Nestled in the South West of Western Australia, Collie is a town steeped in rich history, with its story deeply intertwined with the coal mining industry, pioneering efforts, and cultural evolution. Previously known as a coal-producing centre, Collie has evolved from a modest mining settlement to a vibrant community with significant historical landmarks and cultural heritage sites that paint a vivid picture of its past.
Early Settlement and the Arrival of Pioneers
Before European settlement, the area now known as Collie was inhabited by the Wiilman and Kaneang people, whose traditional lands spanned across the south-west of Western Australia. They lived harmoniously with the land, with the rich forests and abundant resources playing a key role in their culture.
The first European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, with the Swan River Colony established in 1829. Collie was named after Dr Alexander Collie, a ship’s surgeon aboard the HMS Sulphur, who explored the region and in 1829 discovered the river from which Collie took its name.
Previously identified as being ideal for pasturelands, it wasn’t till the 1850’s when explorer and surveyor, James Stirling reported the rich natural resources which would later fuel Collie’s growth.
With the arrival of early European settlers, coal was discovered in the area in the 1880s, laying the foundation for Collie’s identity as a coal mining hub and marking the beginning of Collie’s industrial journey. Early pioneers, such as John Edward Wittenoom, recognised the potential of the Collie River valley and laid the groundwork for the town’s future prosperity.
Mining and the Rise of Collie
Collie’s coal mining industry is the bedrock of the town’s development, attracting settlers and workers from across the country and abroad. The discovery of coal in the area in the late 19th century proved to be a turning point. The Western Australian government was eager to develop the region and began to establish coal mines.
The Collie Coal Mining District was declared in 1896 and Collie soon became the heart of coal production in the state. By the 1900s, the Collie Basin, with its rich deposits of high-grade coal, was one of the most important mining areas in Western Australia.
The town’s industrial growth saw the establishment of various businesses, including railways to transport coal and timber, as well as large mining operations, which became crucial to the state’s development. The coal was primarily used to fuel local industries and to support the growing power needs of the state. For nearly a century, Collie was a major mining hub, with the industry influencing much of the town’s culture, economy, and society.
Heritage Sites and Historical Landmarks
Collie’s history is well-preserved through various heritage sites, museums, and historical landmarks that showcase its diverse history. Learn about the stories of Collie as you walk into the past when visiting these important historical sites.
Collie Heritage Rail Precinct
Featuring three important historical attractions, the Old Goods Shed, Bill Weir Rolling Stock Shed and the Railway Footbridge, this precinct offers visitors a chance to step back in time to learn about the history of the town and its people. The Old Goods Shed was originally designed by C.Y. O’Connor and built in 1898, and currently houses an interpretive display on what life would have been like back in the 1890s.
Head next door to the Bill Weir Rolling Shed and learn how rolling stock happens. You’ll be able to see up close items alike a First-Class sleeping coach, wagons, coal trucks, and engines!
Lastly, admire the restored Railway Footbridge that links the rail precinct to the restored Collie Railway Station. Railway enthusiasts will be delighted to discover three restored locomotives housed right next to the Collie Visit Centre, along with a museum displaying more information on Collie.
Coalfields Museum
Located in the heart of Collie, the Coalfields Museum offers an immersive experience into the town’s coal mining history. Offering insight into the lives of those who worked in the mines, visitors can explore the history of the region’s mining boom and view items like radiograms, phonographs, mining equipment and more.
Replica Underground Coal Mine
The coal mining experience doesn’t stop at the Coalfields Museum! Visit Collie’s replica underground coal mine and experience what life was like underground for mine workers from early pioneers to later generations of workers. Learn about the gruelling tasks mine workers faced and experience the thunderous blast as coal is removed from the rock face in their pursuit of black gold.
Memorial Coal Arch
Previously located at the Western No.1 underground mine entrance, the old coal arch was relocated in 1999 and is one of the few surviving examples of a mine entrance on the Collie coalfields. The coal skip sitting next to the arch is a replica that was created to recognise the contribution underground miners made from 1890 to the closure of the underground mines in 1994. This site is a place for sober reflection, take the time to visit the memorial wall next to the arch where names of all miners killed on the Collie coalfields are listed.
Rail to River Heritage Trail
Collie is home to the Rail to River Heritage Trail, a 2.8km trail that follows 21 sites of historical interest, weaving a path through town. Take a step into the past and gain a deeper understanding of Collie’s mining history, the social life of early settlers, and the development of the Collie’s key industries. Each site is marked with a plaque and a QR code which will give you more information on the historical significance of the site.
The Legacy of Pioneers and Cultural Heritage
Collie is a town where the echoes of its past reverberate through its landscapes, buildings, and people. Its history, beginning with the Noongar people and marked by the struggles and achievements of the town’s pioneers is preserved in the town’s museum, heritage sites, and cultural landmarks.
From the early European explorers who mapped the land to the hardworking miners who laid the foundations of the town, Collie’s past is one of resilience and adaptation. As the town moves forward, it continues to honour its history, ensuring that the stories of its past are not forgotten. Whether through the legacy of coal mining, the resilience of its people, or the preservation of its cultural traditions, Collie stands as a testament to the enduring power of heritage.
This article is a tourism initiative proudly supported by South32 Worsley Alumina.
