Hillarys Dog Beach

Hillarys Dog Beach, also known as Whitfords Dog Beach, sits on Northshore Drive in Kallaroo, right next to Hillarys Boat Harbour, and it's one of the busiest off-leash beaches in the City of Joondalup thanks to calm, shallow water and a long stretch of clean sand.

The rules. Dogs can run off-leash on the sand but must be under effective voice control at all times. The off-leash zone is bounded, dogs need to stay within it and are not permitted on the neighbouring Whitfords and Mullaloo beaches. Keep dogs on-leash while crossing the car park and reserve on the way in and out. Owners are required to clean up after their dogs, and bags and bins are provided at the entry points.

What's there. A free gravel car park sits right off Northshore Drive. There's a freshwater shower or dog wash near the entrance for rinsing off sand and salt, bench seating along the dunes, and rubbish bins at the main access points.

The water and terrain. The beach is sandy with no rocks, and the water stays relatively calm and shallow, which suits dogs that like to swim as much as ones that just want a paddle. Low tide opens up more wet sand for running if your dog prefers firm ground.

Getting there. Turn off Whitfords Avenue onto Northshore Drive and follow it to the car park at the end. Bus routes 441 and 442 run from Whitfords Station and stop on Hepburn Avenue or Marmion Avenue, leaving a short walk in. The coastal path from Sorrento Quay also connects through on foot.

Nearby with the dogs. Alleycats Espresso at Sorrento Quay is a solid coffee stop with outdoor seating for dogs, and Lot One Kitchen on Angove Drive is another dog-friendly option with water bowls out for pups. The Spanish Guest House on Cook Avenue takes dogs overnight if you're staying the weekend.

Early mornings before 9am and weekdays are quietest. Summer evenings between 4pm and 6pm draw a crowd, and weekend mornings fill the car park fast, so get there early if you want a spot close to the sand.

Sources

• City of Joondalup dog exercise areas · joondalup.wa.gov.au

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