The Top 10 Things To Do In Collie
Right – the borders are relaxed and it’s time to get out there and explore Western Australia!
Being the forever-adventurer you are, perhaps you’re looking for somewhere a little different to avoid the crowds, or somewhere a little closer if time off is an issue.
May we humbly point you towards Collie, just 200km southeast of Perth and quickly becoming a hotspot of activities, from bushwalking and mountain biking, to watersports, camping, dining, shopping and more.
Indeed, in recent years Collie has done plenty to shake the mining town tag, quickly becoming a great tourism and living destination in its own right.
Below we’ve outlined 10 (although it actually ends up being dozens) of awesome things to do in and around Collie.
Check it out below, and for up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 Safe accommodation, dining and activities, follow THIS LINK.
1. Tackle A Trail Or Ten
In case you missed it, we recently went on a deep dive into Collie’s extensive – and expansive – network of bushwalking and mountain biking trails.
The area has serious intentions of becoming WA’s premier trail town, sinking millions of dollars into forming a world-class network of trails to suit explorers from all walks of life.
From cruisy, flora- and fauna-filled riverside strolls to adrenalin-pumping mountain bike jump zones, it’ll take you weeks to tackle them all.
2. Wriggle In To Wagon 537 Or Buckle Up For Breakfast
Located in a heritage train wagon, pop-up coffee shop Wagon 537 is a hit with visitors and locals, keeping them charged with Margaret River Roasting Co’s fresh beans.
If you’re in town during summer the Waterspray Park is just next-door, and it’s also a short walk to Soldiers Park or the skate park, while the trailhead will mark the start of the day’s walking.
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial to eat, there’s plenty of excellent brekky options around town, including Jax Diner, Collie Ridge and Colliefields Hotel – just to get you started.
Photo of Wagon 537
3. Have A Dam Good Time
Collie already has a bustling community of water sports enthusiasts thanks to an extensive network of dams in the area.
There’s WA’s second largest water catchment zone, Wellington Dam and Glen Mervyn Dam, both popular spots to take the boat for a spin.
For those looking for something a little more relaxing, might we suggest Harris Dam, with native gardens, grassed areas for play and plenty of picnic and toilet amenities to help you pull up for a long lunch.
4. Wander Through Wellington National Park
Wellington National Park features some 17,000 hectares of Jarrah, Marri and Yarri forests, including the stunning Collie River Valley, offering so much to do you might want a couple of days to tackle it all!
Sightseeing, picnics, kayaking, bird watching and animal spotting, bushwalking, mountain biking, fishing and more can be enjoyed in the area, with a huge network of walking trails emanating from and running through the park.
For the wildflower enthusiasts, Spring opens the park up to over 300 species of colourful varieties, along with 70-plus bird species.
Pro-tip: A hard day’s adventuring needs a big cold beer, and Kiosk At The Dam in the centre of the Park is now licensed, featuring locally brewed craft beers and wines.
5. Grab A Proper Pub Feed Or Wine & Dine
No visit to regional Australia would be right with a proper pub lunch, and Collie isn’t short on options for you.
The Club Hotel, The Victoria Hotel and the Federal Hotel are all steeped in history, along with plenty of epic lunch and dinner deal options most days of the week.
If you’re looking for something a little fancier, Harris Estate Winery makes for a spectacular relaxing lunch, nestled amongst the forest 5km north of Collie.
It’s not only a winery, but has a beer and cider microbrewery on site, along with accommodation on site.
Photo of Harris River Estate Winery
6. Brush Up On Some History
Given it was established way back in 1897, Collie has a dense history – one the town provides plenty of opportunities for visitors to understand.
There are the Coalfields, Railway and Bike Museums, a Replica Underground Coal Mine, Railway Heritage Sheds, Replica Railway Station & Footbridge, Steam Trains, Collie Coal Shovel and more.
Photo of Collie Art Gallery
For those looking for something a little more contemporary, the Collie Art Gallery showcases an incredibly diverse range of talent, while also stocking a heap of locally made art and gifts available for purchase, which leads us to
7. Indulge In Some Retail Therapy
Collie has a bubbling retail economy, featuring plenty of markets and quirky little shops to help you find a keepsake or two.
The heritage-listed Goods Shed Markets have all your produce sorted, while Cheeky Squirrel, White Stones, Retro Respection, the Visitor Centre and the newly opened Mystical Presents have gifts galore.
8. There’s Sport For All Speeds
While the dams of Collie have water sports enthusiasts covered (including the coming-soon water skiing at Lake Kepwari), there’s plenty for land-based vehicle enthusiasts too.
Collie Speedway and Collie Motorplex keep the cars racing all year long, along with Stockton Lake’s specialty Motorcross track.
Conversely if you’re looking for something a little cruisier, Collie Park Golf Course and Eden Park’s Par 3 Golf Course may be more your speed.
9. Picnic By Some Pretty Pools…
Along with some large dams, Collie and its surrounds are littered with a heap of serene pools for something a little quieter.
From the aptly-named Honeymoon Pool & Long Pool, to Minninup Pool, Potters Gorge and Big & Little Rock, there’s plenty of secluded options to get away from the speed boats.
10. …And Lounge By Some Lovely Lakes
From boating on Stockton Lake to floating on Black Diamond Lake, there’s so many beautiful bodies of water around Collie it can be hard to keep up.
The Collie River makes for some smooth stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking along with fishing and swimming – hit up Traaverse to help with hire equipment and trail tips.
To keep up with all the going’s on in Collie, head to their WEBSITE, or follow the town on FACEBOOK.