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.
This hike is missing a route map and GPX file. If you have one for this hike, please upload your .gpx or .kml file here.
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.
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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.
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Regional Western Australia
