Alexandra Bridge Campground

Alexandra Bridge Campground is a rustic, first-come-first-served bush camp on the Blackwood River off Brockman Highway, about 25 km from Augusta. Dogs are welcome throughout the campground on leash, which makes this one of the few riverside options in a region where most national park camping is off limits to pets.

Dogs at the campground

Dogs are permitted on the campsites and caravan spots but must stay on a lead at all times within the campground, and standard campground etiquette applies: clean up after your dog, manage barking and keep them under control around other campers and wildlife. There is no separate pet fee.

The site runs on self-registration through an honesty box, with the shire's fee schedule listing around $15 per adult per night and a lesser rate for children. Bring cash for the box and check the posted rates on arrival, since fees change between seasons.

The place

Around 21 shaded, gravel-based sites sit among bush with flushing toilets, a cold open-air shower, potable water, picnic tables and fire pits. There are no powered sites and minimal phone signal, so pack for self-sufficiency, including your own water bowl and waste bags since there are no pet-specific amenities.

Max: keep the lead on around the river bank, the current can be stronger than it looks and there is no fencing between sites and the water.

The vibe

This suits owners wanting a low-key, budget riverside base for a leashed dog, happy to rough it a little. The Blackwood River runs right alongside, with a boat ramp area good for an on-lead riverbank walk, plus swimming, canoeing and fishing for the humans.

Getting there and out there

The campground is off Brockman Highway between Karridale and the coast. Augusta is about 25 minutes away for a dog beach or cafe day trip, and nearby national park areas do not allow dogs, so check signage before wandering off the campground.

After the river, the Augusta Dog Beach gives your dog a proper swim, Glenarty Road at Karridale makes a lunch stop, and Redgate Forest Retreat is an alternative base further north.

Worth knowing

No bookings are taken, so arrive earlier on weekends and holidays, and aim for a weekday in the cooler months when the shaded bush sites and river walks are most comfortable for dogs.

More options are on the WA dog friendly stays guide and the Alexandra Bridge destination page.