Black Diamond Lake is the most visited attraction in Collie and a great destination for day trips from Perth, Western Australia.
Formally a mine site, Black Diamond Lake has become popular for its stunning turquoise colour created by the limestone in the water. It is becoming increasingly popular as a photography hot spot in Western Australia’s South West, and you can find lots of great photos of the lake on Instagram.
It is a great place to soak up the sun and have a swim with your family. So, pack a lunch and take a cute float and spend your day relaxing on the stunning blue water.
How to Get Here
It takes approximately 2 hours to get to Black Diamond Lake from Perth, Western Australia.
While you can take public transport, via bus and train, to get to the Town of Collie your best option is to drive as Black Diamond Lake is located well out of the town. Not only is driving the easiest option, it is also much faster which is always better when travelling with kids.
If you are driving the signage is not very clear, so here are some easy to follow directions:
How to get to Black Diamond Lake:
- Take Ferguson Road, just off of the Coalfields Hwy
If you’re coming from Perth, this will be a right turn. If you’re coming from Collie, this will be a left turn, about 5km out of town.
- Drive along Ferguson Road
While you drive along Ferguson Road, the lake will be on your right. Continue on Ferguson Road for about 600m.
- Turn onto an unsealed road to find an area where you can park.
The carpark will be to your right. It’s very obvious with a lot of parking space and easy access to the lake.
When to Go
Black Diamond Lake is continually attracting more tourists, becoming exceptionally busy during Western Australia’s summer time. However, despite the crowds, the summer months are a great time to visit Black Diamond Lake when you can enjoy a refreshing swim. The water is also its bluest on a sunny day!
If you are planning a trip to Black Diamond Lake during the tourist season, you should definitely head into the Town of Collie and contribute to the local economy there!
If you are looking to visit with less tourists, the shoulder seasons are a great option.
You can visit at the end of summer around March/April, before the weather starts to cool down. Otherwise, come when the weather starts to warm up in October/November!
Things to Do at Black Diamond Lake
The best thing to do at Black Diamond Lake is to soak up the sun and swim in the water. Pack a BBQ and some food and cook yourself some snags (sausages) for a classic Australian lunch. Take a cute float to relax on in the water and take some photos with!
There are also plenty of other things to do around Black Diamond Lake with your kids in both Collie and the Wellington National Park. So if you are looking for more activities to do with your family go check out my guide on the top things to do in Collie.
Things to Know About Black Diamond Lake, Collie
Formally an Open Cut Mine: Black Diamond Lake is formally an Open Cut Mine that ceased operation in the 1950s. It was then filled with water to act as a swimming hole for the local community. So, why is Black Diamond Lake blue? The water gets its amazing blue colour from the limestone rock that forms the base of the lake.
Just note, there have been issues with the quality of the water. There is signage to indicate when there are dangerous levels of bacteria in the water.
No Facilities: There are no facilities located at the lake. However, during the peak season the shire may install temporary toilets for public use. This is a good thing to know if you are planning a trip to Black Diamond Lake with your kids!
Take Shade: There is plenty of natural shade around the lake, however it is located a little back from the water. Be sure to take some shade so that you can sit by the water in comfort! It is also handy to have your own, as on a busy day the shaded areas will fill up fast.
Take Something to Sit on: You should take something to sit on as the ground around the lake is quite hard and there is a lot of dirt.
No Camping: You are unable to camp at Black Diamond Lake, however there is plenty of options for camping in the surrounding area. If you are hoping to stay the night, check out the section below on where to stay.
No Campfires: You CANNOT have a campfire at Black Diamond Lake.
Where to Stay at Black Diamond Lake & Collie
Being only 2 hours out of Perth, Black Diamond Lake is a great place to visit on a day trip to Collie with your kids. However, with plenty of other things to do in the area, it is well worth finding somewhere to stay for a few nights to experience more of Western Australia’s South West!
