From lakeside wanders and scenic trails to country pubs and boutique stays, here’s how to slow down and soak up the season in Collie this autumn.
Autumn in the Collie River Valley means cool air, warm hospitality and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
As the mornings turn crisp and the jarrah forest shifts into rich autumn tones, Collie transforms into one of WA’s most underrated cool-weather getaways. It’s the season for hot coffees after a morning hike, long lunches beside the fire, mist rising over the lakes and evenings wrapped up in cosy accommodation.
Tucked away in WA’s South West, Collie blends outdoor adventure with country charm. You can spend the day paddling across turquoise lakes, exploring forest trails or wandering through town discovering murals and local history, then settle in for a hearty pub meal and a comfortable night’s sleep.
If you’ve been searching for an autumn road trip destination close to Perth, this is your sign to head for the hills.
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Why Visit Collie in Autumn?
Quick Facts: Autumn in Collie
- Around 2 hours south of Perth
- Crisp mornings and mild daytime temperatures
- Ideal season for hiking, camping and mountain biking
- Home to lakes, forests, trails and cosy country pubs
- Perfect for weekend getaways and slow travel escapes
Autumn is one of the best times to experience the Collie River Valley. The cooler weather makes hiking, mountain biking and exploring the region’s forests and waterways even more enjoyable, while the changing season brings a calm, relaxed energy to town.
Where Are the Best Places to Stay in Collie This Autumn?
Boutique lodges and Forest Retreats
For travellers wanting peace, nature and a little luxury, Collie has some beautifully secluded accommodation options surrounded by jarrah forest and rolling hills. Properties like Wambenger Lodge, Red-Tail Retreat and Collie Trails Retreat offer the kind of quiet escape that feels worlds away from city life.
Why it’s special:
Autumn mornings here are something else, think mist through the trees, birdsong and a hot coffee while the forest wakes up.
Charming pub stays and heritage hotels
If your ideal getaway includes country hospitality, local characters and an easy walk to dinner, Collie’s pub stays are full of personality. Historic stays like the Federal Hotel, Crown Hotel or Club Hotel blend old-school charm with cosy comfort.
Why it’s special:
There’s nothing better after a cool autumn day than settling into a classic country pub meal with a fireplace crackling nearby.
Caravan parks and camping escapes
For travellers chasing outdoor adventure, autumn is prime camping season in Collie. Collie Tourist Park is located just a short stroll from town. Unwind in a fully self-contained cabin or park your van under the gum trees. Or if nature-based camping under the stars appeals to you, set up camp at Stockton Lake, Lake Kepwari, Potters Gorge or Honeymoon Pool. Don’t forget to book online at Park Stay and always check the current campfire conditions before you roast your marshmallows.
Why it’s special:
Cooler nights make campfires, stargazing and waking up in the forest even more memorable.
Where Should You Eat in Collie This Autumn?
Top Places to Refuel and Warm Up
Cosy pubs with hearty meals
Autumn is pub season, and Collie delivers classic country hospitality in all the right ways. Expect generous meals, local wines, cold pints and welcoming atmospheres at venues like the Crown Hotel, Club Hotel, Federal Hotel, or The Vic.
Why it’s special:
After a day exploring the trails or lakes, a warm meal and relaxed pub atmosphere feels exactly right.
Cafés and casual eats
Start your morning with coffee from The Wagon or breakfast from Barnzee’s Burger and Barista in town before heading out on an adventure. If you’re heading out on the trails in the Wellington National Park be sure to fuel up at Kiosk at the Dam or relax afterwards with a glass of local wine or crafted beer.
Why it’s special:
The slower pace is all part of the charm. There’s no rush here, just good food and welcoming locals.
Trail of the Month: Karak Trail
Take the Golden Route
If you’re chasing an easy autumn adventure in Collie, the Karak (Red Tail) Trail is one of the region’s most relaxing and accessible walks. Winding through towering jarrah, paperbark and sheoak forest between Collie and Allanson, this scenic trail is all about slowing down and soaking up nature at your own pace.
Named after the local Noongar word for the Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo, the Karak Trail offers a genuine connection to the landscapes and wildlife that make Collie so special. Keep an ear out for the unmistakable calls of the cockatoos overhead, hearing them echo through the forest is part of the magic of this walk.
One of the best things about the Karak Trail is how accessible it is. The sealed dual-use path is suitable for walkers, cyclists, prams and wheelchairs, making it a great option for families and travellers looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience. At 5.8km one way, it’s long enough to feel like an adventure without being overly challenging.
During autumn, the trail takes on an entirely different atmosphere. Cool misty mornings drift through the trees, sunlight filters softly through the forest canopy and the crisp country air makes every step feel refreshing. It’s an ideal way to experience the quieter side of the Collie River Valley.
If you visit in wildflower season later in the year, you’ll also find vibrant displays of native orchids and seasonal blooms lining the trail. But autumn has its own charm, peaceful, calm and incredibly photogenic.
Quick Facts: Karak (Red Tail) Trail
- Location: Collie to Allanson
- Distance: 5.8km one way / 11.6km return
- Trail type: Walking and cycling trail
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and pram friendly
- Best for: Families, casual walkers, bike rides and nature lovers
- Highlights: Forest scenery, birdlife, wildflowers and peaceful autumn mornings
The Karak Trail is proof that some of the best experiences in the Collie River Valley aren’t rushed. Sometimes, all you need is a quiet trail, fresh forest air and the sound of cockatoos overhead.
What's On In May
For full list of events click here.
Collie Nine-Nine
Brooklyn Nine-Nine inspired game night 22nd May, 8pm – Crown Hotel 113 Throssell St
Collie Farmers Market
23rd May, 8am – Central Park, Forrest St
D1WA Matsuri Car Drifting
23rd and 24th May, 9am – Collie Motorplex, 643 Powerhouse Rd
How Long Should You Stay in Collie?
A weekend getaway is enough to experience the highlights of Collie, but it’s the kind of place that quickly convinces people to stay longer.
Two to three days gives you time to:
- Explore the lakes and trails
- Enjoy local cafés and pubs
- Experience Wellington National Park
- Stay somewhere cosy and slow the pace down
- Discover hidden spots around the region
And because Collie is so close to Perth, it’s an easy road trip without the long-haul drive.
Who This Is For
This autumn escape is perfect for:
- Couples looking for a cosy weekend away
- Nature lovers and outdoor adventurers
- Mountain bikers and hikers
- Families wanting a relaxed South West getaway
- Perth travellers searching for an easy road trip
- Anyone craving fresh air, forest trails and country hospitality
The cooler months are calling and Collie is ready when you are.
Autumn in the Collie River Valley is all about balance adventure and relaxation, fresh air and warm fires, quiet nature and welcoming hospitality. Whether you’re chasing a romantic weekend away, a nature-filled escape with friends or a family road trip through WA’s South West, Collie delivers the kind of getaway that feels refreshing from the moment you arrive.
Photoworthy...
A tourism project initiative proudly supported by South32 Worsley Alumina.
