Explore Australia

Collie

Wall mural, Ken Stepnell

Population 7084

Collie is Western Australia's only coalmining town. The surrounding area was first explored in 1829 when Captain James Stirling led a reconnaissance party to the land south of Perth. The region was originally considered ideal for timber production and as pasturelands. However, the discovery of coal along the Collie River in 1883 changed the region's fortunes. In dense jarrah forest, near the winding Collie River, the town has many parks and gardens. The drive into Collie on the Coalfields Highway along the top of the Darling Scarp offers spectacular views of the surrounding forests, rolling hills and farms.

Visitor Information

Old Collie Post Office, 63 Throssell St; (08) 9734 2051

www.collierivervalley.org.au

Nearby national parks

  • Yalgorup National Park

    Located just south of Mandurah in a long, narrow strip between the Old Coast Road and the Indian Ocean, and protecting a wetland system...more

  • Serpentine National Park

    This delightful park, only an hour’s drive from Perth, has attracted recreational visitors for over a century. They come to picnic...more

  • Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park

    This long, narrow park hugs the south-west coast of Western Australia for 120 kilometres between two prominent capes, Cape Naturaliste in...more

Nearby towns

  • Donnybrook

    Donnybrook is the centre of the oldest and largest apple-growing area in Western Australia. This is the home of the Granny Smith apple and...more

  • Harvey

    On the Harvey River, 18 kilometres from the coast, the thriving town of Harvey is surrounded by fertile, irrigated plains. Beef...more

  • Australind

    Lying on the Leschenault Estuary and bordered by the Collie River, Australind offers a multitude of aquatic pleasures including fishing,...more

In Town

Tourist Coal Mine Step back in time and gain an insight into the mining industry and the working conditions in underground mines. This replica mine was constructed in 1983 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of coal discovery. Tours by appt only; contact visitor centre for details. Throssell St. Coalfields Museum: displays of historic photographs, coalmining equipment, rocks and minerals, woodwork by local miner Fred Kohler, a doll house and art housed in the historic Roads Board building; Throssell St. Collie Railway Station: the rebuilt station houses railway memorabilia, a scale model of the Collie township with model trains, tearooms and a giftshop; Throssell St. Soldiers' Park: bordering the Collie River, features include a war memorial, rose garden, gazebo and childrens' playground; Steere St. All Saints Anglican Church: impressive Norman-style church distinctive for its unusual stained-glass windows, extensive use of jarrah timbers and elaborate mural, which in 1922 took renowned stage artist Philip Goatcher 8 months to complete. Tours by appt; contact visitor centre; Venn St. Old Collie Goods Shed: restoration of rolling stock; Forrest St. Central Precinct Historic Walk: self-guide walk of historic buildings; contact visitor centre for map. Collie River Walk: pleasant walk along riverbank; contact visitor centre for map.

Nearby

Wellington National Park Covering 4000 ha, this park is characterised by jarrah forest. Picnic, swim, canoe or camp at Honeymoon Pool or Potters Gorge, or go rafting in winter on the rapids below the Wellington Dam wall (note that work is being carried out on the wall until 2010, when the Quarry picnic area will reopen). 18 km W.Minninup Pool: where the Collie River is at its widest, ideal for swimming, canoeing or picnicking; off Mungalup Rd; 3 km S. Stockton Lake: camping and waterskiing; 8 km E. Brew 42: microbrewery producing 6 different beers, especially traditional Irish and English ales. Tastings and sales ThursSun or by arrangement; Allanson; (08) 97344784; 8km W. Harris Dam: beautiful picnic area; 14 km N. Collie River Scenic Drive: views of jarrah forest and wildflowers in season; contact visitor centre for map. Munda Biddi Trail: starting in the hills near Perth, this bike trail winds through scenic river valleys and forests south to Collie; details from visitor centre. Bibbulmun Track: sections of this trail pass through Collie; see Albany.

