Augusta Dog beach

Augusta Dog Beach is the sandy off-leash stretch of Flinders Bay running from the surfer's lookout on Albany Terrace towards the Flinders Bay Holiday Park. The bay is sheltered and shallow, suiting paddlers more than surf dogs, and the Shire's boat ramp and swimming zone sit fenced off just up the beach.

Leash status

This stretch is a designated off-leash exercise area under the Shire of Augusta Margaret River's rules, with dogs under effective voice control the whole time. The zone runs between the surfer's lookout and the bend where Albany Terrace turns west, and it does not extend into the main Flinders Bay swimming area, the boat ramp precinct or the Leeuwin Road beach further along, all of which are off-limits to dogs.

Keep the lead on in the car park and on the path down to the sand, and clip it back on near the boat ramp or the marked swimming area. Bins are not guaranteed at every access point, so carry your own bags.

Water and terrain

Flinders Bay is generally calm with a soft sandy bottom and none of the swell that hits the ocean-facing beaches further south. Low tide opens up a wide flat run for fetch, while high tide pushes the water to the vegetation line and narrows the usable sand considerably, so time your visit around the tide if your dog needs room to run.

Max: clip the leash back on well before the boat ramp. The boundary between the off-leash sand and the no-dogs swimming zone is not always obvious until you are right on top of the signage.

Getting there and parking

From the town centre, head south on Blackwood Avenue then follow Albany Terrace towards Flinders Bay; the off-leash stretch starts not far along. Street parking along Albany Terrace is free and generally easy outside peak summer weeks, and it is a flat 15 to 20 minute foreshore walk from town if you would rather leave the car.

Worth knowing

Facilities directly on the beach are minimal, so bring your own water and shade for a longer stay. The Flinders Bay Holiday Park next door takes dogs on caravan and camp sites seasonally, roughly mid September to mid May, if you want to stay rather than day-trip.

When to go

Early morning before 8am and the last couple of hours before sunset are the quietest windows and when most locals bring their dogs. School holidays and the December to March summer stretch bring more visitors to the whole bay, so aim for shoulder season or early starts if you want space.

While you're out there

The Colourpatch Cafe on Albany Terrace has a small outdoor area that welcomes dogs and looks across Hardy Inlet, a good dry-off stop after a swim. Further along the coast, Glenarty Road at Karridale is a working farm cellar door to pair with a beach morning.

More options are on the Western Australia dog beaches guide and the Augusta destination page.