Collie Darkan Rail Trail is a 47km, grade 2 hike located in Collie, Western Australia. The hike should take around 3 days to complete.
Hike overview
The 46.5km Collie to Darkan Rail Trail passes through bush and picturesque farmlands. In springtime the area is carpeted in wildflowers. The multi-use trail is a pleasant two-day journey suitable for horse and bike riders.
Being an old railway line, the Collie to Darkan trail is a relatively flat walk, cycle or horseride. Supplies are available only in Collie and Darkan with nothing in between the two towns. It's important to carry sufficient food and water for two to three days and arrange pickup at either trailhead. The main overnight stopover point is Bowelling Station, 18kms from Buckingham, but siding sites may be used if required. The trailhead at Buckingham is a 20km drive from Collie along the Coalfield's Highway. At the 20km mark (just after crossing the Collie River) the trail head is on road on the right (South), right next to the highway. Buckingham is on the left of the highway (North), but there is nothing much there- an old church and a couple of houses. The Trail goes down a sealed road for 1km then turns left into the old train line. There are distance markers there. Buckingham to Bowelling 18kmnBowelling to Darkan 28.5km Detailed route maps are available from the Follow my Ride website.
Route and GPX file
Help fellow hikers navigate with confidence. Share your GPX or KML file for this trail and help build a more comprehensive resource with precise waypoints and elevation profiles. Your contribution will empower adventurers with details they need for a safer and more enjoyable experience. I meticulously verify every file using official maps and surveys, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. Submit your file now and become a trailblazer for your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Tips
Start Point: Buckingham - on the Coalfields Highway, 20kms east of Collie (160kms south of Perth)
End Point: Darkan Railway Station
Region: Collie, South West
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
The drive into Collie along the top of the Darling Scarp offers picturesque views of the surrounding jarrah forest, hills and farmland. In addition to its natural beauty, this historic town, nestled on the banks of the Collie River, has a rich coal mining history that can be explored through a tour of the replica underground coal mine or a visit to the Coalfields Museum.
Many visitors now head to Collie for outdoor activities in the Collie River Valley, such as camping, cycling and water sports. The inland lakes are a highlight, especially the beautiful Black Diamond, which has risen to Instagram fame due to its vibrant colour, and Stockton Lake, Glen Mervyn Dam and Potters Gorge, which are popular with water skiers. For canoeing or picnicking, the picturesque Minninup Pool, Potters Gorge or Honeymoon Pool are good options.
There are plenty of options for bushwalkers and mountain bike enthusiasts as the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail pass close to Collie. It is particularly beautiful in spring, as the trails are usually full of wildflowers.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.