Fishing spots near town

Dunsborough 100 km

Dunsborough is about three hours’ drive south of Perth, and offers beach, rock and boat fishing. Local fishing store operator Damien Lane says the rock ledges produce salmon in autumn and winter, Samson fish,... Find out more


Perth 155 km

The Swan River produces many species, including bream, mulloway, herring, tailor, tarwhine, silver trevally, Samson fish and flathead. This is a year- round fishery for the much sought bream. In summer the bream run... Find out more


Albany 249 km

Albany, about five hours’ drive south of Perth, is most famous for being the home of the last Australian whaling station. But talk to tackle store owner Jim Allen and you soon realise there is more to Albany than... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Dolphin Discovery Centre 48 km

This non-profit organisation is committed to education, conservation and research about dolphins, but also provides extraordinary opportunities to interact with these creatures. About 90 wild bottlenose dolphins live in... Find out more


Whitewater rafting – Dwellingup 72 km

Dwellingup Adventures has a one-day rafting trip on the Murray River suitable for novices and children from ten years and upwards. This operator also hire canoes, kayaks, rafts and mountain bikes and, for self-guided... Find out more


Snorkelling around Busselton and Augusta 82 km

The marine life growing off and feeding near the historic 1841-metre Busselton Jetty makes it one of the easiest and best snorkelling and dive sites in Western Australia. The Underwater Observatory (see entry below) at... Find out more


Wardan Aboriginal Centre 109 km

The cultural centre for the Wardandi people, this rammed-earth building in Yallingup has Aboriginal art displays, guided tours, toolmaking and spear-throwing workshops and dance demonstrations.... Find out more


Margaret River canoe tour 120 km

Bushtucker River and Winery Tours will take you canoeing down the quiet Margaret River, with opportunities to see kangaroos, bushtucker- bearing plants and heritage sites on a guided four-hour excursion. There is time... Find out more


Cycle tour - Margaret River 120 km

You can explore this scenic region at your own pace, including wineries, karri forests, caves and beaches on a bike. Dirty Detours hires bikes in Margaret River and runs a one-day, off-road Sip and Cycle tour, while... Find out more


Four-wheel-drive tours around Pemberton and Albany 120 km

Pemberton Discovery Tours is a carbon-neutral business that runs 4WD and tag-along tours through the great karri forests, along beaches and through dune systems, with a particular focus on environmental impact. There are... Find out more


Sea-kayaking around Rockingham 127 km

Along the coast at Rockingham, less than 45 minutes drive south from Perth, you can kayak to the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park just offshore, which harbours a host of wildlife. There are Australian sea-lions on Seal... Find out more


Caving - Southern Western Australia 141 km

Six limestone caves in the Capes region are open to the public and there are self-guided and adventure-caving options. Jewel Cave is the largest of Western Australia’s tourist caves and has beautiful formations... Find out more


Walking the Cape to Cape Track 146 km

One of Western Australia’s brilliant longdistance walks, the Cape to Cape Walk covers 135 kilometres between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, going through coastal heath, wildflowers, jarrah–marri forest... Find out more


Golf courses around town

The Cut Golf Club 97 km

There was a time not long ago when golfers could be forgiven for thinking there was little chance of any new links courses being built on the Australian coastline. That was before the post-2000 building boom kicked in... Find out more


Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club 103 km

Nearly eight years after American designer Robert Trent Jones Jnr oversaw the final stages of construction on his acclaimed Joondalup layout, he found himself back on the WA coast. This time it was to sign off on... Find out more


Secret Harbour Golf Links 112 km

Towering sand dunes covered with thick coastal scrub were the sight that greeted Graham Marsh, former player turned course designer, when he took his first look at the proposed Secret Harbour Golf Links in the early... Find out more


The Links Kennedy Bay 117 km

Kennedy Bay has a brief and chequered history. Since opening for play in 1998 this acclaimed links course has been forced to close twice because of financial circumstances involving different owners. The most recent... Find out more


