Dog-Friendly Preston Beach: Beach Rules, Dog Walks And Day Trips
Preston Beach looks made for dogs: a long, quiet beach, a small town with little traffic and space everywhere you look. It can be a brilliant dog holiday, but the local rules are more nuanced than most visitors expect. The national park that surrounds the town is closed to pets and baited for foxes, the beach is shared with four-wheel drives and anglers, and the official information on leads is not perfectly consistent. This guide explains what we found, where your dog can and cannot go, and how to plan a relaxed stay with them.
Key Takeaway
Dogs can enjoy Preston Beach itself, but Yalgorup National Park, the Waroona Show and the Drakesbrook Weir foreshore are all off limits. Visit Waroona says dogs are welcome on the beach under control, while the Shire's formal policy only lists off-leash areas in Waroona and Hamel, so keep your dog on a lead unless the Shire confirms otherwise. For signed dog beaches, the Shire of Harvey lists beach exercise areas at Myalup and Binningup to the south.
Three Rules To Know Before You Arrive
These come from the Shire of Waroona and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
1No pets in Yalgorup: DBCA does not permit pets in national parks, and 1080 fox baiting is ongoing.
2Leads in public places: The Shire requires dogs on a lead in public places except designated exercise areas.
3No dogs near kids' areas: Visit Waroona says dogs are not allowed in playgrounds or within a few metres of barbecues and picnic tables.
A Good Dog Day At Preston Beach
Build the day around the dog's energy and the heat, not a checklist.
1Early beach walk: Before the vehicles and anglers spread out and before the sand heats up.
2Rest at the house: Shade, water and a nap while you take turns on a national park walk.
3Late sniff and stroll: A short beach or street walk at sunset, lead on as the kangaroos come out.
Why Preston Beach Suits A Holiday With Your Dog
Preston Beach is small. The Shire of Waroona describes a settlement of about 400 lots and 185 permanent residents, 124 kilometres south of Perth, bounded by the Indian Ocean, Lake Preston and Yalgorup National Park. Tourism Western Australia describes it as a laidback beachside community with vast stretches of white sand and rolling dunes.
For a dog owner, that scale is the appeal. There is little traffic, no busy esplanade and a beach long enough that you can nearly always find a quiet stretch. Tourism WA also mentions calm waters that suit families with young children, which usually means gentler conditions for a dog paddling at the edge too, although that always depends on the day.
It is also close enough to Perth, at around 1 hour 25 minutes, that a weekend with the dog in the car is realistic without an exhausting drive.
The trade-off is that the town sits inside a sensitive conservation area. Understanding where the park begins and what the Shire expects of dog owners is the difference between a relaxed stay and an awkward conversation with a ranger.
A quiet beach and a small town make Preston Beach easy with a dog, as long as you respect the national park boundary.
What The Rules Say About Dogs On Preston Beach
We checked every official source we could find, and they do not line up perfectly, so it is worth setting them out plainly.
The Shire of Waroona's rangers page says dogs must be kept on a leash in all public places except dog exercise areas. That page lists Panorama Drive, Preston Beach, among its off-leash areas. However, the Shire's formal policy on dog exercise and prohibited areas, adopted in May 2024, lists only four exercise areas, all in Waroona and Hamel, and does not mention Preston Beach at all. A March 2024 report in the Harvey Reporter said the Shire had removed the old exercise area at the Preston Beach recreation reserve because it was no longer suitable, and had not found a replacement nearby.
Separately, the Visit Waroona tourism FAQ says dogs are welcome on the beach, typically off-leash, but must be under control.
Our practical reading is simple. Dogs are welcome at Preston Beach, but you should keep yours on a lead unless you have confirmed with the Shire that off-leash is allowed where you are. Call Ranger Services on 08 9733 7800 on weekdays before your trip, and look for signs at the beach access. Even where off-leash is tolerated, the Shire expects a dog to be under effective control at all times.
When in doubt, lead onA lead costs you nothing on a quiet beach and protects your dog from vehicles, fishing gear and wildlife. It also keeps you on the right side of the Shire's rules.
Where The Lead Must Stay On
Some places are clear-cut. The main beach access at the end of Preston Beach Road has a car park, a children's playground with lawn and shade trees, free electric barbecues and an ablution block, according to the Shire. Visit Waroona says dogs are not allowed in children's playgrounds or within a few metres of barbecues and picnic tables. Keep the dog leashed and walk around those areas rather than through them.
