Nestled in the heart of Western Australia’s scenic South West region, the charming town of Collie is a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Boasting breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a wide range of exciting activities, Collie has something to offer everyone. From exploring the pristine wilderness of Wellington National Park to discovering the region’s fascinating coal mining history, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do and see in Collie. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top attractions and activities that make Collie an unforgettable destination for locals and visitors alike.
If you like the look of Collie, check out things to do in Walpole too!
Things to do in Collie
1. Visit the Wellington National Park and Wellington Dam
Wellington National Park is a stunning natural wonderland located just a few kilometers outside of the town of Collie. Covering over 17,000 hectares of land, the park is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. The park is centered around the picturesque Collie River Valley and boasts a wide range of landscapes, including towering forests, crystal-clear streams, and, of course, Wellington Dam.
Wellington Dam mural is a unique and impressive piece of public art that showcases the creativity and artistic talent of the Collie community. The artwork is visible from a distance and is a popular spot for visitors to the dam to take photographs.
April 2023 Update: You can now walk across the 367m dam wall thanks to a new walkway that opened in April 2023!
2. Swim in Stockton Lake
If you’re looking for a truly unique camping spot to unwind, enjoy some water sports, and enjoy gorgeous views, then look no further than Stockton Lake. Stockton Lake is actually a man-made lake that was created by the Western Australian State Energy Commission in the 1970s as part of the Collie Coalfields development project. Today, Stockton Lake is a popular recreational area for camping, swimming, boating, and picnicking. The lake and the surrounding area also provide an important habitat for a range of plant and animal species.
3. Visit the Collie Art Gallery
The Collie Art Gallery is a vibrant and dynamic art space located in the town of Collie. The gallery was established in 2015 and is dedicated to showcasing the work of both established and emerging artists from the South West region and beyond. The gallery’s collection includes a wide range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media installations. The gallery also offers a range of programs and events throughout the year. These include artist talks, workshops, and community events designed to engage visitors with the arts and foster creativity in the local community.
4. Take a walk around the town
Collie has a rich history and there are many historical buildings and landmarks to explore, including the Collie Railway Station and the Old Post Office.
5. Go mountain biking
Collie is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in Western Australia. There are a number of trails available to suit riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Here are some of the most popular mountain biking trails in Collie:
- Collie to Darkan Rail Trail
- Karak (Collie to Allanson) Trail
- Arklow Mountain Bike Trail
- Rays Mountain Bike Trail
- Mount Lennard Mountain Bike Trails
- Munda Biddi Cycle Trail
6. Explore Honeymoon Pool
Honeymoon Pool is a stunning natural swimming hole located in the Wellington National Park near Collie, Western Australia. There are plenty of things to do and enjoy in this beautiful area, including:
- Swimming: Convenient steps and a jumping platform make Honeymoon Pool the perfect spot for a refreshing swim, especially on a hot summer day.
- Picnicking: There are picnic tables and BBQ facilities in the area, making it a great spot for a family picnic or a BBQ with friends.
- Relaxing: The tranquil atmosphere of the pool and surrounding forest makes it a great place to simply relax and unwind.
- Bushwalking: There are several hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Jabitj Trail and the Honeymoon Pool Walk Trail.
- Wildlife spotting: The area around Honeymoon Pool is home to a range of wildlife species, including kangaroos, and a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing.
- Fishing: The Collie River, which runs near Honeymoon Pool, is a popular spot for fishing, especially for trout.
7. Visit the Coalfields Museum
Learn about the rich coal mining history of the region and explore the museum’s collection of mining memorabilia. The museum features a range of exhibits, including historical photographs, mining equipment, tools, and artifacts from the early days of coal mining in the region. There are also interactive displays and multimedia exhibits that provide visitors with a glimpse into the daily lives of coal miners and their families.
One of the highlights of the museum is the underground coal mine exhibit, which takes visitors on a guided tour through a replica coal mine. Visitors can experience what it was like to work in a coal mine and learn about the dangers and challenges that miners faced on a daily basis.
8. Take a scenic drive
Collie is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and there are plenty of scenic drives to enjoy, including the Black Diamond Lake Loop and the Coalfields Highway.
9. Go fishing
The Collie River is a popular fishing spot, and there are also several dams in the region that are great for fishing. It is important to note that fishing regulations apply in Collie and a fishing license is required to fish in many of the local fishing spots. Visitors are advised to check local regulations before heading out to fish and to ensure that they have the appropriate licenses and equipment.
10. Go camping
There are heaps of camping options in and around Collie, including several campgrounds within the Wellington National Park.
11. Visit the Collie Motorplex
If you’re a motorsports enthusiast, be sure to check out the Collie Motorplex, which hosts a range of events throughout the year, including drag racing and drifting. Collie Motorplex hosts a range of events throughout the year, including the Westernationals drag racing event, the WA Drift Championships, and the Collie Super Sprint. The venue is also available for private hire, making it a popular destination for car clubs and motorsports enthusiasts. Check out what’s on at Collie Motorplex.
Missing your favourite thing to do in Collie? Let us know at hello@waadventurer.com.