Araluen Golf Resort 136 km

Steep forest-covered hills above deep valleys are not the ideal landscape on which to create a golf course. But that did not stop the developers of Araluen Golf Resort – in the Roleystone Hills, 45 minutes... Find out more


Cottesloe Golf Club 159 km

Cottesloe is internationally renowned for its superb beach, backing on to rows of towering Norfolk Island pines and wonderful terraced lawns, an idyllic spot to soak up views of the Indian Ocean. If you were expecting... Find out more


Mt Lawley Golf Club 163 km

Perth was a booming town in the late 1920s, and as more and more people headed west from the eastern states, the demand for golf courses grew. Four of Perth’s finest layouts – Lake Karrinyup, Cottesloe,... Find out more


The Western Australian Golf Club 165 km

The Western Australian Golf Club is a hidden gem, particularly to visitors from interstate or overseas. Set amid the rolling hills of suburban Yokine, and covering some of the highest points to be found north of... Find out more


Lake Karrinyup Country Club 170 km

For more than five decades Lake Karrinyup was widely considered one of Australia’s classic courses. It first won national acclaim when it hosted the 1952 Australian Open, won by Norman von Nida. The Open... Find out more


The Vines Resort & Country Club (Lakes course) 178 km

Few courses in Australia let you walk in the footsteps of the game’s best players simply by booking a tee time and paying your green fee. The Vines, as the stage for such events as the Heineken Classic, Johnnie... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

The Ridge

Situated in the Collie Ridge Motel, The Ridge restaurant serves a contemporary menu based on the region’s produce. The menu is hearty, with local Mediterranean and Asian flavours like steak, seafood, pizza, curry... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

The Sandcastle 148 km

The Sandcastle is an up-market option in South Fremantle, with beautiful food, much of which comes from sustainable resources, and organic wines and beers. As well as stocking organic vegetables, grains and meats, the... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Cowaramup Brewing Company 108 km

This family-owned microbrewery, based in the Margaret River wine-producing belt, first fired up in December 2006. Cowaramup can be tricky to pronounce for some visitors (correctly: Ca-rara-mup) and the locals often refer... Find out more


Bootleg Brewery 111 km

Established in 1994 in the Margaret River wine region, this long-running craft brewery bills itself as ‘an oasis of beer in a desert of wine’. The metaphor never quite rang true and even less so in recent... Find out more


Swan Brewery 146 km

The Swan Brewery was established in 1857 by early Western Australian settler Frank Sherwood, who had emigrated from England with his family in 1842. Interestingly, he originally set up a school of classics and languages... Find out more


Gage Roads Brewing Company 149 km

Established in 2002 by former Sail & Anchor brewing team Peter Nolin and Bill Hoedemaker, Gage Roads Brewing started producing beer from the Palmyra site in mid-2005. The US-born pair was apparently frustrated that... Find out more


Billabong Brewing 149 km

Owner Alan Proctor started Billabong Brewing as Western Australia’s first brew-on-premise operation, where homebrewers come to make their own beer and bottle it, using professional equipment. In 2006 Proctor... Find out more


Little Creatures Brewing 150 km

After dabbling in wine and working as a brewing consultant in the US, craftbeer pioneer Phil Sexton re-surfaced in the local beer scene, along with a couple of other former Matilda Bay Brewing heavyweights, with the... Find out more


Sail & Anchor Hotel 150 km

The Australian craft beer movement was kick-started at the Sail & Anchor Hotel in 1984 when the first house-brewed ale flowed there. Phil Sexton and his partners in the Matilda Bay Brewing Company were building the... Find out more


Elmar's In the Valley 171 km

Having established a successful smallgoods business, German-born couple Elmar and Anette Dieren branched out to establish this sizeable bar, restaurant and beer garden complex, which also includes a microbrewery. While... Find out more


Duckstein Brewery 172 km

Duckstein Brewery actually has two separate breweries and outlets located in both the Swan Valley and Margaret River wine regions. The original 60-litre microbrewery (or should that be microscopic brewery) is one of the... Find out more


