Lake Douglas Recreation Reserve

Lake Douglas Recreation Reserve is a free 72-hour rest stop on the edge of Binduli, about 15 minutes southwest of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and it is one of the rare free camps on the goldfields run that genuinely allows dogs. You get gravel and bush camping beside a usually-dry salt lakebed, open flat ground for on-lead walks, and rangers who enforce the rules, which cuts both ways for dog owners.

Dogs at the Lake Douglas Recreation Reserve

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and restrained at all times, and they stay within the designated campground areas. Waste is collected immediately and disposed of in the refuse areas provided. City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder rangers patrol the reserve and can issue move-on directions for non-compliance, so the leash rule has no exceptions here. The stay limit is 72 hours in any five-day period, and the site suits self-contained rigs: long-drop toilets and picnic tables are provided, but there is no potable water, no showers, no power, no fires at any time, and generators and amplified music are banned. No clothing can be hung outside.

Worth knowing

The lake itself is usually a dry salt lakebed. If water stands after heavy rain it can be salty or carry bacteria, so do not let the dog drink from it. Shade is close to nil, so bring your own shade structure and more water than you think you need. Snakes are active in the warmer months; keep dogs on the tracks and away from the bush margins. The ground is very hard, so pack sturdy pegs if you are pitching a tent or awning.

Getting there and parking

Turn off the Great Eastern Highway near the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway junction and follow the 72 Hour Rest Stop signage onto the gravel. Access is 2WD-friendly and suits caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes, with level parking on open ground.

Close by with the dogs

In Kalgoorlie itself, the Kalgoorlie Arboretum Dog Exercise Area gives your dog a dedicated exercise space inside 26 hectares of bushland, and the Grant Road Reserve Fenced Dog Park in Somerville is the fenced option for a proper off-lead stretch. For a powered base in town, Discovery Parks Kalgoorlie Goldfields takes dogs on selected sites and cabins.

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

Max: rangers patrol this ground and the leash rule has no exceptions. Keep the lead clipped on from the moment you step out, and carry every litre of water the dog will drink.