Visiting Albany with your Dog
Planning a holiday in Albany with your four-legged friend? There are plenty of ways to enjoy Kinjarling/Albany together. Albany is blessed with beautiful historical buildings, quirky streets, outdoor dining that welcomes dogs and stunning beaches perfect for walking your pooch. The town has a scale and a pace that suits dogs perfectly.
Please note: Always check signs on site as dog access and leash requirements can vary between locations. In general, dogs must be on a leash in town areas, including paths, trails and parks, unless the area is specifically designated as a dog exercise area.
Historic City Centre
Dog Rock
A rock that looks like a dog! Yakkan Toort or Dog Rock is a large, natural granite outcrop that is located along Middleton Road not far from the city centre. The local Menang people call the rock Yacka which means "wild dog tamed"; it is thought to be an ancient territorial boundary marker. Capture a shot of your dog with Dog Rock!
Albany Heritage Park
Spanning across Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide, the park combines history, spectacular coastal views and dog-friendly walking trails right in the heart of Albany. The Albany Heritage Park sites include:
Mt Clarence & Desert Corps Memorial
Princess Royal Fortress
National Anzac Centre
Please note: Explore the grounds, trails and exterior of heritage buildings with your pet on-leash, taking turns entering buildings and attractions while someone stays with your dog.
Albany’s Historic Precinct
Discover Albany’s fascinating history on a self-guided walking tour of the city centre. Major attractions and museums include:
Patrick Taylor Cottage
Brig Amity
Old Convict Gaol
Museum of the Great Southern
For more ideas, pick up a copy of Landmarks & Laneways from the Albany Visitor Centre or find it online here.
Please note: Enjoy the surrounding grounds and streets together with your pooch, then take turns entering the museums and other buildings where dogs are not permitted.
East of Albany
Chainsaw Sculptures
Stop by the outdoor sculpture gallery and view the impressive works carved out with a chainsaw. See how many sculptures you can find, we believe the number is over 150. Stay in your car on a drive-through experience, pets are also welcome to accompany you.
Wattierup/Oyster Harbour Fish Traps
Discover some of the Menang Noongar culture and history at the site of the ancient fish traps. There is a boardwalk with interpretative signage and a scenic bush trail that leads to the King River bridge picnic area which you can enjoy with your pooch.
Beaches
Albany has some stunning beaches, perfect for you and your dog to stretch your legs. Leash rules vary from beach to beach so please check signage or see information for Albany’s dog exercise areas here.
For further information about Albany’s beaches, facilities and conditions please click here.
| Off-leash Beaches |
On-leash Beaches |
| Surfers Beach carpark to Firth Street, Emu Point |
Emu Point |
| Emu Point: marina-side where signposted |
Middleton Beach |
| Ledge Beach |
Frenchman Bay |
| Cosy Corner |
Nannarup: cove side |
| Whalers Cove |
|
| Muttonbird Beach |
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| Nannarup: west of the Taylor Inlet |
|
Walks
Albany has an excellent selection of coastal and bushland walks. For more information on walks, distances and difficulty ratings, see 10 Great Walks
Always carry water, keep your dog under control and follow local signs and leash requirements.
The following walks from our 10 Great Walks guide are suitable for exploring with your dog and designated on-leash areas.
Ellen Cove boardwalk
Enjoy spectacular coastal views along the shared walking and cycling path. The 3km section from Middleton Beach to the Ataturk memorial is the most scenic, however the path does extend all the way to Emu Point.
Tjuitgelling/Lake Seppings
A peaceful 3km circuit through shady trees and wetlands, good for spotting local birdlife. The track is relatively flat and well formed.
Luke Pen Kalgan River Walk
A shady trail that closely follows the bank of the Kalgan River. 12km return walk, this is a beautiful option for wildflowers, birds and an energetic dog.
Uredale Point Heritage Trail
A 5km circuit beginning at Whalers Cove, this trail involves some steep rocky sections and some beach walking.
Albany Wind Farm
Enjoy the spectacular coastline from the Albany Wind Farm. There is a 2km circuit of pavement and boardwalk which will takes you beneath one of the turbines, to the impressive coastal cliffs and back to the carpark. For a longer walk, continue along the coastal path in the direction of Muttonbird Beach. Be aware that walking in the other direction, the trail continues into the Tordirrup National Park where dogs are not permitted.
Tips for Visiting the Torndirrup Peninsula
The Torndirrup Peninsula is home to two of Albany's most visited attractions, the Torndirrup National Park and Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, and provides access to some beautiful beaches.
Only registered service animals are permitted in the National Park and museum, however you may still be able to enjoy the area with these few tips below.
Torndirrup National Park
Drive straight through to dog-friendly Frenchman Bay and take turns shuttling back and forth the short distance to the sites within the Torndirrup National Park, the Gap & Natural Bridge, Stony Hill and Misery Beach.
Albany’s Historic Whaling Station
Drive straight through to the Whaling Station and enjoy the dog-friendly beach in front of the parking area, great for a walk if taking turns visiting the museum.
Alternatively, you can come in and out of the museum to check on pets left in vehicles. Please be aware of weather conditions and ensure windows are left open if leaving animals in cars.
Eating Out with your Dog
Many Albany cafes and restaurants welcome dogs in their outdoor dining areas.
Drop into the Albany Visitor Centre and pick up a copy of our Dining Out Guide for further details.
For a locally made brew at a relaxed outdoor venue, see the list below:
| The Barrel Farm |
| Dune Beer Co |
| Limeburners & Ginversity |
| Wilson Brew House |
Please note: As pet policies can change, it's always a good idea to check with the venue before setting out.
Dog Sitters and Kennels
If planning to visit a National Park and looking for day-sitting or kennel options for your dog, there are a number of businesses listed below.
| Ulster Road Kennels |
(08) 9841 1181 |
| Pampered Pets |
0472 734 604 |
| Albany Pet Care |
0439 820 995 |
| Essential K9 |
0447 771 331 |
| Willows Country Catter |
(08) 9842 5956 or 0403 321 571 |
| Madpaws Petminding |
madpaws.com.au/petminding/albany-wa |