GET WET WITH YOUR FUR BABY
Traveling with a pet? We have put together A list of Places where sloppy kisses are welcome.
DONGARA TOURIST PARK
At Dongara Tourist Park we love pets. Not only are our powered and unpowered sites dog-friendly, but we also offer pet-friendly cabins. To make a stay enjoyable for everyone, some common-sense rules apply:
- Dogs cannot be left alone and must always be kept on a lead.
- No one likes to step into poo or smell it from the garden beds. Your dog’s droppings MUST be picked up immediately. Doggy poo bags are available at reception and the ablutions block.
- Dogs are not permitted in any of the park buildings, the BBQ area or in the cabins (unless with prior approval) and please do not wash your dog in the shower block.
- Please do not wash their blankets in the laundry either as the excess hair blocks the machines drains and leads to costly repairs.
DONGARA – PORT DENISON
Dog exercise area, off lead – Town Oval
Dog exercise area, on lead – We love the walk along the Irwin River. There is so much to explore, sniff out and pee on under the big shady trees. You can follow the Irwin River down on one side and back the other, with refreshing splash spots from the canoe launch pad and the sandbar, that separates the river from the ocean.
The Denison Foreshore from the port, along the Anzac memorial trail adjacent to Ocean Drive boasts great vistas towards the Indian Ocean, the Irwin estuary and the twin towns – another favourite!
Dog friendly beaches, off lead – Our dogs love to sniff out the sea weeds that congregate at times on the northern end of South Beach and roll in gawd-knows-what. There is a great cliff walk from the northern end of the beach to the Obelisk. Keep your eyes open for sea urchins, left over meals from our local seagulls, dogs seem to find them irresistible – crunchy snacks.
Other suitable beaches are Town Beach and Nun’s Pool.
Please note that the area in front of the South Beach car park and the Surf Life Saving Club to 200m south where the cars enter onto the beach is surf patrolled during holidays and busy with cars accessing the beach, hence a no-puppy zone.
Dog friendly beaches, on lead – Port Denison Marina
Nature Walks, on lead – The Thungarra Trails offer some exciting walks. Our favourite one takes you around the Irwin River: shady groves, lookouts, places to hide! And heaps of cafes to quench your thirst along the way. Another one starts at the Obelisk and takes you along Point Leander Drive and onto Ocean Drive toward the estuary and back along the beach passing the ANZAC soldiers and several great lookouts. Ask at reception for trail maps.
Heritage Trail, on lead – The 4km Dongara Heritage Walk is great with lots of historic buildings, landmarks and some great murals detailed in a walking guide. Ask reception for a flyer or the 34-page Heritage Walk book with the best stories, the town has to offer.
Historical Museums with pet tie ups outside – For even more history, check out the Irwin District Museum & Police Station on Waldeck Street or the 1881 Russ Cottage, on the corner of Pt Leander Dve and St Dominicans Rd, and the Mini-Maritime Museum at the Pack Out Room of the Geraldton Fisherman’s Co-Op Building (Old Crayfish Factory) on the northern end of the Foreshore. Most museums open daily from 10am – 12pm.
Family Fun, on lead – Check out the Dongara Markets, every 1st Saturday of each month at Town Park, the local Op Shop on Moreton Tce for dress up rehearsals and any of the cool arts & crafts stores. There is even a sports store for additional family fun essentials. Most of them have a tie up point and a water bowl outside their shop.
ORGANISED TOURS
Illegal Tender Rum Co Distillery & The Common Place – head out for a tour and tasting of their locally produced Illegal Tender Rum, their Stableviews Gin and grab a bite to eat at The Common Place. Check their website or give them a call for their latest tour and opening times as things can change depending on the weather. They’ll even let you tie your dog up outside under a shady tree. Illyarrie Rd, Springfield / 99 272 555 / www.illegaltenderrumco.com
New Leaf Connect – Our local on-land tour provider. They offer a range of half and full day trips. While they can’t take dogs on board, they will accommodate pick ups and drop offs at the local vets to allow the use of their Doggy Day-care. Check out their website or give them a call for the latest tours on offer: www.newleafconnect.com.au / 0474 922 552
Ocean Addiction Charters – Launching in 2022, they offer fishing and crayfishing charters from Port Denison. Make good use of the Doggy Day-care to jump on board with them too. Check out their website, www.oceanaddictioncharters.com.au or give them a call, Dan – 0400 244 705 / Kate – 0408 246 230
DOG FRIENDLY CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Here is number of tested venues. Please always announce, that you are planning to “sit in” with a furry friend.
Dongara Hotel – Breakfast, lunch & dinner in classical pub atmosphere. The outside garden is suitable for a well-behaved dogs. 12 Moreton Tce / 08 9927 1023
Pannarai Café & Restaurant – Café during the day. Restaurant at night for Dine in or Takeaway. Very cute back yard café! The garden can accommodate dogs. 38 Moreton Tce / 0491 834 400
Poppies Café – Great coffees, be sure to check out their naughty box! Grab a snack and share it with Fangs on the park bench outside the cafe or under the Moreton Bay Tree. Pt Leander Drive
Port Store Take Away – Best Fish and Chips in town. Enjoy your meal in the park and shelter sheds across the road. 52 Pt Leander Drive / 089927 1030
Starfish Café – Situated at White Top Road in the South Beach carpark. Enjoy a morning tea or a short walk from us on south beach. Open seasonally for breakfast and lunch, Thursday to Sunday. White Tops Drive / 0474 382 672
Southerly’s Harbour View Restaurant & Bar – Great place for scallops, lobster, and seafood at times served with live entertainment! Dogs allowed in the outside patio. 60 Pt Leander Drive / 08 9927 2207
ADVENTURES IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS
There is a lot to see for history buffs as well as nature lovers. Discover our backyard and its best kept secrets!
Central Greenough Historic Settlement – The town was established from 1863 and 1913 and is a must see, especially the school and the police station. The café is renowned for scones and tasting local whiskey (adults only). Dogs allowed between the historic buildings and in the cafe garden.
Off the Brand Highway 45kms north of Dongara.
Greenough Museum & Gardens – A great example of pioneer living, surrounded by beautiful gardens with history from Aboriginal times to today. With the caretakers permission you may find a shady spot to tether your friend in the garden.
Phillips Road, Greenough on the Brand Highway 50kms north of Dongara.
Walkaway Alanta Windfarm – Between Walkaway and Ellendale Pool on Nangetty-Walkaway Road. 50km north of Dongara, turn off just south of Greenough onto Showground Road.
Ellendale Pool – Stunning water hole formed along the picturesque Greenough River. It is surrounded by magnificent gum trees and a rocky gorge. Bbq and picnic facilties available.
62km north of Dongara, turn off just south of Greenough.
Greenough River Trail – This 17-kilometre flat loop offers a mix of coastal vegetation and beautiful river views. Allow at least four hours and take plenty of water. Signage shows maps of the route at various points. Mountain bikes permitted – Greenough River Road, Cape Burney. 55km north of Dongara.
HANDY CONTACTS
- Veterinary Clinic Dongara, Pt Leander Drive, 08 9927 1329
- Doggy Day-Care & Dog Wash both available here, 08 9927 1329
- Hounds Hilton, Boarding Kennel, 33103 Brand Highway, South Greenough, 0406 623 443
WHAT TO BRING – THE BASICS, THE WEIRD & THE WONDERFUL
This list is by no means complete, but a good start 🙂
- Collapsible food and drink bowl
- Sun Cream, Doggles
- Surf / Boogie Boards
- Long lead, sand anchor
- Food, water (for traveling)
- Dog blanket
- Balls, ropes, favourite toys
- …