Mash Brewing Company 173 km

The simply named Mash Brewing Company debuted in April 2006, adding to the significant cluster of craft breweries operating out of the Swan Valley. Inspired by the Little Creatures model, the brewery is positioned... Find out more


Campsites around town

Stockton Lake camping area 7 km

Stockton Lake is 7 km east of Collie off the Collie - Darkan Road. Beside the old Stockton open-cut mine, which is now filled with water as an artificial lake, you will find a large open area among trees, which provide... Find out more


Harris Dam campsite 13 km

Harris Dam campsite is 13.5 km from Yourdamung.... Find out more


Yabberup campsite 13 km

Yabberup campsite is 41 km from Harris Dam.... Find out more


Potters Gorge camping area 17 km

Fishing, canoeing and bushwalking are popular activities at this forest camping area on the shoreline of Wellington Dam, 29 km west of Collie via Coalfields and Wellington Dam roads. A good range of facilities are... Find out more


Honeymoon Pool camping areas 21 km

These small camping areas set in the shady forest beside the Lower Collie River have a good range of basic facilities in a beautiful natural environment. Swimming and canoeing the river are popular activities here, as is... Find out more


Yourdamung campsite 22 km

Yourdamung campsite is 18.7 km from Possum Springs.... Find out more


Noggerup campsite 23 km

Noggerup campsite is 17.7 km from Yabberup.... Find out more


Yarri campsite 28 km

The Yarri campsite is on a hillside along a lovely tributary of the Harvey River. This shelter has been designed to take advantage of the slope of the site, with a stunning deck area that looks over the surrounding... Find out more


Possum Springs campsite 36 km

Possum Springs campsite is 19.3 km from Dookanelly.... Find out more


Grimwade campsite 39 km

Grimwade campsite is 21.9 km from Noggerup.... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Discovery Holiday Parks – Bunbury 48 km

This is a very good quality park on the highway, 6 km from the city centre. It has some great features including minigolf and a tennis court. Its location makes it an excellent base for a holiday in Bunbury. Bookings are... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Park – Koombana Bay 48 km

Right in the heart of Bunbury, this quality park offers discerning caravanners a range of excellent facilities including a coffee shop and a tennis court. Bookings are required in peak periods. There is a minimum-stay... Find out more


Bunbury Glade Caravan Park 48 km

A good quality park just 3 km south of the city centre, this place has well-maintained grounds and good facilities. It is easily accessible from the Bussell Highway. Bookings are required in January and for long weekends... Find out more


Binningup Beach Caravan Park 50 km

This is a nicely shaded park close to the beach in a small beachside community. It suits the budget-minded traveller out of peak periods. Wood-fired pizzas are available on Friday and Saturday evenings. Bookings are... Find out more


Beachlands Holiday Park 85 km

This is a good quality park in the very popular holiday town of Busselton. Sites are at a premium here in holiday periods, when the price of powered sites soars over $60 per night. Bookings are required at peak times and... Find out more


Mandalay Holiday Resort 86 km

This is an excellent quality caravan park for tourists. It is just across the road from the beach and about 4 km from the town centre. There is a popular resort-style pool and large grassy playing area. Holiday periods... Find out more


Peppermint Park Eco Village 91 km

This is one of the neatest parks we have visited in recent times. The camp kitchen has to one of the best we have seen in a part of Australia that is renowned for quality parks. Bookings are required in peak times and a... Find out more


Fonty’s Pool Caravan Park 103 km

Closed during July and August, this park is in a rural setting just 8 km from Manjimup along a sealed road. Fonty’s Pool is a spring-fed swimming hole, with a rich history dating back to 1925. Bookings are required... Find out more


Taunton Farm Holiday Park 108 km

We think this is possibly the best base for exploring the wonderful Margaret River region and its many wineries. It is a quality park in a great farm setting and we always enjoy our stays here. Bookings are required in... Find out more


