples Park and Ningaloo Coral Bay. Treat your pooch to their favourite ice-cream at Sweet Ningaloo who are also pet-friendly.
Exmouth
Last stop on the map is Exmouth, a wonderful family-holiday destination full of pet-friendly options. Feeling hungry? Froth Craft Brewery and Whalebone Brewing are both ready to welcome your fur-babies. Looking for an adventure? Exmouth pet-friendly accommodation includes Bullara Station, RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park and Warroora Station.
Tips for Travelling with your Pets
Don’t forget, if you’re planning to hit the road with your buddy then there a few important things to note before you head off.
Safety first – it's illegal to drive with your pet on your lap in Australia so we recommend you purchase a pet car safety belt and strap them in. You also have the option of using a well-ventilated carrier or crate. Whatever you choose, just make sure there is enough room for your pet to move around, lay down and get comfortable, especially for those longer road trips. We know how much pets, dogs especially love hanging their head out the window to feel the breeze, remember safety is paramount and their heads are safest inside your vehicle. Lastly, don’t leave your pet unattended and be sure to read signs for leashed areas.
Pack a travel bag - make sure everything is within easy access, including a leash, toys, food, medications, treats, water, and bedding.
Plan ahead – make sure you check ahead; we have listed our pet-friendly providers above but it’s always best to check each businesses policy separately as they can all differ slightly.
Dogs and National Parks – as much as we love our domestic pets, there is a chance they will harm native animals and they are therefore not permitted in national parks (with a few exceptions), you can read more here.
Dog-friendly beaches - Australia's Coral Coast is home to some of the most incredible beaches in Australia but unfortunately, only a selected few are dog-friendly, check out our list of dog-friendly beaches here.
Pet-insurance – with careful thought and planning, travelling with your pet is the best but like all travel, there are risks involved. Make sure your pet has up to date insurance so they can be protected from the unexpected.
Local Vets – we always recommend having your vet on speed dial just in case any health issues arise however there are also a range of vets within the Coral Coast area, check with local visitor centres for opening hours and locations.