The car park is also where four-wheel drives drop their tyre pressures and head onto the sand. It is the busiest point on the whole beach, so a lead there is sensible regardless of the rules.
In the streets of the town, treat every public area as on-lead. That includes verges, reserves and the area around the General Store.
Anywhere near the national park boundary, keep the dog close and on lead. Baits are laid inside the park, and a dog that wanders off a track can end up where it should not be very quickly.
Beach Walks With Your Dog: Timing And Etiquette
The best dog walks at Preston Beach are early. The beach is quiet, the sand is cool, and there are fewer vehicles and people fishing. It is also when the light over the water is at its best, so it suits you as much as the dog.
Walk away from the main access point. Heading north or south along the sand for 15 to 20 minutes usually gets you away from the car park activity. Visit Waroona says beach driving is permitted in both directions with a 30km/h limit, so stay on the firmer sand near the water, keep the dog on your side away from wheel tracks and step aside for vehicles.
Give anglers a wide berth. Preston Beach is well known for fishing, and a curious dog near bait buckets, lines and landed fish can create problems for everyone. Keep your dog close as you pass and do not let it investigate fishing gear.
Pick up after your dog every time, including on the sand, and carry bags in your pocket rather than leaving them at the car. Other dogs will be out too, so ask before letting dogs meet.
Beach Hazards For Dogs
A few hazards are specific to a fishing and four-wheel-drive beach.
Vehicles
Cars and utes share the sand. Dogs that chase wheels or sit in tracks are at real risk. Lead on near traffic.
Hooks and bait
Discarded hooks, line, bait and fish frames can be swallowed. Watch what your dog picks up along the tide line.
Heat
Dry sand can get very hot from late spring. Walk early or late, and test the sand with your hand.
Salt water
Dogs that drink sea water can get sick. Carry fresh water and a bowl on every walk.
Watch the water too. Only let your dog paddle when conditions are calm, keep swims short and never let a dog swim out after birds or a ball in rough conditions.
Finally, check your dog over after each beach session for grass seeds, cuts on the pads and anything caught in the coat. A rinse in fresh water helps with salt and sand.
Yalgorup National Park: Why Your Dog Must Stay Out
This is the most important rule in the area. DBCA states that pets are not permitted in national parks, and its Yalgorup pages warn of an ongoing 1080 baiting program to control foxes and feral cats. DBCA says plainly that 1080 is poisonous to humans and will kill domestic cats and dogs.
That applies to every Yalgorup trail and site near Preston Beach, including the Heathlands and Lake Pollard walks, the Lake Clifton thrombolites and the Lime Kiln trail. It also applies to Martins Tank Campground, where DBCA says no dogs or domestic animals are permitted.
The solution is to take turns. One person walks a trail while the other stays at the house or on the beach with the dog, then you swap. Most Yalgorup walks take 1.5 to 2 hours, so this fits easily into a day.
If you think your dog has picked up or eaten a bait, treat it as an emergency and get to a vet immediately.
Do not leave a dog in the car at a trailheadCars heat up fast, even on mild spring days. If you want to walk in the park, leave the dog at home with someone, not in a parked vehicle.
Kangaroos, Snakes And Other Wildlife
Preston Beach has plenty of wildlife. Tourism WA says golfers at the local nine-hole course often share it with kangaroos and emus, and Yalgorup is home to western grey kangaroos, emus, wallabies, echidnas and bandicoots.
For dogs, that is exciting and risky. A dog that takes off after a kangaroo can be injured or lost in the bush, and can run straight into the baited national park. Keep your dog on lead around dawn and dusk, when kangaroos are most active, and anywhere near bushland.
Snakes are also part of life here. Trails WA warns that snakes are present on the Heathlands trail, and spring and summer are when they are most active. Keep dogs out of long grass and scrub, stay on open paths and know where the nearest vet is.
On the beach, give birds space. Shorebirds use the tide line to feed and rest, and chasing them wastes their energy.
Signed Dog Beaches Further Afield: Myalup, Binningup And Mandurah
If you want a beach where the dog rules are clearly marked, look south to the Shire of Harvey. The Shire lists beach dog exercise areas at Myalup Beach and Binningup Beach, with maps of the exact sections on its dog exercise areas page. The Harvey Region tourism listing for Myalup describes the beach as dog friendly on lead, with a general store for lunch and bait, and four-wheel-drive access onto the sand. Check the Shire's map for where off-leash exercise is allowed before you let your dog run.
