Halls Head Dog Beach

Halls Head Dog Beach, known locally as Doddi's, sits on the corner of Halls Head Parade and Mary Street in Mandurah, a sheltered stretch of clean sand and calm, shallow water that the City of Mandurah lists as an official dog exercise area.

The rules. Check the signage on arrival, as off-leash zones and exercise-area boundaries can be seasonal. Keep your dog under voice control at all times, and leash up before you're on the beach or reserve itself. Restricted or dangerous breeds must be muzzled and on-leash throughout. Pick up waste straight away, and socialise your dog before letting it off the lead since not every dog on the beach wants frantic play.

What's there. Poo bag dispensers are on site, and there is some shaded seating on the grassy banks above the sand. Bring your own water bowl and drinking water, since the taps are not always working. There is no lighting, so plan on a daylight visit.

Getting there. Free street parking is available around Halls Head Parade but fills quickly on summer weekends. Transperth buses run along the main Mandurah roads with a short walk to the coast from the nearest stop. It's a short drive from Mandurah city centre.

The water. The beach is shallow and calm, good for dogs that like to wade or swim, especially at low tide. High tide narrows the dry sand considerably, so time your visit if your dog needs room to run.

Nearby with the dogs. Todd's Cafe and Spill the Beans at Seascapes both do outdoor seating for dogs after a beach visit, and Wood & Stone Cafe has an outdoor area too. For a stay, Ocean Blue Halls Head Beach Front and Halls Head Beach Haven both take dogs, and Mandurah Quay Resort often has pet-friendly rooms in a quieter spot up the coast.

Weekday mornings or late afternoons on a low tide are the calmest times to visit. Weekends from 8 to 10am and from 4pm onwards get busy, so aim either side of that if your dog prefers open space.

Sources

• City of Mandurah Dog Exercise Areas · mandurah.wa.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.