Pelican Point Beach

Pelican Point Beach runs along the calm western shore of the Leschenault Inlet in Bunbury's Pelican Point suburb, and the reason dog owners come is the water: shallow, glassy estuary shallows that stay paddle-safe for even small dogs across the tide cycle, with a paved foreshore path following the whole stretch.

Leash status

The City of Bunbury lists Pelican Point among its designated dog exercise areas, so dogs can be off-lead here under effective control, meaning in sight and responding to your voice. The boundaries are not endless, though: check the signage at the San Marino Promenade entries before you unclip, keep your dog out of the mangrove fringes where the shorebirds feed, and expect the usual exclusions around the playground and any organised events on the reserve. Bags and bins are generally available in the adjacent parks.

Water and terrain

The inlet side is nothing like the ocean beaches around the Bunbury lighthouse. There is no surf to speak of, the bottom slopes gently, and the shallows extend a long way out, which suits waders, nervous swimmers and ball-chasers alike. The foreshore path is flat, sealed and pram-friendly, looping through parkland with picnic tables, BBQs and public toilets, and Pirate Playground sits nearby for mixed dog-and-kids outings. The Pelican Point Loop gives you a flat 3.7 kilometre circuit of water views if you want the walk to outlast the swim.

Max: give the mangroves a wide berth. The birds that roost and feed there are the reason parts of this shoreline stay off-limits.

Getting there and parking

From Bunbury, follow Old Coast Road and turn into Pelican Point along San Marino Promenade; paved parking sits near the corner of San Marino Promenade and Lerici Circle, a short walk from the sand. Buses do not really serve the point, so most people drive, but cyclists and walkers can reach it on the coastal path network from the Bunbury town centre.

Worth knowing

Shade is scarce along the open foreshore, so in the warmer months aim for morning or bring your own shelter. Sunset is the local favourite, with the water picking up the light over the inlet. Because the boundaries here follow conservation zones as well as council lines, re-read the signage occasionally rather than assuming last year's layout still applies.

While you're out there

Dome Cafe - Bunbury Koombana Bay is the easy post-walk coffee on the harbour side, Benesse Australind works if you are heading north, and Lions Park Fenced Dog Park covers the off-lead fix if you want a fully enclosed run. For an overnight base, Australind Holiday Park and Discovery Parks - Bunbury Foreshore both take dogs.

More options are on the Western Australia dog-friendly trails guide and the Pelican Point destination page.