Author: Amanda Carlin

Rockingham is a paw-fect paradise for dog lovers looking to explore the region with their furry friends in tow. Whether you’re visiting Rockingham for the day or even planning a longer pet-friendly stay, there is plenty to do in this beautiful coastal destination. From cafes with special menus especially for pups, to scenic trails and beaches where your dog can sniff, swim and play, we have all the information you need to know in our guide to the best dog-friendly spots in Rockingham.

Dog-Friendly Dining in Rockingham

Credit: Ostro Eatery (FB)

Ostro Eatery
Located right on the Rockingham Foreshore, Ostro Eatery is more than just a tasty location for humans. The beachside brunch and lunch spot has a Puppy Menu to treat your four-legged mates, offering a range of doggy delights like “woofles”. These dog friendly waffles with lactose free whipped cream, blueberries and banana are sure to be wolfed down by your woofer. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, making it easy to enjoy your meal with your best mate by your side.

Jaffleato
Foodies flock to this quirky café in the heart of Rockingham. Jaffleato serves up the best of both worlds – gourmet jaffles and gelato! While you devour a decadent jaffle, your dog can chill with you in their outdoor area. The dog-crazy (and very friendly) staff will probably even want to take a pic of your pooch. Plus, dogs will lap up their special “Doggochinos” with warm lactose free milk, and liver sprinkles!

Rustico Tapas & Wine Bar
The ever-popular Rustico Tapas & Wine Bar’s relaxed vibe extends to its dog-friendly garden bar. Nestled along the leafy foreshore, it’s the perfect spot to share gourmet tapas (think fresh oysters, fried goats cheese, pork belly bites, and so much more) with your friends. They’ve got water bowls on hand for dogs, and with the beach just a stone’s throw away, it’s ideal for a post-walkies lunch.

Brother of Mine
Located in the heart of Baldivis, Brother of Mine offers up more than top notch coffee and brunch – the beloved cafe serves puppaccinos too! The café’s outdoor seating is dog-friendly, and their staff are known to be particularly welcoming to canine guests. It’s a top spot to tuck into a pit smoked pork eggs benedict, or pavlova pancakes with your pooch in tow. 

Steeltree
Another gem in Baldivis, Steel Tree boasts a large leafy outdoor area that’s perfect for dogs. With plenty of shade and water bowls, it’s a great spot to tuck into a Modern Australian meal or coffee while your dog lounges beside you. The friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed by dog owners’ breakfast, lunch or dinner, so be sure to relax with a bite to eat or a tipple or two under the trees.

Café Barco
A proud supporter of the K9 Rescue Group, Café Barco in Safety Bay is a must-visit for dog lovers. If you love your morning coffee with an ocean view, the caring café has an outdoor area where dogs are more than welcome to sit. The staff are passionate about dogs, and your pup might even make a new friend or two, while you tuck into a tasty breakfast or lunch.

Pengo’s Café
Take your puppy to Pengo’s Cafe! This Shoalwater spot overlooks pretty Penguin Island. Pengo’s is a fantastic place for a post-beach brunch or yummy fish and chips for lunch. Their relaxed outdoor area is dog-friendly and has sweeping ocean views, making Pengo’s Café perfect to unwind with your pet after a day of exploring the sand and sea.

Surfing Lizard Café
Located in Secret Harbour, Surfing Lizard Café is a favourite casual dining spot amongst local dog owners. This beachside café welcomes dogs in their outdoor seating area, where your pup can enjoy the fresh sea breeze in its fur, while you savour a delicious breakfast or lunch. The café has dog water tanks and bowls, plus is just a short walk from the Secret Harbour Dog Beach, making it an ideal stop before or after fun on the sand.

Dog-Friendly Rockingham Beaches & Trails

Cape Peron
The combination of sandy beaches and bush trails at Cape Peron provides a variety of terrains for you and your dog to explore together. The 2.4km Cape Peron Loop Trail takes you along rugged limestone cliffs, where you’ll see Garden Island, plus historic WWII guns and bunkers.  Keep your eyes peeled and you may even spot a sealion or dolphin! After walkies, treat yourself to a hot coffee and fresh bake from the retro Vanilla Sprinkles Coffee Van.

Lake Walyungup
This 5.8km trail around Lake Walyungup is ideal for dogs. The flat, circular trail around the salt lake is perfect for a leisurely walk, and the surrounding bushland is home to plenty of interesting scents and sights for your dog to sniff out. Walyungup means “place where Noongars talk” in the local indigenous language.

Lake Richmond
A peaceful spot with a scenic trail, Lake Richmond offers an on-lead experience where your dog can wander beside you and soak up plenty of nature. The lake’s natural features include ancient Thrombolites, plus plenty of birdlife including pelicans, black swans, white-faced heron and more, which you’re sure to spot on the lake’s 3km loop trail.

Rockingham Dog Beach
This dedicated dog beach is a haven for canines. With plenty of space to run and swim, it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike – particularly as the water is often shallow and calm. The beach is well-maintained, and there are plenty of bins to keep it clean.

Singleton Foreshore
Another great beach-hopping option, Singleton Foreshore, allows dogs to be off-lead. The spacious beach, found on Bight Reefs Road, often has gentle waves that make it a favourite for dogs that enjoy a good old splash in the sea.

Secret Harbour Dog Beach
A bit further south, Secret Harbour Dog Beach is an off-lead area where your dog can enjoy the sand and surf. The beach is less crowded than some of the more central spots, offering a more relaxed environment for you and your pet pooch to play.

Warnbro Dog Beach
Warnbro Dog Beach, found between St Malo Cove and Capella Pass, is another off-lead beach that’s very popular with dog walkers. The long stretch of sand gives your dog plenty of room to run and roam, and the clear waters are perfect for a swim at any time of year.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Rockingham

Yaran Suites
For those looking to extend their day in Rockingham, Yaran Suites allows pets to stay in their well-appointed apartments, that have all the comforts of home. Their convenient location means you’re never far from a good walk or cafe. The self-contained suites, some which include park view balconies, sleep up to four people.

Cee & See Caravan Park
A budget-friendly option for those traveling with dogs, Cee & See Caravan Park offers easy access to local beaches and parks. This caravan park is perfectly positioned, with pet-friendly powered van sites right opposite a dog beach! The relaxed, community atmosphere is welcoming to dogs, and there’s plenty of space for them to stretch their legs at the park – they even have a dog wash bath for their four-legged guests to use.

Pet-Friendly Holiday Homes in Rockingham
Looking for a home away from home? There are plenty of pet-friendly holiday homes available to rent in the Rockingham area, ranging from beautiful beachfront properties to cosy suburban cottages. These options provide the flexibility to enjoy a comfortable stay with your dog, many include fenced back yards and nearby dog friendly beaches and walking trails.

Tips for Visiting Rockingham with Your Dog

Pack essentials including water bowl, food, and a bed to make them feel at home wherever you go.

Check the rules – some parks, trails and beaches have specific on or off-lead areas, so make sure to read the signs to keep your dog safe and within the rules. And be sure to use dog poo bags to clean up after your dog.

Respect local wildlife – Rockingham is home to plenty of native wildlife. Keep your dog on a lead in areas where wildlife is present to avoid any unwanted encounters.

Always have fresh water available for your dog, especially after a swim or long walk.

Rockingham is a pawsitively perfect destination for dog lovers, offering a range of dining, walking, and accommodation options that are perfect for you and your furry friends to enjoy together at any time of the year.

See you, and your dog soon in Rockingham!

Photo Credit: Jaffleato