Collie River Valley

Bunbury Australind Collie River Valley

Allanson

Collie

Climb the mountain to the top of the Darling Scarp and discover the beautiful Collie River Valley, which is quickly becoming Western Australia’s mountain biking capital.

Busselton Gelorup

Stratham

Capel Boyanup

Donnybrook

Collie River Valley region

IT MAY BE cold outside, but Collie is the hottest adventure destination in Western Australia right now. Just two hours south of Perth, the town is one giant playground, with tracks and trails in abundance and the largest collection of recreational lakes in the state nestled amongst beautiful jarrah forests. Collie is home to the biggest dam mural in the world in the heart of the Wellington National Park, an expansive mural trail to explore throughout town as well as an underground experience and intriguing historical attractions. Whatever your passion, Collie is the place to down tools and take time to fuel your adventurous spirit. You’ve earned it.

Must-dos

1 Immerse yourself in creativity - Did we mention art? Collie is home to the world’s largest dam wall mural; a spectacular site at Wellington Dam in the heart of the Wellington National Park. Spanning 8,000 square metres, this is an artwork to behold. Inspired by local stories and photographs, the mural evokes an appreciation of the good life; simple pleasures and family connections in nature. Explore an expansive outdoor art gallery throughout Collie’s town centre. The Collie Mural Trail tells stories about the Collie River Valley’s living heritage – strong voices from local people and places. The Collie Art Gallery showcases a diverse and impressive exhibition program, as well as one of the largest single art prizes in regional Australia – the $50,000 Collie Art Prize.

2 It's marshmallow time - Don’t let the cold weather keep you inside. Rug up, load up the camper and get ready to toast marshmallows around the campfire. You’re spoilt for choice for camping options in the Collie River Valley, with a range of options in Wellington National Park, Stockton Lake and Lake Kepwari. If you’d prefer your camping experience with a few creature comforts, try the Collie River Valley Tourist Park or the “camping without camping” experience at Black Diamond Lodge, affordable accommodation with a firepit to boot.

3 Water, water water - You may be inland, but there’s no shortage of aquatic adventure playgrounds in the Collie River Valley. Start at the picturesque and culturally significant Minningup Pool, where the Collie River is at its widest, ideal for swimming, canoeing or picnicking. Follow the Collie River in Wellington National Park to uncover an array of natural swimming pools and, if the water’s course is high, it’s an ideal place to kayak. Try the intense blue waters of Stockton Lake, or the most recent and largest addition to the collection, Lake Kepwari. Hop on a SUP from TraaVerse, we promise you won’t be cold for long!

4 Off-road adventures - Get on a MTB track and crisscross through the beautiful Collie River Valley. With more than 20 trails for beginner and pro, there’s plenty of opportunities to get your cogs turning. New trails are popping up too, including new single track at Arklow, with 9.5km built to accommodate hand cycles. The Wagyl Biddi trail, named after the mythical rainbow serpent, is a fun and easy flow trail on the edge of the town centre. For the ultimate challenge, attempt to Beat the Biddi – the world-class Munda Biddi Trail diverts through Collie. Don’t have gear? Hire a bike from Collie’s Crank’n Cycles where the guys know everything there is to know about MTB. For walkers, there are plenty of hiking trails as well as the famous Bibbulmun Track traversing the region.

5 Refuel on the road - Caffeine addicts should pay a visit to Wagon 537 - a pop-up café, located in a heritage train wagon. Another local coffee haunt is the historic Colliefields Hotel – its purple exterior makes it hard to miss. If you fancy some good honest pub grub, then you’re spoilt for choice – the Feddy (Federal Hotel) and The Vic are among our favourites.. Pre-order a Gourmet Grazing Box to Go, full of delectable snacks.

FIND A LOCAL

COLLIE VISITOR CENTRE A 156 Throssell Street, Collie WA 6225 T +61 8 9734 2051 E info@collierivervalley.com.au 6 Feed the soul and the taste buds - Head to the Harris River Estate Winery and eat to your heart’s content from the tapas menu. You can stay here too, overlooking the vines, a beautiful dam and jarrah forest. This amazing, family-run property includes a 24-hectare winery, cider-making operation, microbrewery, restaurant and self-contained chalets. If that’s not enough, try Harris River Estate’s unique small-batch gin, working with a local traditional custodian. You can be amongst the first to taste it.

7 Secret sanctuary - The beautiful, serene Honeymoon Pool in Wellington National Park is an Instagram hot spot for good reason. It’s a wide natural pool surrounded by graceful peppermints and jarrah and marri forest along the Collie River. Find your inner child and try out the swinging rope. Be prepared to be invigorated - the water is always cool and refreshing, even on a hot summer day. Not far away is another Instagrammable favourite - Black Diamond Lake - with vibrant, blue waters just begging for a selfie.

8 Top gear - Get your adrenaline fix by zooming around a top-class Motorplex track. The Collie Motorplex long track hosts weekend events. With regular Champion’s Ride Days and V8 Supercar hot laps and events all year round, it’s sure to get the heart pumping!

9 Black gold - Step back in time and gain an insight into the lives of Collie’s rugged underground miners. The Replica Coal Mine at the Collie Visitor Centre offers an immersive experience not to be missed, and check out the restored locomotives while you are there. Pop across the road and pay a visit to the Coalfields Museum – it’s a real local history treasure trove.