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Collie History & Historical Attractions

History

Dr Alexander Collie RN explored and gave his name to the area in 1829.

Originally destined for pasture and timber production, the discovery of coal in 1883 the town’s future was set.

The town was formally declared a townsite in 1896 and soon grew to become a major Western Australian town supplying the State with coal which was the source of power for railways, shipping and power generation.  Collie boasted one of the largest marshalling yards outside Perth and still transports coal by rail today.

Areas such a Cardiff, Collie Burn and Shotts grew up around underground mines with each small town having vibrant communities with schools, hotels etc.  Mostly these towns are abandoned except for some “tree-changers” looking for the quiet rural lifestyle.

In 1931 the first coal fired power station was built at Collie and to this day, Collie supplies power via the Muja Power station (online in 1969) and the Collie Power Station (online in 1999).  Nowadays, only Griffin Coal and Wesfarmers Premier Coal remain as coal production companies and the coal is now mined using the open cut method.

In the early days of Collie’s history, timber production continued to be important in the area with Worsley once being a flourishing timber mill town.  The population peaked at over 1500 in1902 but a gradual decline began in the 1920’s and the town all but disappeared by the mid 1950’s.

In 1984, the construction of the Worsley Alumina Refinery saw a major revival for the area with employment and the restoration of old Worsley church which is now used for social occasions and reunions.

Today Collie has a lot to offer both the tourist and potential residents.  It is an attractive town with wide  tidy streets, well laid out parks and gardens, river walk and rich history and deservedly has won the State’s Tidy Town Competition in 2003 and 2005.

Surrounding Collie is National State Forest and Conservation Park with scenicwalks and drives through stands of Jarrah, Marri, Sheoak and Blackbutt.  There are also a number of places where a variety of water sports is on offer from paddling in Minninup Pool to white water rafting on the challenging rapids below Wellington Dam.  Camping, swimming, fishing, water skiing, and marroning (in season) are some of the recreational activities in the Collie River Valley.

Historical Attractions

Old Collie Goods Shed
This building has the distinction of being designed by C.Y. O’Connor and was built in 1898.  The Collie Heritage Group restored the building and it now houses restored railway stock including a small engine, "Polly"that has been in the area since early 1911 - originally a traction engine when driven overland to Collie from Kelmscott. The trains were purchased and originally restored by the Collie Apex Club and include some of the last steam trains used in W.A.

Collie Railway Station
The original Collie railway station was demolished in 1977 and it took a dedicated band of volunteers to rebuild it, using plans of the original station which were obtained from Westrail archives.  The station is now open 7 days a week and has a gift shop, a café which caters for light meals and a memorabilia room.

Soldiers Park
Dedicated to the memory of those who gave their lives in war, this memorial features a rose garden, Memorial and Aboriginal Sacred Stone.  Shady peppermint trees, gas barbeques and a children’s playground make this a great spot for a family picnic.  There is also a “liberty swing” designed for use by those in wheel chairs.

Coalfields Museum

Mosaic Footpath
The Collie to Donnybrook Cycle Race has been held every year for the last 81 years and the Mosaic Footpath traces the history of this race.  Nearby, there is a Cycle Museum with early examples of bikes from cycling heydays. 
The museum is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

All Saints Anglican Church
The All Saints Anglican Church was built in Norman style in 1915.  It has fabulous brass candlesticks and an alter crucifix, reputedly dating back to the 17th  century.  There is also a stunning mural which depicts the saints, bishops, early settlers, miners and two aborigines sheltering under a tree.
Tours are by arrangement with the Collie Visitor Centre.

Tourist Coal Mine
A replica of an underground mine gives an insight to the operations of a coal mine.  30 minute tours are conducted by retired miners in this intriguing attraction.
Contact the Collie Visitor Centre for times on (08) 9734 2051
The Coal Arch and Skip are also located here; the Coal Arch was relocated from Western Collieries Western No 1 underground mine and is the only remaining example of a mine entrance to an underground mine.

Open Cut Coal Mines
Collie’s two mining companies, Wesfarmers Coal and Griffin Coal Mining Company, offer tours of their open cut mining operations.
Tours can be pre booked by contacting the Collie Visitor Centre.

Collie Heritage Walk
The rich heritage of Collie is showcased in this Heritage Walk, including the history of the Timber Industry, Mining Industry, Railway Industry, Collie Miner’s Union and the development of the Shire of Collie.
Maps showing the route of the walk are available from the Collie Visitor Centre.