What to do when I get to Collie?”

Sep 28

2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Local guide Alison sharing Collie's journey, mouthwatering food and good times in Collie WA

A Weekend in Collie & the Ferguson Valley: Walk, Paint, Sip and Stay

Just two hours from Perth, the south-west's wildest forest, its biggest murals and some of its best local foods are waiting.

Most people drive through this part of the world on the way somewhere else. Stop, and you'll find towering forest, wildflowers in spring, murals that cover whole walls, cold taps, and a food and wine scene that's a lot bigger than you'd expect. With Forest Explorers, you get a local guide who knows the stories behind all of it.

Here's how to make the most of it.

Colour in Collie-Don't miss the Jarrah forest gifts.

Into the Wildflowers

Spring in the south-west is something special, and the best way to see it is on foot.

The 2-hour wildflower walk is our easy way in. Choose from the Bibbulmun Track, Minninup Pool or the Karak Trail. It's a relaxed guided walk with time to slow down, look closely and learn what you're seeing.

The 3-hour Jabitj Trail in Wellington National Park is for anyone who wants to go deeper. It's a longer grade 4 walk following the Collie River from the iconic Wellington Dam Mural by Guido Van Helton, with plenty of stops to take it all in.

Walls That Tell Stories

Collie's mural trail turns the town's mining and timber heritage into public art, and they're best seen with someone who can tell you what you're looking at.

The 90-minute mural walk is a great introduction to the trail and the people and history behind it.

The full-day mural experience takes you further, including the giant Wellington Dam mural, and includes lunch at the Kiosk at the Dam. It's one of the best days out in the region.

Half Day or Full Day exploring Collie River Valley

Eat, Drink, Repeat

The full-day Ferguson Valley tour is a slow, scenic day of local producers and lovely views, with Green Door Foods and Willow Bridge Estate wines along the way.

The premium Taphouse Heritage Tour is our stroll through Collie's historic centre with a few tasty stops. You'll enjoy cheese and savoury pairings at The Collie Providore, then hear the history of the Crown and Vic hotels over grazing plates.

Make It Your Weekend

Every trip is different, so mix and match. Here's one we like:

Saturday: Mural walk in the morning, lunch, then the Taphouse Heritage tour in the afternoon.
Sunday: Jabitj Trail wildflower walk, then Ferguson Valley food and wine.
Fab Foods and Friends

Where to Stay

You'll find plenty of choice, from Summerstar holiday park to Wambenger Lodge, so there's something for every budget and travel style. We'd suggest adding an extra night. It's much easier to enjoy when you're not rushing back to the city.