Yallingup Beach Holiday Park 109 km

This park is in the centre of Yallingup. The popular surfing beach is just metres away and the resort-style holiday centre is just a brief stroll from the gate. The park is very well maintained and has particularly good... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Peppermint Lane Lodge

Close to the scenic Ferguson Valley and Bunbury, the lovely Peppermint Lane Lodge has four cosy rooms, each with separate entrance and ensuite. All the water to the rooms is UV-treated filtered rainwater, and delicious.... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Yelverton Brook Eco Spa Retreat 101 km

Set in a 40-hectare conservation reserve protected from feral predators, with woylies, bandicoots and other animals roaming around, the self-contained chalets here have everything you could want, including local... Find out more


Yallingup Strawbale Retreat 106 km

The two retreats here have walls built of straw. You can collect eggs for your breakfast, or see what is in season in the orchard.... Find out more


Burnside Bungalows 118 km

At Margaret River you can stay on this certified organic and biodynamic farm that produces mulberries, apricots, nectarines, peaches, avocados and olives. The accommodation is in cottages made with rammed earth and... Find out more


Watermark Kilns 132 km

For something completely different, stay in one of two ex-tobacco kilns, converted into comfortable, low-key accommodation. The double kiln (suitable for large families or bigger groups) has recycled timbers, water is... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Harvey River Park Area 39 km

51 km S of Pinjarra (R) or 49 km N of Bunbury (L) Shady area on the banks of the river. GPS: S33 04.667 E115 54.525... Find out more


Hoffman Mill Camp Area 40 km

T/O 44 km S of Pinjarra (L) or 56 km N of Bunbury (R) Large camp area located 18 kilometres east of the highway via Logue Brook Dam Road and Clarke Road. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed.... Find out more


Bunbury South Rest Area 47 km

42 km NW of Margaret River (L) or 57 km SE of Bunbury (R) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 22.261 E115 38.779... Find out more


Ironstone Gully Camp Area 53 km

T/O at Donnybrook Small secluded camp area located just off Capel Road, 18 kilometres south-west of Donnybrook. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 39.097 E115 42.296... Find out more


Greenbushes Rest Area 54 km

9 km S of Balingup (R) or 17 km N of Bridgetown (L) Large grassed area just off the highway at the junction with the road into Greenbushes. GPS: S33 50.215 E116 03.023... Find out more


Nanga Mill Camp Area 62 km

8 km S of Dwellingup via Nanga Road and 11 km from park entry Large area in the forest of Lane Pool Reserve. Good shade. GPS: S32 48.102 E116 06.235... Find out more


Chuditch Camp Area 64 km

8 km S of Dwellingup via Nanga Road and 9 km from park entry Small secluded area in the forest of Lane Pool Reserve. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 47.293 E116 06.558... Find out more


Baden Powell Camp Area 66 km

8 km S of Dwellingup via Nanga Road and 2 km from park entry Large area in the forest of Lane Pool Reserve. Good shade. GPS: S32 46.3353 E116 04.982... Find out more


Bandicoot Brook Rest Area 66 km

21 km S of Pinjarra (R) or 79 km N of Bunbury (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S32 48.417 E115 54.180... Find out more


Bridgetown Park Area 67 km

South end of town Large area just off the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 58.197 E116 08.041 ... Find out more


Marrinup Camp Area 74 km

5 km NW of Dwellingup Large clearing in the forest 2.5 kilometres north of Pinjarra–Dwellingup Road via Grey Road (2.5 kilometres west of Dwellingup). NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S32 42.138 E116... Find out more


Karri Gully Rest Area 74 km

26 km W of Bridgetown (R) or 19 km E of Nannup (L) Very small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S34 00.445 E115 56.446... Find out more


Jarrah Park Rest Area 76 km

21 km W of Bridgetown (R) or 24 km E of Nannup (L) Very small area just off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S34 01.843 E115 59.137  ... Find out more


