Explore Collie Highlights

WELCOME

Collie Visitor Centre

Start you exploration of Collie at the Visitor Centre. In addition to great souvenirs and locally made products the friendly service and insights into things to see and do in the area will help you get the most out of your visit.

Collie Replica Coal Mine

Also within the visitor centre is a fascinating replica coal mine which is definitely worth a visit. Recently refurbished this unique attraction gives you an insight into life under ground and the conditions the miners worked under.

Collie Art Gallery

The Collie Art Gallery opened in 2015 and was the first purpose built A-class gallery to be built in Western Australia since the Art Gallery of WA was opened in 1979. It showcases a diverse and impressive exhibition program – think Arthur Boyd, Howard Taylor and Guy Grey- Smith. Impressively, it has one of the biggest art prizes in regional Australia – the $50,000 Collie Art Prize (CAP).

The Coalfields Museum

The Coalfields Museum & Historical Research Centre provides a unique glimpse into Collie’s early days. The 1900 and 1930 historic Road Board buildings that house the collection are deceptively large. Inside you’ll find a wide variety of treasures on display, including bottles, radiograms, phonographs, gramophones, wirelesses, mining equipment, many historical photos and military memorabilia.

Honeymoon Pool

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.

Karak Trail, Collie

Karak Trail is a dog-friendly 3.5km tarmacked path that starts west of the Collie Cemetery and meanders through the lovely state forest to Allanson. It derives its name from the local Aboriginal word for the red- tailed black cockatoo, which you can see here. It is a beautiful walk with tall jarrah, marri and paperbark trees lining the path and wildflowers in spring.

Lake Kepwari is one of the newest attractions in the region. Located 10km south east of Collie, it takes it’s name from a local Wiilman language word meaning ‘playing in water.’ The area is an old min that has been filled with water from the Collie River. It is a great place to water-ski, swim, fish or canoe.

Mountain Biking

Go off-road on MTB tracks that crisscross through the beautiful Collie River Valley, with more than 25 trails from beginner and pro there is something for everyone., For the ultimate challenge, attempt to Beat the Biddi – the world-class Munda Biddi Trail diverts through Collie. Bike hire is available from Crank’n Cycles 77 Steere St, Collie 08 9734 1471. Transfers, Hire, Tours area available from local tour operators Traaverse and Forest Explorers – Leave the logistics to someone else and just enjoy your holiday. Traaverse can drop off and pick up stand up paddle boards and kayaks, rent their roof racks if you’d like the equipment for a few days, and arrange tours to take you the best spots. They also do custom tours and transfers for those walking the Bibbulmun Track or mountain biking the Munda Biddi. Contact Simone Fraser on 0417 654 426

Stay

Harris River Estate Winery has self-contained overlooking the vines, a beautiful dam and jarrah forest, just 5 kilometres north of Collie. An all-in-one, the estate is a winery, micro-brewery, distillery, restaurant and accommodation.

Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast, nestled in a 10-acre property surrounded by forest, is only minutes from Collie’s town centre and offers a real country-style experience. The luxurious four-poster bedroom, complete with balcony, is Instagram worthy.

Mandia Cottage B&B is in the middle of a 20 acre hobby farm three kilometers from the center of Collie. It is situated near the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail, so a perfect place to stay if hiking is your thing. It is complete with beautiful natural Australian bush, an olive grove and my lovingly tended veggie patch.

Black Diamond Lodge is situated right in the centre of town, in between a pub and a deli, and within walking distance of the CBD, trailheads and other local attractions, Black Diamond Lodge is the perfect choice for your next adventure! Whether you are cycling, walking or just visiting town Black Diamond Lodge has thought of everything you might need.

Collie Ridge Motel is a contemporary styled motel located just 1km from the heart of the historic Collie township, surrounded by the picturesque Collie River Valley. In addition to super comfortable room there is also the Ridge Restaurant offering a great menu that will keep you coming back for more.

Wellington National Park offers a range of camping options including Potters Gorge Campground is situated on the shores of Wellington Dam. Offering a shady forest setting with good views across the back waters of the dam, the campground has 60 sites and been upgraded to accommodate large vehicles, caravans, tents and camper trailers. Bookings must be made prior to arrival via Explore Parks. Map of campsites can be downloaded here or obtained free from the Collie Visitor Centre. Campers need to be self-sufficient. Drinking water is not provided and there’s a chemical toilet dump point. Honeymoon Pools is also a very popular camping site as is Lake Kepwari about 10km south east of Collie.

