Heading out bush, relaxing out in nature, is there anything better than camping? Collie is an absolute wonderland of camp spots, nature trails and hidden pools that will delight any outdoor lover. Explore Wellington National Park, frolic in the Collie River or rug up under the stars, here are the best camp spots to explore in Collie.
Lake Kepwari, Collie
This stunning lake was previously an open cut mine that has since been filled with water from the Collie River. The calm blue waters are perfect for a splash about, canoeing or kayaking and even water skiing, making camping on the banks of this lake an absolute delight.
Camping on Lake Kepwari
The 21 campsites at the Mick Murray Campground at Lake Kepwari are a good size with a boat ramp access point from the south end of the Mick Murrary campgrounds. You can also pick from one of the 32 campsites at the David Ugle Campgrounds. Great for all types of campers from caravans, campervans, RVs and tents, it’s the perfect place to getaway for a few days.
All the campsites are unpowered, and while there is tank water available, the water is not treated, so be sure to have lots of drinking water on hand if you don’t have the ability to boil the tank water. Non-flushable toilets are also available on-site. Campfires are permitted in the communal fire rings during the fire season (April – November) as long as there are no ongoing weather warnings. The campground is also pet-friendly, as long as your dog is on a leash.
Things to do at Lake Kepwari
The name Lake Kepwari comes from the local Willman language “Kepwari” meaning “playing in water”, so get ready to play! From fishing for redfin to catching marron, hopping in boat or waterskiing, Lake Kepwari is a water sporting haven.
Relax at one of the two day-use picnic areas and cook up a feed on the gas barbecues after a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the lake. You can easily spend a few days here and still not want to leave.
Book Mick Murray Campground on the DBCA website
Book David Ugle Campground on the DBCA website
Honeymoon Pool, Collie
Honeymoon Pool is one of the best swimming and camping spots in Collie, often being voted one of Australia’s best camping spots. Located within Wellington National Park, the 20 available campsites are shaded by graceful peppermint trees on the banks of the Collie River.
Camping at Honeymoon Pool in Collie
Campers will be delighted to know many of the camp sites in Honeymoon Pool sit right by the Collie River. All sitting underneath a canopy of peppermint trees, the campsites are relatively small and would suit campers with tents or small campervans.
The campsites are all shaded by graceful, weeping peppermint trees and many of them are directly on the edge of the river. As the tent sites are small, they are suitable for tents and swags only.
The majority of the sites comes with it’s own picnic table and wood fire area so be sure to bring your own wood if you want a fire (unless there are fire restrictions of course). Perfect for families to explore the surrounding nature trails in Wellington National Park, there are also communal gas BBQs to cook up a feed.
While there are toilets on site, there are no showers or drinking water. As Honeymoon Pool sits within a National Park, there are also no dogs allowed.
Top tip: Be sure you make a booking ahead of time at Explore Parks WA as Honeymoon Pool is extremely popular and gets quite busy. Hop on the website to check out availability, book and pay for your site. There are also 2 other camping areas you could check out, Stones Brook Campground has 17 sites and Gelcoat Campground has 8 sites.
Things to do at Honeymoon Pool in Collie
Jump off into the water! There is a large deck that extends over the river, with stairs leading into the water where you can hop off into the refreshing Collie River.
Enjoy the view of the sweeping peppermint trees framing the river on the deck, or hop in with a canoe or kayak. The stretch of river flowing past the campsite is perfect for kayaking and if you want a bit more of a thrill there are several sections of rapids further upstream.
Get out for a hike on the many picturesque trails surrounding Honeymoon Pool, there are some world-famous trails that go through Wellington National Park, so pick from a variety of walking trails or mountain bike trails that all offer spectacular views of the Collie River Valley.
Collie River Valley Tourist Park, Collie
A fantastic park with a great community vibe, Collie River Valley Tourist Park caters for travellers, families, grey nomads and large groups with their large range of accommodation options right in the middle of town.
Camp out in one of the 80 spacious powered sites or book out a cabin, the facilities will ensure a relaxing stay with their shared common room and free gas BBQs.
Bring the dog along as they are pet-friendly, just remember they will need to be on a leash at all times.
Collie Trails Retreat
If you’re looking for a more intimate camping experience, Collie Trails Retreat is a family run campground that boasts 19 campsites that will suit campers with tents and swags, situated on farmland just a short drive from the town of Collie.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you will also have easy access to the Bibbulmun Track, Arklow Mountain Biking Trails, and the Munda Biddi trail from this campground.
With brand new facilities like shower and toilet blocks and camp kitchen, Collie Trails Retreat is a great base from which to explore Collie.
Potters Gorge, Collie
Upgraded to accommodate large vehicles, caravans and camper trailers, Potters Gorge is your chance to camp out under the canopy of the forest.
Camping at Potters Gorge in Collie
With over 54 camp sites to pick from, the campground now also comes with a large group area with a camp kitchen to cook up a feast for the family! Alternatively, use one of the gas BBQs to cook up some sausages and have your meal on one of the provided picnic tables.
Sitting on the shores of Wellington Dam, make use of the adjacent day use picnic area that comes with gas barbecues, toilets and change rooms. Non potable water is provided, so make sure you have drinking water, or the ability to boil water.
Campfires are allowed in the designated fire pits if there are no fire bans in place.
Bookings must be made prior to arrival via Park Stay WA.
Things to do at Potters Gorge in Collie
With a gentle beach entry into the water, this is a great spot for little kids who can toddle their way into the water safely or play on the little beach.
Fish to your heart’s content, canoe or swim. As you’ll be in Wellington National Park, you can also head off on a mountain biking adventure on the Wambenger Trails or on the world-famous Munda Biddi trail that cuts through Collie.
Glen Mervyn Dam
If you’re a fan of waterskiing, you need to check out Glen Mervyn Dam, a water sports playground. Visitors to this popular spot can spend all swimming, fishing and waterskiing before camping out under the stars at the end of the day.
Camping is permitted in tents on the western shore of the dam where toilets and picnic tables are available. Make sure you bring your cooking set up as camp and cooking fires are not allowed at Glen Mervyn Dam.
Dogs on leashes are allowed at Glen Mervyn Dam. For water levels of Glen Mervyn Dam, visit the Water Corporation website.
Stockton Lake, Collie
An iconic lake in Collie, Stockton Lake is famous for its turquoise waters. A must-visit, visitors will look upon the calm bright blue waters in awe before delightfully jumping in for a splash.
Camping in Stockton Lake in Collie
The Stockton Lake campgrounds is a bush camping area that doesn’t have any designated campsites. Great for tents and caravans alike, getting a spot at Stockton Lake is on first come first serve basis, so be sure to keep that in mind! Dogs are also allowed as long as they’re on a leash.
Things to do in Stockton Lake in Collie
You can take a boat or a waterski on the lake so be prepared for a water-filled adventure when you’re out at Stockton Lake! With its calm waters, it’s also ideal for stand up paddle boarding, so remember to pack the SUP when coming out here.
This article is tourism initiative proudly supported by South32 Worsley Alumina.