Crossman Rest Area 77 km

94 km SE of Armadale (L) or 38 km NW of Williams (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S32 46.646 E116 35.674... Find out more


Barrabup Pool Camp Area 78 km

T/O 2 km N of Nannup Small camp area located 8 kilometres west of Vasse Highway via Mowen Road. Good shade. GPS: S33 56.666 E115 41.590... Find out more


Workers Pool Camp Area 79 km

T/O 2 km N of Nannup Small camp area located 8 kilometres west of Vasse Highway via Mowen Road. Good shade. GPS: S33 57.244 E115 41.280  ... Find out more


Willow Springs Camp Area 79 km

T/O 24 km W of Bridgetown (L) or 21 km E of Nannup (R) Secluded area located 5 kilometres south of the highway in the forest. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 02.745 E115 55.553... Find out more


Bannister Rest Area 81 km

84 km SE of Armadale (L) or 48 km NW of Williams (R) A couple of small secluded rest areas just off the highway on a loop road off the parking bay. Good shade. GPS: S32 42.55 E116 32.44... Find out more


Arthur River Rest Area 82 km

38 km SE of Williams (L) or 56 km NW of Kojonup (R) Large area adjacent to the highway near the roadhouse. Limited shade. GPS: S33 20.226 E117 02.035 ... Find out more


Pinjarra Park Area 84 km

South side of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway opposite the cemetery. GPS: S32 38.513 E115 52.177... Find out more


Martup Pool Rest Area 89 km

62 km SE of Williams (L) or 32 km NW of Kojonup (R) Large area well off the highway among some large trees. Good shade. GPS: S33 32.782 E117 05.091... Find out more


Boscabel Road Rest Area 93 km

75 km SE of Williams (L) or 19 km NW of Kojonup (R) Large area just off the highway around a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S33 39.510 E117 05.776... Find out more


North Dandelup Park Area 95 km

43 km S of Armadale (L) or 15 km N of Pinjarra (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Toilets behind nearby hall. Good shade. GPS: S32 31.125 E115 58.296... Find out more


Canebrake Rest Area 106 km

34 km W of Nannup (R) or 41 km E of Karridale (L) Small area just off the highway surrounded by trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 09.348 E115 31.116... Find out more


Diamond Tree Lookout Park Area 106 km

10 km S of Manjimup (R) or 108 km N of Walpole (L) Small area just off the highway in the forest. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 19.195 E116 07.227... Find out more


Sue's Bridge Camp Area 107 km

T/O 45 km W of Nannup (R) or 30 km E of Karridale (L) Secluded campground located in the forest 9 kilometres north of the highway via Sue’s Road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 04.638 E115 23.293  ... Find out more


Sullivan Rock Rest Area 109 km

37 km SE of Armadale (R) or 95 km NW of Williams (L) Small secluded area just off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S32 22.766 E116 15.028... Find out more


Chapman Pool Camp Area 119 km

T/O 64 km W of Nannup (R) or 11 km E of Karridale (L) Secluded camp area located in a natural bush setting 9 kilometres north of the highway via Warner Glen Road. GPS: S34 05.329 E115 12.722  ... Find out more


Gleneagle Rest Area 119 km

25 km SE of Armadale (L) or 107 km NW of Williams (R) Secluded area well off the highway in a very pleasant forest setting. Good facilities and excellent shade. GPS: S32 17.306 E116 11.430... Find out more


Alexandra Bridge Camp Area 127 km

T/O 64 km W of Nannup (R) or 11 km E of Karridale (L) Large camping area 2 kilometres north-west of the highway via Clarke Drive on the riverbank. Good shade. GPS: S34 09.808 E115 11.046... Find out more


What's on around town

Market: Old Goods Shed, Forrest St; 1st and 3rd Sun each month (except winter).

Collie Rock and Coal Music Festival: Mar.

Collie–Donnybrook Cycle Race: Aug.

Collie River Valley Marathon: Sept.

Griffin Festival: Sept.

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