Where the forest envelops you in hushed tones and the ground underfoot carries history in every step. Beneath towering Jarrah and Marri trees, ribbons of trails unfurl like secret pathways; mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, there’s always action to be found. At Wellington Dam, one of the largest murals in the world spreads across stone, a masterpiece that must be seen to be believed. The air around here tastes of Eucalyptus and campfires come winter, as you wake to a chorus of birdsong beside lakes so blue that they’ll make you think you’re still dreaming.
The drive into Collie offers picturesque views of the surrounding jarrah forest, hills and farmland. In addition to its natural beauty, this historic town nestled on the banks of the Collie River is gaining a reputation for outstanding adrenaline activities such as camping, cycling and water sports.
One of the top tourist attractions in Collie is the 8,000sqm Wellington Dam Mural, featuring images of Collie mine workers, families playing in the water, Aboriginal children and other scenes and was inspired by local stories and photos. Taking four months to complete, the 8,000 square metre Wellington Dam Mural was painted by internationally renowned artist Guido Van Helten. The scale is immense and the artwork’s colours were specifically mixed on-site to blend with the local granite and landscape.
Trails
Collie is fast becoming a must-visit destination for adventure seekers, with world-class mountain bike trails weaving through Wellington National Park and Arklow. Whether you’re chasing flowy descents, technical climbs or kid-friendly circuits, Collie delivers. Beyond biking, the town is perfectly positioned for hiking and bikepacking, with the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail passing nearby, making it an ideal base for exploring Western Australia’s south-west wilderness.
To make the most of Collie’s outdoor playground, visitors can connect with Adventure Connections, based at their purpose-built Tours & Hire Trail Hub inside Wellington National Park. The hub serves as a convenient launching point for adventures, offering e-bike and mountain-bike hire, guided rides and hikes, kayak hire, and even MTB shuttle services that make accessing the trail network simple and stress-free.
Meanwhile, Forest Explorers delivers small group, nature and culture focused tours that showcase Collie’s wildflower displays, local heritage, murals and the forested Collie River Valley. Their tours range from quick 1.5-hour walks to half-day experiences, including wildflower walks, Collie town mural tours, heritage site visits, and trail transfer services for long-distance walkers or cyclists.
Lakes
Collie is surrounded by lakes and waterways that offer fabulous kayaking, canoeing and camping spots including Minninup Pool, Lake Kepwari, Stockton Lake and Black Diamond Lake, which has risen to Instagram fame due to its vibrant colour.
No visit is complete without checking out Collie Art Gallery, the Mural Trail in town and the mega mural at the Wellington Dam. Harris River Estate Winery and Distillery is a must visit and the many heritage pubs that provide a wide variety of places of eat and drink.
