Bike, Camp & Kayak at Potters Gorge

FROM LAZING ABOUT BY HONEYMOON POOL TO TEARING IT UP ON THE MANY MOUNTAIN BIKE TRACKS, POTTERS GORGE IS THE ULTIMATE CAMPING DESTINATION TO EXPLORE.

By MADELEINE STEPHENS

On the shore of Wellington Dam, shaded by the jarrah and marri trees, lies the perfect place to base yourself for several days of riding, hiking and kayaking in the Collie region.

Potters Gorge, about 20 minutes west of Collie, is situated in the serene and beautiful Wellington National Park.

Pitch a tent or bring a caravan to one of the 55 sites at the gorge’s campground and relax by the water before exploring the national park’s mountain biking and walking trails.

Late last year, several new mountain bike trails opened in Wellington National Park attracting families and dare devils alike to the area.

The routes are part of the state government’s $10 million initiative to create 120 kilometres of tracks that wind through the areas surrounding Collie.

Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and Attractions parks and visitor services assistant director Rod Annear, who is part of the team focused on transforming Collie into a trail town, says the untouched landscape is what makes the trails so unique.

“Sometimes mountain bike trails are built in more disturbed areas, but here it’s in a very intact national park so you’ve got beautiful landscape and environment that you are riding in."

To start your adventure, either bring your own wheels or hire some from local bike shop Crank‘n Cycle.

Situated at the Potters Gorge campgrounds is the Currawong Pump Track, a mountain bike trail designed for kids.

The track has two sections: one for the littlies with small jumps and rollovers, and another for older kids with berms and the opportunity to go a little faster.

For families and more experienced riders, there are about eight trails to the south of the gorge.

Owner of Crank’n Cycle Erik Mellegers says there is a good mix of trails in the area to keep everyone in the family happy, from easy green routes to challenging black diamond tracks.

He recommends family-friendly green trail, Van Dam, which runs 2.6 kilometres from the local café, Kiosk at the Dam, to Potters Gorge campgrounds.

The trail offers two additional blue trail options on the descent for more experienced riders, if members of the group are looking for more of a challenge.

Van Dam has also been designed to be suitable for experienced mountain bike riders.

For the mountain biking experts, Erik says the area’s black diamond tracks feature some gnarly tabletops and jumps that are not for the faint hearted.

Hit the hiking trails

If you would prefer to keep two feet planted firmly on the ground, there are some interesting trails perfect for a walk.

Starting at the kiosk, the Jabitj Trail winds for six kilometres beside the Collie River through forest and granite outcrops to Honeymoon Pool.

From Honeymoon Pool, there is a 9.5-kilometre loop trail, called Kurliiny Tjenangitj, that takes walkers to a lookout with views over the forest and Collie River.

The Sika Trail, a 9.8-kilometre loop, which runs from the kiosk past Potters Gorge, provides the opportunity to walk or cycle through jarrah forests with impressjve views over the lower Collie Valley.

For those interested in a longer walk to get your hearts pumping, the Wiilman Bilya Trail extends 19.7 kilometres from Wellington Dam north to the Coalfields Highway.

The hike takes a full day, with the option to camp overnight at Nyingarn campsite or at Potters Gorge.

It is a moderately challenging trail which requires walkers to navigate over logs and the pipeline, across granite outcrops and down sloping hills.

The trail is currently being modified to incorporate Collie’s new suspension bridge and is due to open this winter, 2022, as a four-day walk.

On either side of the suspension bridge are two impressive artworks to observe, which form part of the region’s Mural Trail.

The jewel in the crown of the Mural Trail is the must-see 8,000 square metre artwork at Wellington Dam, painted by Australian artist Guido van Helten and thought to be one of the largest paintings in the world.

The stunning surrounding environment provides plenty to look at too.

Collie Visitors Centre manager Janine Page says spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom, is one of the best times to explore the area.

Keep an eye out for animals and, if you are lucky, you might even come across a quokka on your walk.

The dam and nearby Collie River are also ripe for exploring.

Bring your own kayak or hire one from TraaVerse in Collie and use the access points at Potters Gorge to explore the area’s tranquil waterways.

Janine suggests paddling around the large dam or following the Collie River down to the kiosk. Discover more tips on hiking and biking in Collie at the Collie Visitor Centre.

RELAX, PLAY, CELEBRATE AT EVEDON LAKESIDE RETREAT

Stay in our self-contained cabins and two-storey apartments, nestled in a spectacular jarrah forest on the banks of stunning Evedon Lake. Watch the sunset over the lake, enjoy your cosy log fire, fish, kayak and bushwalking. Enjoy delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner in our restaurant café. Relax by the lake with morning or afternoon tea, or grab a great co ee. Friday night is woodfired pizza night! Our amphitheatre, function and conference centres overlook the lake - great for weddings and corporate functions. Located in the Ferguson Valley and Geographe Wine Region, just 20 minutes from Bunbury and two hours south of Perth.

EVEDON LAKESIDE RETREAT

Lakeside Cabins & Apartments Restaurant/Cafe - Weddings - Conferences Kayaking - Bushwalks - Fishing

205 Lennard Rd, Burekup T: 9726 3012 E: info@evedon.com.au www.evedon.com.au

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