Wellington Dam

Highlights

Wellington Dam is a must-see Aussie Bucket List attraction located within Wellington National Park near Collie in Western Australia's South West, stands as a significant feat of engineering and a vibrant cultural landmark. Constructed in 1933 during the Great Depression, the dam was a major public works project aimed at supplying water for the Collie River Irrigation District. Initially, it had a storage capacity of 31,000 megalitres. Subsequent expansions in 1944 and 1960 increased its capacity to 186,000 megalitres, making it the state's fourth-largest dam after the Ord River, South Dandalup, and Serpentine dams .

Beyond its utilitarian purpose, Wellington Dam has become a canvas for monumental art. In 2021, Australian artist Guido van Helten completed "Reflections," an 8,000-square-metre mural on the dam wall. This photorealistic artwork, inspired by historical photographs, depicts local community members and scenes from Collie's past, including miners, families, and Aboriginal children. It holds the distinction of being the world's largest dam mural .

The mural is a centerpiece of the Collie Mural Trail, an initiative that has transformed the town into an expansive outdoor art gallery. With 40 murals created by Western Australian artists, the trail narrates the rich heritage and stories of the Collie River Valley .

Visitors to Wellington Dam can explore various attractions, including the Quarry picnic area, which occupies the site of the original 1930s construction camps. The dam's walkway offers panoramic views of the mural and the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the area serves as a hub for recreational activities such as kayaking, water skiing, and hiking, with trails like the 87-kilometre Wiilman Bilya Trail encircling the dam .

Situated on the traditional lands of the Wilman Noongar people, Wellington Dam holds cultural significance and has been heritage-listed since 2009. Its evolution from a critical water infrastructure project to a cultural and recreational destination exemplifies the dynamic interplay between engineering, art, and community in Western Australia .

Activities

• Photography
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Water Skiing
• Cycling
• Mountain biking
• Camping

Facilities

• Lookouts
• Picnic area
• Carpark
• Barbeque
• Toilets