Hillarys Dog Beach (Whitfords)
Hillarys Dog Beach is probably one of the most popular, and also well-known animal exercise beaches north of Perth, Western Australia. The dedicated stretch of coastline is located in Hillarys, and is available all year round to exercising dogs. Situated within the City of Joondalup, this beach is close to two major roads; Marmion Ave and Mitchell Freeway for easy access from the eastern suburbs.
Always remember when out on an adventure with your best friend. To take care to not damage the habitat and keep the location free from rubbish.
Facilities:
The Hillarys Dog Beach has a number of facilities for the public to use. Please remember to be courteous and respectful of the facilities and those around you.
- Parking Area
- Disabled Parking
- Accessible Toilet
- Public Toilet
- Bike Racks
- Change Rooms
- Dogs off Lead Permitted*
Using the area with your dog:
Dogs may be exercised within the dog beach area off-lead, but under effective control and supervision.
Dogs may also be exercised within the horse beach area immediately to the north of the dog beach under the following restrictions:
- AM, Monday to Saturday – dogs must be on a lead at all times
- PM, Monday to Saturday – dogs can be exercised off lead
- Sunday – dogs can be exercised off lead all day.
The restrictions are in place due to the designated Horse Exercised area. The Hillarys Horse Beach is located immediately north of the Hillarys Dog Beach. Horse riders use the area from daybreak until midday from Monday to Saturday.
*Dogs off Lead Permitted:
When bringing your dog into parks and reserves be mindful of any signage relating to the control of your dog. Dogs must be on a leash at all times when in any public place including footpaths, car parks and shopping centres unless in a designated dog exercise area.
Dogs must be under effective control.
Your dog is not considered under control if it:
- Chases or disturbs wildlife, other dogs or people
- Acts in a threatening or aggressive manner
- Attacks or injure another animal or person
- Is a considerable distance from their owner(s) preventing response to verbal commands.
See the City of Joondalup website for further information: https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/
Hillarys Dog Beach and the Hillarys-Kallaroo Coastal Foreshore Reserve:
The dedicated area is part of the Hillarys-Kallaroo Coastal Foreshore Reserve, which is located within the Swan Coastal Plain, in the Perth Coastal Plain subregion. The Hillarys-Kallaroo Coastal Foreshore Reserve is located on the youngest dune formation, the Quindalup Dune System, which is still actively forming.
Erosion is an issue in the area. The sand within is primarily held in place by vegetation. Typcially with erosion occurring where vegetation is absent or reduced. Although erosion is a naturally occurring process, human factors can increase the rate and extend due to activities of people and pets walking off the designated paths. There are also projected climate change impacts, which you can read more about here: https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Hillarys-Kallaroo-Coastal-Foreshore-Management-Plan.pdf
It is important to remember, when out and about in any natural bush area, to take care of our environment to ensure the continued enjoyment of our natural world and the species we share it with.
Key things to keep in mind:
- The area is also used by horse riders. Please keep this in mind, if you proceed to the horse designated area during their allocated timeframe, to give horses a wide space, allow them to pass you, and to keep your dog on a lead.
- Take only photos and leave only footprints. Please remember to clean up after yourself and your pooch. If you see any rubbish around, please dispose of accordingly.
- Be careful of snakes in the warmer seasons, they are around.
- As this is a native bush area, fires may occur. Please be aware and respond appropriately.
- Please remember to take water, poo bags, dog lead, wear appropriate walking shoes, and to wear sunscreen and a hat (in summer).
Personally recommended by the West Coast Pet Care Centre Team.