Collie is a hidden gem nestled within the heart of the South-West region boasting a range of fun-filled adventures for families. Surrounded by lush forests, stunning lakes, and rich history, this charming town has an activity for everyone, take advantage of the school holidays and show the kids all that Collie has to offer.
1. Discover Collie’s National Park
A must-visit, Wellington National Park stuns with its breath-taking landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, and abundant wildlife. From exploring the myriad of walking trails to enjoying the serene surroundings by the riverbanks with a packed picnic, the opportunities for the kids to run abound are endless.
Take a hike out to the popular Honeymoon Pool and let the kids loose swimming under the peppermint trees. Take out the canoe or sit down for a spread, you can even camp right by the river (campfires allowed in the cooler months!), making this a popular school holiday spot.
If you have a budding birdwatcher in the family, there’s no better place to pull out the binoculars than on one of the 8 birdwatching trails within Wellington National Park. With over 70 species of birds to discover from the Western Rosella to the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, take the day to wander through the park and marvel at the towering jarrah, karri and marri trees.
Keep a lookout for the native wildflowers that are abundant in spring, and if you’re staying the night, a torchlight walk in the evening may reveal possums, chuditch, quendas or woylies.
2. Explore the trails
Did you know that Collie is one of Western Australia’s Trail Towns? Discover endless adventures as you explore the Wambenger Trails and wind your way through majestic forests, rugged hills and serene waterways.
The Munda Biddi Trail is one of Australia’s longest off-road mountain bike trails and stretches from Mundaring to Albany with a big section of the trail running through Collie. This trail offers a fantastic opportunity for long-distance mountain biking, with diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and hills, making it perfect for kids wanting a ride across challenging terrain. Also a great hit with the kids is the Currawong Pump Track located at Potters Gorge campsite. The two tracks are perfect for kids, one for those starting out learning how to do jumps and roll overs, and the other with some fast tracks to speed down on.
If you’re a keen hiker, you would have heard of the Bibbulmun Track, a long-distance hiking trail stretching about 1,000 kilometers from Kalamunda to Albany on the south coast. A significant stop on the track, the portion of track in Collie meanders along the Collie River, providing ample opportunities for swimming and stunning views of the towering forests.
There are 59 trails in Collie that explores the network of forests, lakes, and waterways to be found. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a hike that will put you through your paces, you’ll find it in Collie.
3. Take a step back into Collie’s history
Take a glimpse into Collie’s history and learn about the town’s early years of timber milling, railways and coal mining.
Collie Historical Rail Precinct
For a touch of local history, visit the Collie Historical Rail Precinct that comprises of the Old Goodes Shed, Bill Weir Rolling Stock Shed and the Railway Footbridge. The kids can walk along the restored railway footbridge, first built in 1912 and visit the re-built railway station. Take a stroll around the station and its surrounding area to learn about Collie’s rail history and view three beautifully restored steam locomotives housed right next to the Collie Visitor Centre.
Go on a Mine Tour
Collie has a rich mining history, and you can explore this with a self-guided tour of a replica mine! Educational and fascinating for older kids and adults alike, the tour is like a voyage into a world long past. Head over to the Coalfields Museum across the road to continue learning from their interesting exhibits about the mining industry.
4. For the adrenaline junkies
If you need more adrenaline aside from the hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking to be found in Collie, we’re here to help!
Horse Riding
Jump on a horseback riding tour with Outback Horse Trails, where experienced riders can canter along in the forest and little ones can get a taste of walking along on a well-trained horse. Collie offers excellent opportunities for horse riding, with trails that take riders through beautiful forests, along rivers, and across varied terrain. T
Jump on a tour
Adventure Connections offers fully guided nature-based experiences where you can hike, kayak or cycle on an e-bike to your heart’s content! Explore nature’s playground with local guide Kym as she takes you on an adventure through the Collie River Valley region.
If you’re looking to engage more with nature, Forest Explorers offers guided tours where you can spot and learn about Collie’s unique flora and fauna landscapes. Their tours & wildflower walks vary in duration, ranging from one to five hours, covering well-known routes like the Collie Mural Trail, Bibbulmun Track, Wambenger Rail Trail, Wellington National Park and Crooked Brook.
Collie Skate Park
If your kids are into skating or BMX, the Collie Skate Park is a great place to burn off some energy. This well-designed park caters to various skill levels and provides a safe environment to practice their tricks. Relax on the nearby grassy areas and let the kids go wild!
5. Get the creative juices flowing
Collie Art Gallery
For a dose of culture, head to the Collie Art Gallery where you can view showcases from a variety local and regional artists. A wonderful way to introduce kids to the world of art and creativity, the gallery also hosts workshops and exhibitions, so check their schedule to see if there’s anything special happening during the school holidays!
Collie Mural Trail
Take a walk through town and follow the Collie Mural Trail, an interesting collection of 40 plus murals spread through town, mostly painted by local artists. From scenes of local wildlife, landscapes to depictions of the town’s coal mining heritage, each mural tells a story of the town’s unique tapestry. Pop by the Collie Visitor Centre for a map of all the mural locations and make a mural hunt the activity for the day!
Wellington Dam
A sight you do not want to miss, the Wellington Dam mural features the world’s largest dam mural, a spectacular piece of public art that spans over 8,000 square meters. Painted by internationally renowned artist Guido van Helten, the mural was completed in 2021 and depicts historical and cultural scenes that celebrate the indigenous culture and heritage of the Collie region.
6. Have fun at the pool
Home to spectacular natural and man-made pools, Collie’s pools are the perfect place to while the day away. Waterski across Lake Kepwari, go white water rafting on the Collie River, or get that Instagram worthy shot at Stockton Lake there’s a body of water for everyone!
Stockton Lake was originally an open-cut coal mine that was operational until the 1960s. After mining ceased, the pit was filled with water, creating the crystal-clear waters of the lake. A popular lake for kayaking and swimming due to its calm waters, you can even take the boat and jet ski out! If you find a day isn’t enough to fully experience this beautiful spot, Stockton Lake does offer basic camping facilities and camping areas.
Looking to spend the day waterskiing and swimming? Head out to Lake Kepwari! Take a picnic out to the lake along with your best mate as the lake is dog-friendly (though you have to keep them on the lead)!
Check out Minningup Pool for a beautiful and serene natural swimming spot located on the Collie River. A local favourite, the water is clear and refreshing all year round for swimming, and anglers can try their luck catching freshwater fish like Redfin perch!
Holiday the school holidays away!
From outdoor adventures and historical explorations to art and community events, there’s something to captivate everyone in this regional town. Pack the car, gather the family and get ready for an unforgettable school holiday experience in Collie!
This article is tourism initiative proudly supported by South32 Worsley Alumina.
