History

Situated on the Collie River after which it is named. The river was named after Dr Alexander Collie who along with Lt. William Preston discovered the river in 1829. In addition to its natural beauty, historic Collie, nestled on the banks of the Collie River, is a town with a rich industrial heritage through its coal mining, power generation and timber industries. Tours of the replica underground coalmine offer an insight into the working conditions and lives of the underground miners, whilst the Coalfields Museum, located in the historic Roads Board Building, houses a wonderful collection of memorabilia.

Rail enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Old Collie Goods Shed. Once a bustling depot for steam trains, it now echoes to the sounds of visitors to the regular Sunday morning markets. Across the railway line, the Collie Railway Station houses model railways and memorabilia.

Take a stroll around Collie to view some wonderful examples of its early architecture. The Courthouse, Post Office, art deco Miner’s Institute, old Roads Board Building, and the many Aussie style pubs reflect the optimism and prosperity of the early mining days. All Saints Anglican Church, built in 1915, is a fine example of the Norman design of the early Italian Churches. A life size mural of saints and settlers, painted by well known stage painter Philip Goatcher compliment the extensive use of Australian timbers including Jarrah, Banksia and Australian Ebony.

Soldiers Park pays tribute to Collie’s citizens who went to war. Follow the tree lined paths past the rose gardens to the War Memorial and Aboriginal Sacred Stone.