Wellington Dam and Wellington National Park:

18 km west of Collie. Set in thick jarrah country this area of amazing natural beauty offers camping, bushwalking, picnicking, swimming, canoeing and white water rafting.

Wellington National Park is now a portion of the Wellington Forest. Covering some 4000 hectares, it features heavy tracts of magnificent Jarrah forest which were, until its recent purchase by the State Government, in private ownership. Opened as a National Park on 17 June 2000, it is now available for all to enjoy.

 

Gas barbeques are provided at the Quarry picnic site (adjacent the Dam wall) and at Potters Gorge (2 km north of the Dam wall). Check out the amazing views of the river and valley from the lookout. As of April 2008 the Quarry picnic area will be closed to the public while work on the wall of Wellington Dam is carried out. This is expected to take two years to complete, with the Quarry reopening in 2010. Visitors will be able to view the work in progress from the lookout near the Quarry.

Pitch a tent at one of the bush campgrounds at Honeymoon Pool or Potters Gorge. Both areas, on the water's edge, have barbeques and picnic facilities and are surrounded by jarrah and marri forest.

The success of the fox baiting programme has seen a return of much of the native fauna - you may find your campsite visited by a bandicoot, possum, woylie or other wildlife.

Boat launching facilities (for non powered craft) are available at Potters Gorge, along with safe swimming for children.

A meander along Lennard Drive (a one way road heading west) offers picnic sites alongside tranquil river pools and, in the winter, tumbling rapids.
Wellington Weir Café/Kiosk offers canoe hire, light meals, snacks and basic supplies. In the summer they are open seven days a week; for winter opening hours check with the Kiosk on 9734 2320.
This region is a photographer's paradise.

Dog Owners Beware ! CALM carries out 1080 fox baiting operations in State Forest, National Parks and Nature Reserves. 1080 is poisonous to humans and will kill domestic cats and dogs. Please leave your pets at home or prevent them from entering baited areas. The baits are made of meat and will temp both well trained dogs and fussy eaters. If you suspect your dog has taken a bait, induce vomiting and immediately seek veterinary attention.

Brewery:

Brew 42, Lot 114 McManus Road, Allanson. Ph: 97344784.
Brew 42 are committed to producing fine handcrafted beer with a focus on traditional Irish & English style ales. No malt extracts, chemicals, preservatives or artificial flavorings are used in the brewing process. Visitors are welcome to visit their tasting room for tastings and sales  Thursday & Friday 12 noon - 5pm; and Saturday & Sunday from 11am to 5pm. (other times by arrangement).

Harris Dam: 14 km north of Collie
Harris Dam, a domestic water supply, was opened in 1990. As this is a water catchment swimming, camping and fishing are not permitted, however the picnic site is lovely, with gas barbeques, picnic tables, good pathways, toilets and facilities for the disabled. Bird lovers will be enthralled by the Blue Fairy Wrens and Honey Eaters. The Bibbulmun Track passes the Dam, and a good walk can be taken from the carpark, over the boardwalk north to the hikers hut, a round trip of approximately 9 km.

Flora Road Scenic Drive:
This 7 km drive (gravel road) follows the Collie River through jarrah forest, past rapids and picnic sites. A good spot in springtime for wildflowers.

Minninup Pool:
Only three km south of town, the Collie River forms a wide pool before heading further downstream. Picnic tables and shady trees make this tranquil stretch of the river an ideal place for a canoe ride, picnic lunch or a refreshing swim.

 

 

 

Bibbulmun Track:

This long distance walking trail (964 km) stretches from Kalamunda to Albany, with the Shire of Collie having one of the longest sections. Hikers' huts, in picturesque locations, are situated roughly a day's walk apart and offer toilets, water tanks, tentsites and shelter. The section of track from Harris River Road and Harris River campsite can also be used by people in wheelchairs. Whether you plan to join the "end to enders" or simply enjoy a short walk, remember the old adage "take only photographs, leave only footprints".The track is marked with gold Waugal track markers, however it is important to carry a map for the longer walks.

 

 

Munda Biddi Trail:

Munda biddi Trail ( which means path through the forest in the Nyoongar Aboriginal Language) is the latest addition to Western Australia's world class recreational trails. Starting in the hills east of Perth, the trail meanders through scenic river valleys and the magnificent Eucalypt forests of the South West with the current Stage One finishing in Collie. Further proposed stages will eventually take cyclists through to Albany. The trail has been designed for cyclists of all ages and experience levels. Enjoy a peaceful morning ride or challenge yourself to a week long wilderness adventure. Vehicle access points allow you to design your own journey. Campsites with roomy sleeping shelters, toilets, rain water tanks and bike storage are situated about 40 km apart.
Mundaring to Collie is 332 km on the trail. Cyclists should ensure they have the Munda Biddi maps to enable them to plan a safe and enjoyable ride.
"Pedal Tours in Perth offer bike and equipment hire, pick up and drop off along the trail.( contact www. pedaltours.com.au)"

Collie - Darkan Rail Trail:

Stage one of the collie Darkan Rail Trail opened in October 2005. The trail is multi use and suitable for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. The trail is built on the formation of the disused Collie to Narrogin railway line and has a graded gravel surface, with four main road crossings and four timber decked bridges along the way. The trail can be accessed from either Buckingham, 21km east of Collie, or from Darkan. This unique 46.5 km trail passes through bushland and picturesque farmland, following the east branch of the Collie River and the Coalfields Road. The flora and fauna is quite diverse, with wildflowers prolific in spring.
The original railway sidings are named and marked with distance markers, with Bowelling being roughly the halfway and main stopover point. There are specific camp sites along the trail, so a small tent would be useful. Always carry plenty of water. For more information, contact Friends of the Trail at cdrtg@westnet.com.au

In Collie:

River Walk, Collie

A 10 km well marked trail suitable for walking or cycling. Follow the river from the north of town to Mungalup Road. Picnic facilities and information shelters along its length make for a relaxing outing the whole family can enjoy.

Old Collie Goods Shed

Designed by C.Y. O'Connor and built in 1898 the shed has been restored by the Collie Heritage Group and houses restored railway rolling stock. Also used for markets on alternate Sunday mornings. The shed forms part of the "Working Life" trail. Open Monday and Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings.

Collie Railway Station

The original Collie Railway Station was demolished in 1977. the Colllie Railway Station Group has now rebuilt the station which is open 7 days a week. The station contains a gift shop, cafe for light meals and a memorabilia room.

Soldiers' Park (Steere Street)

This lovely park borders the Collie River. Peppermint trees line the path and shade the picnic tables. A rose garden, Memorial and Aboriginal Sacred Stone honour all those fallen in war. A gas barbeque, gazebo and children's play ground make this a popular spot. Take some extra bread and feed the ducks.
Children with disabilities will enjoy the Liberty Swing, especially designed for use by those in wheelchairs.

Coalfields Museum

An excellent display of Collie memorabilia, gemstones, mining, machinery, dolls and photos housed in the historic Roads Board Building.
Open most days from 10 am - 4 pm. It is advisable to phone ahead and check with the caretaker.
(Phone: (08) 97341299)

Mosaic Footpath

Traces the rich cycling history of the Collie to Donnybrook and return cycle race. The nearby Cycle Museum, open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, has examples of the early bikes of cycling heydays.

All Saints Anglican Church

Built in 1915 in the Italian style, this lovely church has a beautiful mural depicting the Saints, Bishops, early settlers, miners and aboriginal people. The mural was painted by Philip Goatcher and was fully restored in 1996. Tours of the church by arrangement with the Collie Visitor Centre.

Murals:

A walk or drive around the town will pass various murals depicting Collie's history and natural attractions. A map is available from the Collie Visitor Centre.

Other Parks and Gardens:
Finlay Gardens, Baarnimarr Reconciliation Park, Lions Park (bbqs and toilets), Barbara Smith Playground, Tourist Bureau rest area (toilets), Western entrance park (parking, tables, play equipment); Wyvern Park (barbeque and basketball keyway), Federation Park; Forrest Street (Rotunda, tables, heritage information, toilets).

Motoring South West

Powerhouse Road east of Collie. Driver training circuit for use by cars, heavy vehicles and motorbikes. Motor sport events and drags.

Contact the manager on Ph. (08) 9734 7477

Halcyon Steppe Iris Farm

McAlinden (south east of Collie).
Contact Greg Hall on (08) 9732 2149.

Large range of Iris and Day Lillies for sale. Open Garden in October/November.

Collie Blueberry Farm

Lot 284 Cherry Street, Cardiff (10km south east of Collie).
Ph 97344538.

Visitors are welcome to pick their own delicious blueberries. The season runs from approximately November to March. Frozen blueberries are available for sale all year round.

Beryl's Riding School

Lot 100 Bowelling Road
Ph 97322210

Situated 45km from Collie, Beryl's Riding School is set on an 80 acre property bordering the State forest. It is ideal for beginners to advanced horse riders, young and old. Meander through the blue gums, picnic by the lake or take a moonlight ride. Accommodation and School Holidays camps available.

Industrial Tourism:

Coal Arch, Skip and Memorial Wall, Throssell Street

Relocated from Western Collieries Western No. 1 underground mine, this is the only surviving example of a mine entrance on the Collie coalfields. The Coal skip is a replica erected in 1994 to recognize the contribution underground miners made towards Collie and the State from 1890 to the closure of the underground mines in 1994. A memorial wall lists the names of all miners killed on the Collie Coalfields.

Tourist Coal Mine Throssell Street

This replica mine offers a glimpse into the way of life of underground miners and their working conditions. Tours, with retired miners, can be arranged by calling the Collie Visitor Centre.

Open Cut Coal Mines

Both Wesfarmers Coal and Griffin Coal Mining Company operate open cut mines to the east of the Collie townsite. Groups, visiting in their own bus, can pre book tours of the open cut mines by calling the Collie Visitor Centre.

The attractions listed above are only a selection of the many and varied things to see in the Collie district. For a detailed Collie Map and Guide covering the townsite and region, camping, walk trails, industry, history, weather and more, please contact the Collie Visitor Centre.

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.