Caravan & Camping
While you can’t actually camp at Black Diamond Lake, there are plenty of other incredible campgrounds in the area. There are options to camp in the national park at designated camping areas or at a tourist park.
Collie River Valley Tourist Park: Located in the town of Collie, Collie River Tourist Park has plenty of facilities, including showers, a camp kitchen and BBQ area. There are powered tent and caravan sites, as well as some cabins to stay in.
$35/per night
Honeymoon Pool: Honeymoon Pool is popular campground and swimming spot located along the Collie River. It is well equipped with flushing toilets, free gas, picnic tables and a fire pit per campsite. The campground is designed for tents only, but each site has an allocated parking space.
$15pp/per night
Gelcoat Rapids: Located alongside the Collie River, not far from Honeymoon Pool, Gelcoat Rapids is a much quieter campground. This is where we stayed and it was lovely!
While you cannot park your car up next to your tent, the parking area is only a short distance from the campsites. The campground also has a toilet block, picnic benches and two fire pits to share with other campers.
$11pp/per night
Potters Gorge: Situated on the shore of the Wellington Dam, Potters Gorge is suitable for tents as well as campervans and caravans. It has flushing toilets and fire pits as well as a BBQ area, with picnic tables. If you have a boat, you can also go water skiing in a small section of Wellington Dam at Potters Gorge.
$15pp/per night
Prices may change and vary depending on the season, be sure to make your booking through the Department of Parks and Wildlife
Read More: Tips for Camping with a Baby
Hotels, Motels & Cottages
Collie Ridge Motel: Only a 10 min walk from the centre of Collie, Collie Ridge Motel offers a range of accommodation to suit your needs. The property has its own restaurant and all rooms include a TV and air-conditioning.
The Colliefields: Located in Collie, The Colliefields has its own restaurant, free wifi and continental breakfast. It offers both Hostel and Hotel styled accommodation. Hotel rooms have both air-conditioning and a TV.
Banksia Motel: Located in Collie, Banksia Motel has an outdoor pool, a continental breakfast and free Wifi. Your accommodation is air-conditioned, with a private bathroom and TV.
Wellington Forest Cottages: These basic cottages are set in the Wellington Forest. They each include their own kitchen, 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, fireplace, laundry facilities and outdoor areas.
Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast: Located in Collie, Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast offers a continental breakfast every morning. Your accommodation will have its own patio or balcony as well as free Wifi, a TV and private bathroom.
Where to Eat
My suggestion is to pack a picnic lunch to eat at Black Diamond Lake. However, if you are looking to grab a coffee or have something extra to eat here are some recommendations:
Read More: Easy & Healthy Meal Ideas for Your Camping Trip
Collie
It may be difficult to find restaurants that are open throughout the day in the Town of Collie. However here are some of the top places to go:
Wagon 537: Wagon 537 is located at the park on Forest Street, in the Collie Town Centre. This historic railway wagon is open for breakfast and lunch, and serves delicious coffee from the Margaret River Roasting Co. So relax and enjoying a coffee or some food while your kid’s play at the conveniently located water playground.
Opening Hours: 6:00am – 2:00pm
The Colliefields Coffee Shoppe/ Tea House: Located at The Colliefields, The Coffee Shoppe kitchen serves awesome meals, homemade cakes, delicious coffee and 30 different types of leaf tea. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 3:00pm (they do vary by day)
Wellington National Park
Kiosk by the Dam: If you are exploring in the Wellington National Park, or heading that direction to stay the night, Kiosk by the Dam can provide you with supplies for your campsite and information on the park. You can also stop here for a coffee while you charge your phone or a meal made from locally sourced ingredients!
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Overall
Overall, Black Diamond Lake is a great place to visit for a family day trip or on a weekend getaway to Collie, Western Australia. It is the perfect way for you to spend the day with your kids, soaking up the sun and relaxing in the water. If you choose to stay overnight be sure to explore the other amazing attractions that Collie has to offer!
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