To the north, the City of Mandurah has beach dog exercise areas including sections near Pyramids Beach and at Florida and Melros, according to its dog exercise areas brochure. The City asks owners to keep dogs on a lead until they are on the beach itself and to carry a collar, tag, lead and poo bags. Mandurah is about 45 minutes from Preston Beach, so it works best as part of a bigger day out.
Boundaries and seasonal rules can change, so always check the relevant council page before you go.
Off-Leash Parks In Waroona
If you are heading inland to Waroona, about 30 minutes from Preston Beach according to Visit Waroona, the Shire's policy lists several dog exercise areas: the main grassed oval at the Waroona Town Oval, Kings Park bounded by Kings Place, King Street and Mill Street, and the Hill Street recreation ovals, excluding the playground. The Shire's ranger page notes the Hill Street ovals are on-lead during sporting events.
In off-leash areas the Shire still requires the dog to be accompanied by someone who can control it at all times, and you must carry a lead in case you need it.
These ovals are handy for a proper run if you are in Waroona for shopping, the vet or a coffee.
Events And Places Where Dogs Cannot Go
A few local highlights are dog-free, so plan around them.
Drakesbrook Weir. The Shire's 2024 policy lists all grassed and adjoining beach and swimming areas at the weir, including the sand foreshore, as dog-prohibited. That covers the popular picnic and swimming area and the events held there, including Troutfest on 3 October and the Star Tracks astronomy night on 7 November 2026. A 2024 news report described separate leash and exercise zones further along the weir, so follow the signs on the day.
Waroona Show. The 2026 show on Saturday 10 October is strictly dog-free except for guide and assistance dogs, according to the show website. The fireworks start at 8pm, which is worth knowing if your dog is nervous of loud noises.
Yalgorup National Park. No pets anywhere in the park, as covered above.
Public buildings. The Shire's policy also prohibits dogs in all public buildings.
Vet, Supplies And Emergencies
The nearest vet we found is Waroona Veterinary Clinic at 45 South Western Highway, Waroona, on 08 9733 1356. Its website lists weekday hours of 8.30am to 6pm and Saturday hours of 9am to 1pm, and services including emergency and critical care. After-hours arrangements were not listed online, so save the number and ask about after-hours options before you need them.
The Preston Beach General Store is the local stop for groceries, takeaway, fuel and ice, with hours listed as 7am to 6.30pm Monday to Thursday and 7am to 7pm Friday to Sunday. Bring your dog's usual food with you rather than relying on a small store's range.
If your dog goes missing, the Shire asks owners to report lost dogs to the ranger straight away so they can be added to the lost and found register. Make sure your dog wears a collar and tag with your mobile number and that its microchip details are up to date.
For attacks or urgent dog incidents, the Shire lists Ranger Services on 08 9733 7800 on weekdays and 08 9733 7827 on weekends.
Who A Dog-Friendly Preston Beach Stay Suits
Couples with a small dog will find the pace ideal: beach walks, long lunches at the house and quiet evenings.
Families who bring the dog can split the day well. The beach and playground area suit kids, while the dog gets its exercise on the sand away from the busy access point.
Anglers with a calm, well-trained dog can enjoy a morning session together, as long as the dog is kept away from hooks, bait and other people's gear.
Dogs that are reactive to vehicles, wildlife or loud noises may find show weekend and busy school holiday days harder, so choose quieter midweek dates if you can.
Where Preston Beach Coastal Escape Fits A Stay With Your Dog
Preston Beach Coastal Escape welcomes small pets by approval, which is the starting point for any dog holiday. Check the house rules and confirm approval for your dog before booking.
The listing puts the beach about a 10-minute walk away, so the early-morning dog walk can start straight from the front door without putting a sandy dog in the car. The golf club is about 5 minutes away and the local store and coffee shop about 8 minutes, according to the listing.
The house has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and room for up to five guests, with views across Lake Preston and the Darling Scarp from the large covered entertaining deck. The listing also includes a private yard, lawn and garden, an outdoor shower that is handy for rinsing sandy paws, and a washing machine for beach towels. Confirm how the yard is set up if your dog needs secure fencing.
