With its newly crowned status as one of Western Australia’s official Trails Towns, there’s no better place to explore off the beaten path, than in Collie. The town has been making a name for itself as a destination for mountain biking, hiking, walking, and street art in recent years, and with its stunning Eucalypt forests and rugged landscapes, winter is the perfect time to make tracks and check it out!
We’ve compiled six of the best trails for you to visit when you travel here this year, with options for all ages, abilities, and adventure-levels.
Biking and Hiking Trail
Whether you’re into mountain biking, hiking, driving, or just a gentle stroll among the Australian bush, Collie is abundant in trails to explore and experience. So much so, they’ve created the Wambenger Trails App to help you plan the perfect outing!
Explore ancient Jarrah forests, and shedding paperbark trees as you meander the 6km Karak trail, named for the red-tailed black cockatoos you may be lucky enough to spy along the path! Adventure seekers can double their experience with the Jabitj trail. Called ‘running water’ in the local Noongar language, this 12km hike follows the Collie River between Wellington Dam and Honeymoon Pool, making for breathtaking views over the rapids and river pools.
Want to take things up a notch? Hit the Kylie, Wagyl Biddi, Arklow, Wellington or Mt Lennard mountain bike paths. Launch across gravel, rocks, and old tree trunks as you coast through spectacular scenery. Get the perfect bike for your needs with bike hire from Crank’n Cycles, or go for a guided tour on the back of e-bikes with Adventure Connections.
The Collie Mural Trail
With more than 40 larger than life murals to seek out, the Collie Mural Trail is a must-do for any art lover. Start in town as you head out on an urban walk, staring in awe at murals dotted across the landscape. From Fintan Magee’s Three Workers to Kambarni’s Gnaala Karla Booja, there’s something to give everyone goosebumps!
Don’t forget to stop by the Collie Regional Art Gallery, a 150sqm space brimming with exhibitions and local artists of national and international significance. Once you’ve taken in all its beauty, it’s time to jump in the car and head through Wellington National Park, with the collection concluding with the jaw-dropping 8,000sqm Wellington Dam Mural ‘Reflections’ – the perfect place for a lunch or an afternoon tea break.
Want to go into even more depth and hear the stories behind the paintings? Join a Forest Explorers Mural Tour, with local guides recounting stories of the Collie River Valley on a 90-minute trek or 5-hour picnic extravaganza.
A Trail From Horseback
Want to explore Collie in a way you never have before? How about from atop a horse! The 46.5km Collie to Darkan Rail Trail is the perfect path for walking, cycling and horse-riding. Beginning 20km east of Collie and finishing at the old Darkan Railway Station, this trail covers some stunning bush scenery. Best yet, you can cover a portion of the trail if you just want a day trip, or you can spend two to three days trekking the whole length for incredible memories.
Looking for a guide for your horse adventure? Try a ride through the beautiful bush around this mining town, with Outback Horse Trails. The team there teach visitors about horse care, feeding, saddling and more with each experience, and offer bush rides, picnic rides, and even overnight horse camps!
Kayak and Canoe Trail
Renowned for its picturesque waterways and lush green scenery especially come winter, Collie is the ideal destination for a kayak or canoe trail. Surround yourself with the dazzling green foliage of peppermint trees, and watch them drape into still waters as you glide along the Honeymoon Pool Kayak Trail. Follow the path downstream, walk around the Gelcoat rapids, before ending at a breathtaking little waterfall.
Head to some of the other striking waterways in the region to continue the fun. Try stand-up paddleboarding at Lake Kepwari or canoe across Minningup Pool near Mungalup Road. Visit the latter in the morning to watch the mist crawl across the surface, often appearing as still as glass. Don’t have your own equipment – never fear – you can hire them and learn more information about the trails and waterways of Collie from TraaVerse.
Explore History and Heritage Trail
With more than 100 years of history and heritage, Collie offers more than just scenery to wonder at! Weave your way along the Rail to River Heritage Trail, indulging your senses as you discover the rich stories of Collie’s living history. Stop by Soldier’s Park and the War Monument, established in 1921 following the end of WWI. Their significance is especially haunting when you come to understand how Collie sent more of its population to war, on a per capita basis, than any other community in Australia.
Encounter historic buildings such as the Old Police Station, Collie Court House, and The Federal Hotel – originally opened in 1901 and which is still trading today for dining and accommodation. Other must-see stops include the Coalfields Museum, to unearth the deep mining history of the town, as well as the Underground Replica Mine.
Delectable Foodie Trail
Looking to enjoy delectable country produce as you picnic beside the famed Wellington Dam? Or chasing some tasty treats to satiate your hunger from all that bike-riding? While there isn’t a dedicated foodie trail in Collie (just yet), we’d recommend the following path to enjoy a sumptuous feast.
Start your morning at The Wagon and put a pep in your step with a warm cup of coffee. From there head to Collie Providore for mouthwatering cheeses and locally-sourced artisan condiments. Continue your treasure hunt at the Collie Visitor Centre with some Sherwood Springs Olive Oil, and add a sweet touch to with Bees Knees Honey.
For brunch it’s time to pick up some snacks. Head to Gibson’s Jerky for a little taste of the wild west. This family-owned business has a secret blend of herbs and spices that produce simply irresistible flavours. If you prefer something with more ‘pick me up’, hit up Whisk Nutrition Studio on Steere Street for a healthy energy drink.
As lunch rolls around, why not enjoy a grazing platter from Tailored Grazing! There’s plenty of picnic spots you can rug up at around Wellington Dam, Honeymoon Pools or Stockton Lake that offer incredible views as backdrops to your gourmet dining. Or head inside to the warmth and enjoy a hearty meal from BarnZees’s.
The afternoon is all about opening up the palette and enjoying some local drinks. Taste the Brew42 beer at the Crown Hotel or Kiosk at the Dam, or finish up your day at Harris River Estate Winery, sampling their gorgeous wine and gin.
This article is a collaboration between Australia’s South West and The Shire of Collie, with Collie Tourism proudly supported by South 32 Worsley Alumina.
