The town of Collie, declared a townsite in 1896, lies in a valley formed by the Darling Ranges and is 200 km south of Perth. The region has much to offer visitors, be it the area's abundant natural attractions, rich coal mining and timber heritage, or the newer industrial, agricultural and aquaculture tourism opportunities. For  more about life in the Collie region, please go to www.collierivervalley.com

Underground mining ceased in 1994, with all mining now by the open cut method. This coal is primarily used for power generation, supplying both Muja and Collie Power Stations. These industries and the attractive Collie townsite, with its river walk, well laid out parks and gardens and tidy well kept streets, all reflect the community's pride in their town which continues to play an important role in the ongoing prosperity of Western Australia.

Much of the Shire is either National Forest, State Forest or Conservation Park, offering picturesque walks and drives through large stands of Jarrah, Marri, Sheoak, and Blackbutt forests. Collie's varied waterways offer a wide range of activities, from a quiet canoe paddle at Minninup Pool, on the upper reaches of the Collie River, to white water rafting on the challenging rapids below the wall of Wellington Dam. Bush camping, swimming, fishing, water-skiing, and marroning (in season) are some of the recreational pursuits available to visitors to the Collie River Valley.

Collie has distinct seasons, with warm to hot summers (great for the variety of water based recreation available), cool clear autumn days before crisp winters with lots of misty mornings (terrific for photographers) and, in many winter seasons, enough rain which may provide for the amazing vista of Wellington Dam overflowing - a sight not to be missed. In spring the bush will burst with colour from an amazing and diverse range of wildflowers.

The central business district offers a variety of shopping options, with two supermarkets, specialty shops including clothing, gift ware, sports and camping, chemist, newsagents, banks (all with ATM facilities) and many others. Two air conditioned shopping arcades make shopping comfortable whatever the weather. Markets, selling home grown and home made wares, are held in the heritage listed Goods Shed on Forrest Street on alternate Sunday mornings - contact the Collie Visitor Centre for dates.

Accommodation caters for all styles and price brackets, ranging from  four star and budget motels, through to older heritage style hotels, guesthouses and farmstays. Enjoy a counter meal in one of the friendly local hotels, or perhaps relax in a cafe or restaurant in the town. Fresh marron is available at one of the hotels - there's no need to worry about the season when you can choose your own from their tank. Takeaways are also catered for, as is the option of using the gas bbqs provided in Soldiers Park or Wyvern Park. Anglers may be lucky and catch a perch, trout or freshwater cobbler, while scenic drives around the area will take visitors past many farms selling local produce, excellent for a picnic by the Collie River.

Collie is proud of its long mining heritage. Visitors can gain an understanding of the way of life of underground miners through a visit to the Replica Underground Coal Mine, located next to the Collie Visitor Centre.

Collie, with its population of approximately 9000, is well serviced with modern medical, dental and hospital facilities. Excellent sporting facilities abound, including grass tennis courts, two golf courses, indoor recreation centre, PCYC, lawn bowls, football, swimming pool, hockey, BMX, motocross and speedway.The Collie River Valley is an ideal region in which to base yourself for a visit to our beautiful south west. We look forward to meeting you.

COLLIE HISTORY

Bullfinch Proprietary Colliery c.1918

Collie was named after Dr Alexander Collie RN, who explored the region in 1829.
The area was originally recognised as being ideal as pasturelands and for timber production, however with the discovery of coal in 1883, Collie's direction was set.

The town was formally declared a townsite in 1896 and from its humble beginnings Collie grew to become an important West Australian town supplying the State with coal, the all-important resource for power production in railways, shipping and the generation of electricity. In the heydays of rail transportation, Collie had one of the largest marshaling yards outside of the Perth metropolitan area. Coal is still transported by rail from Collie today.

Timber mills were plentiful, with some such as Lyall's Mill supporting communities into the 1950s, until its closure and subsequent move to the present site of the Sotico Mill in Collie.

Worsley Mill

Worsley, west of Collie, was once a thriving timber mill town. The town peaked in 1902 with a population of over 1500, but in the mid 1920s a gradual decline began, which saw the town all but disappear by the mid 1950s.

In 1984 the area underwent a revival with the construction of the Worsley Alumina refinery. Residents of the area have restored the old Worsley Church and use the church and surrounds for get together and reunions.

Areas such as Cardiff, Collie Burn and Shotts were built around the early underground mines, with these small towns having vibrant communities, schools, etc. Like the old timber mills, most of these towns are now either abandoned or are home to those looking for a quiet rural lifestyle.

Cardiff Mine

The first coal-fired power station was built in Collie in 1931. Collie supplies much of the South of Western Australia with electricity via Muja Power Station, which came on line 1969 and the newer Collie Power Station that commenced operations in May 1999.

Over the years all but two of the coal companies have either closed or amalgamated, leaving Griffin Coal and Wesfarmers Premier Coal as the two coal production companies in Collie. Underground mining ceased in 1994, with all mining now being by the open cut method, using state of the art machinery. Mined areas are now fully rehabilitated and re-vegetated

Suggested reading for those looking for more information on Collie and its history:
"100 Years of Collie Coal" edited by Catherine Stedman; "One Day in Collie" by H.W. Williams. Both of these publications may be purchased from the Collie Visitor Centre or the Collie Shire Council. The Coalfields Museum is a must see for history lovers.

How to contact us-

Phone on (08) 97342 051; Fax (08) 97347 518,
or Email info@collierivervalley.org.au
"Old Collie Post Office", 63 Throssell Street (Cnr Pendleton Street) Collie 6225.