Collie River Valley Tourist Park offers a range of accommodation types including cabins, powered and unpowered sites and they’ll even set up a tent for you. They are conveniently located to access the trails in the area and as a trail friendly business they are set up with was down areas, tools to keep your gear trail ready and local knowledge about the trails.

Stockton Lake, about eight kilometres from Collie, is a favourite waterside location for travellers and families who like a laid-back getaway. The former mine site left a giant, gaping hole in the ground, which is now filled with water for pleasure boating. Swimmers should take note of the risks of entering the acidic water. People with sensitive skin may have adverse reactions. There are toilet blocks but no delegated campsites. Camping is on a first-come, first served basis.

Eat and Drink

Harris River Estate Winery has a great selection of tapas that and the family-run property includes a 24-hectare vineyard and winery, cider-making operation, micro-brewery, equestrian agistment centre, restaurant and self-contained chalets.

The Colliefields Hotel and Coffee Shop is hard to miss with its purple exterior. A coffee shop brasserie downstairs and accommodation upstairs. Guests have use of a backpackers kitchen. The café boasts fab coffee, over 40 kinds of tea served in pots, and you’ll never forget the indulgent unicorn mega shake, the ultimate sugar hit. For healthier options, there’s Rawsome guilt- free, raw tasty treats.

The Wagon  can be found Inside a converted train carriage café located in the heart of town, The Wagon is open from 6am with great coffee, cold-pressed juices and gourmet food.

Pub Grub – Collie has an excellent supply of country pubs serving great beer and top quality generous pub meals. Check out the Marri Bar at the Crown Hotel, the craft beers at the Victoria Hotel and the fabulous alfresco area at the Federal Hotel.

The Ridge Restaurant at the Collie Ridge Resort (Motel) is a great option for dinner fully licensed and offering a great range of meals.

Looking for a cracking burger? You can’t go past Barn-Zee’s Burger and Barista. Not only do they do fabulous burgers, great ribs and sumptuous salads they also make cakes and donuts to die for and of course amazing coffee.

For all your juice, smoothy and nutritious treat requirements check out Whisk Nutrition Studio, they have you covered.

Markets

Old Good Shed Markets are held on alternate Sunday mornings, the showgrounds on the first Saturday of the month and the Cardiff Hall on the 3^rd Saturday of each month.

ITINERARY

Outdoor enthusiasts, mountain bikers and culture vultures are in for a treat in Collie. From formal museums to the extensive art mural trail and world-class hiking and mountain bike trails, Collie is full of surprises.

Day One: Perth to Collie

Drive south from Perth to the first stop in Harvey, GeoVino, which has local wine tasting and produce. Drive south towards Wokalup and visit Harvey Cheese to sample their award-winning cheese, ice cream and spirits made from whey in their new distillery. Onto the Wokalup Tavern and Brugan Brewery for a hearty lunch and try their locally brewed beers. The rest of the afternoon is for exploring Collie. Discover its history and arts scene by downloading the Wambenger Trails App as a guide to the town’s stunning mural trail; tours are also available. The Collie Art Gallery has regularly changing exhibitions, the Collie Coalfields Museum has an extensive collection and the newly refurbished replica coal mine at the Visitor Centre is a must-visit. The town also has an art and craft collective and a number of cool and quirky retro and vintage shops. Check into your accommodation before heading into town where you’ll find several options for dinner.

Day Two: Choose your Adventure

Start the day with a coffee and breakfast from The Wagon and pick up lunch for later from the Forrest French Hot Bread Shop. All year round, outdoor lovers will be in their element in Collie. The area has beautiful waterways to explore including Honeymoon Pools, Minninup Pool and Lake Kepwari, and the instagrammable Stockton and Black Diamond lakes. Hire a kayak or Stand-Up Paddle Board from Traaverse for another perspective of the waterways. Then go to the Wellington Dam Lookout to check out the impressive 8000m² mural “Reflections” created by Guido Van Helton on the dam wall. Enjoy your picnic lunch in the quarry amphitheatre, then stretch your legs and get a dose of fresh country air on the many hiking trails in the Wellington National Park. Return to your accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Day Three: On Your Bike

Collie is known for its epic mountain biking trails and the good news is that they cater to all abilities, from novice to professional, and the Wambenger Trails app will help you navigate them. Bike hire is available from Crank ‘n’ Cycle. The Karak Trail and Arklow Trails offers experiences for the whole family. Alternatively, there are adventures on horseback with Outback Horse Trails. Then go to Harris River Estate for lunch (book ahead) before driving back to Perth.