Air conditioning and heating in all rooms and a fireplace mean the house stays comfortable for you and the dog when the weather turns.
Settling Your Dog Into A Holiday House
A new place can unsettle even a relaxed dog. Bring its own bed, bowls and a familiar blanket, and set them up in one spot on arrival. A short walk around the streets on lead helps the dog learn the new smells before the first beach trip.
Keep the dog's routine close to normal: the same feeding times, a morning and evening walk, and plenty of downtime. Beach days are tiring, and a tired dog is usually a calm dog at night.
Check the house rules about where pets can go inside and whether they can be left alone. If you plan to walk in Yalgorup or visit the show, work out in advance who stays with the dog.
Before check-out at 11am, rinse sand off the dog outside, sweep up any fur and sand, and take away all dog waste. The listing's check-out tasks also include loading the dishwasher, removing leftover food and taking out the rubbish.
A Relaxed Dog-Friendly Weekend At Preston Beach
Friday: Arrive And Explore On Lead
Check in from 3pm, set up the dog's bed and water, and take a slow on-lead walk to the beach to learn the route. Keep it short and let the dog take in the new place.
Saturday: Beach Morning, Park Walk In Turns
Walk the beach at sunrise, heading away from the car park. After breakfast, one person does the Heathlands or Lake Pollard walk in Yalgorup while the other stays with the dog, then swap after lunch. Finish with a short sunset stroll, lead on as the kangaroos appear.
Sunday: A Signed Dog Beach Or A Slow Morning
If your dog loves to run, drive south to the Shire of Harvey's Myalup beach exercise area after checking the map. Otherwise, enjoy one last beach walk and a slow breakfast on the deck before the 11am check-out.
What To Pack For Your Dog
Bring a collar with an ID tag showing your mobile number, a lead, a long line if your dog is still learning recall, and plenty of poo bags.
Pack its usual food, treats and any medications, plus a water bottle and collapsible bowl for beach walks. A towel or two for sandy, salty coats makes the trip back to the house much easier.
Add the dog's bed or crate, a familiar toy, and flea and tick prevention if it is due. A basic pet first aid kit and the Waroona vet's number saved in your phone round it out.
For warm days, bring a shade option for the beach and plan walks for early morning and late afternoon.
Yes. Visit Waroona says dogs are welcome on the beach and must be under control. The Shire of Waroona requires dogs on a lead in public places except designated exercise areas, so keep your dog on lead unless the Shire confirms off-leash is allowed where you are.
Can dogs be off-leash at Preston Beach?
Official sources differ. Visit Waroona describes dogs as typically off-leash on the beach under control, and the Shire's rangers page lists Panorama Drive, Preston Beach, as an off-leash area, but the Shire's May 2024 policy lists no Preston Beach exercise area. Call Ranger Services on 08 9733 7800 to confirm before letting your dog off.
Can I take my dog into Yalgorup National Park?
No. DBCA does not permit pets in national parks, and 1080 baiting is carried out in Yalgorup to control foxes and feral cats. 1080 will kill dogs.
Are dogs allowed at the Waroona Show?
No. The Waroona Show on Saturday 10 October 2026 is dog-free except for guide and assistance dogs.
Can dogs go to Drakesbrook Weir?
Dogs are prohibited on all grassed and adjoining beach and swimming areas at Drakesbrook Weir, including the sand foreshore, under the Shire's 2024 policy. Follow signage for any leash or exercise zones further along.
Where is the nearest signed dog beach to Preston Beach?
The Shire of Harvey lists beach dog exercise areas at Myalup and Binningup to the south, and the City of Mandurah has beach exercise areas to the north. Check each council's map for exact boundaries.
Where is the nearest vet to Preston Beach?
Waroona Veterinary Clinic is at 45 South Western Highway, Waroona, phone 08 9733 1356. Its website lists weekday and Saturday morning hours. Check after-hours arrangements before your trip.
Are dogs allowed near the playground and barbecues at Preston Beach?
Visit Waroona says dogs are not allowed in children's playgrounds or within a few metres of barbecues and picnic tables. Keep your dog on lead and away from those areas at the beach access.
Is Preston Beach Coastal Escape pet-friendly?
Small pets are welcome by approval, according to the listing. Confirm approval for your dog and read the house rules before booking.
How far is the beach from Preston Beach Coastal Escape?
The listing puts the beach about a 10-minute walk from the house, so dog walks can start from the door.
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