If you’re like the rest of us working people, you want to take a break sometimes from thinking so hard. But living in literally the most remote city in the world doesn’t exactly make it easy to go on a holiday without spending a small fortune and a lot of leave. Also, you have a dog, and who wants to leave their best mate behind?
As you might imagine, we here at Dogs Of Australia live and breath our pets, so the thought of taking a vacation without them is just not something we want to do. That’s why we picked our favourite dog-friendly activities and brainstormed a close to home mini vacation, or “staycation” as they have become known, and we’re super excited to share it with you.
What’s a staycation you may ask? A staycation is simply a weekend vacation within your hometown. It’s a great way to escape your sometimes busy, hectic life without breaking the bank. Another great benefit of a staycation is that you get to rediscover your hometown, so let’s jump right in and have a look at how you can treat your dog to the ultimate Perth Staycation.
OPTIONAL: Book A Dog-Friendly Airbnb For Your Perth Staycation
We know for lots of people it won’t feel like a holiday unless they can leave their household behind. Furthermore, we also understand that for a lot of people, paying for accommodation is an extra expense that they’d rather not have. So this one is entirely up to you, do whatever works best for your situation.
Unlike Europe or the US, it can be a bit difficult to find a dog-friendly hotel in Australia, so we suggest to use Airbnb and apply the “pets allowed” filter. Once you found a place that you like, make sure to communicate your intentions well with your host and assure them that you have the most adorable, well-behaved and house-trained dog in the world (and don’t lie if you don’t).
What To Bring For Your Perth Staycation
So, we take it you’re ready now to jump in the car and have a Perth Staycation with your dog? That’s great, just don’t forget the necessities. While you’ll be able to eat on the road, it can be a bit tough to feed your dog depending on their diet.
Make sure you pack enough meals for them and don’t forget their bed, favourite toys, leash, collar and extra waste bags. A staycation is also an excellent opportunity to break out your dog’s inner fashionista, so pack a couple of their favourite outfits and don’t forget your camera!
Perth Staycation Day 1: Saturday
The perfect day starts with a coffee by the beach, so roll out of bed, head down to the Mosman Park Dog Beach and keep an eye out for The Wooden Wagon.
Soak up the sun rays, sip your morning coffee, indulge in an acai bowl if you’re in the mood for it, and then go for a swim with your dog. What better is there to do on a Saturday morning? Let the sun dry you as you relax on your beach while your dog can make some new friends.
The SunSmart people that we are, after a few hours, it’s time to move on and give our skin a bit of a break. Lunchtime is also approaching, which makes for a fantastic opportunity to go on a 30-minute drive up the Westcoast Highway to FurBaby Boutique & Cafe.
They have a great lunch menu for both humans and dogs, so while we eat, our pooch can have a Steak & Mash with a Dog Beer, how cool is that?
FurBaby also has a spa onsite, and after that morning swim, it feels like an excellent opportunity to book our dog in for a spa treatment. Nothing says vacation like a special treat, so on our way out, we’ll stock up on treats from their bakery, before we head towards East Perth to watch a movie at the dog-friendly Perth Outdoor Cinema.
Perth Staycation Day 2: Sunday
Today is an action-packed day full of missions. Our first one is morning walkies towards a cafe where we can get a Puppuccino.
Next, it’s time to jump in the car because we have big plans in Bassendean. It’s a Pups on Sups Sunday morning! The legends at Suptonic offer Stand Up Paddleboarding sessions where you can bring your pooch along for double the fun in a group session. It’s a great bonding activity as long as you have a well trained and socialised dog.
After so much fun out in the water, it’s time for lunch again. Luckily, Slate Cafe in Bennett Springs is only a 10-minute drive away. If your dog isn’t too tired at this stage, you can let him play in the fenced dog playground within the cafe grounds.
With the end of our Perth Staycation now approaching, we’ve only got one decision left to make. Will we unwind at a dog-friendly pub, or do we head home straight away and order in before we snuggle up in bed and fall asleep as quick as never before?
Further optional activities
- If you don’t care about the beach and water, go for a hike instead.
- Want to listen to some live music with your dog? Go to a Farmers Market.
- Do you want to go on a long walk? Think about going to Lake Monger.
- Don’t feel like physical activity? If your dog is a ‘lap dog’, go on a dog-friendly Swan River Boat Ride with Little Ferry Co.
- Feel like staying in an actual hotel with your dog? Check out The Atrium in Mandurah.
- If you want to spend the full day by the beach, with dog-friendly breakfast, lunch, and dinner options within walking distance, go to South Beach.
What Are Your Favourite Dog-Friendly Activities In Perth?
We LOVE hearing about all the fabulous dog-friendly places around Perth. Please feel free to get in touch with us anytime, either through Instagram or our Contact Form. Thank you!
