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Collie Darkan Rail Trail

Bridge Near Darkan Cdrt James Pearse +12 Gallery
Rail Trail, Adaptive
Trail difficulty

Being an old railway line, the Rail Trail is a relatively flat walk, cycle or horse ride. 

Please consider and plan for the long distances. 

Trail difficulty

Easy trail with modified or hardened surface, and gentle hills or occasional steps. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required. May be suitable for assisted wheelchair users (if ramps are provided at steps).

Trail difficulty

Recommended for beginner riders with basic mountain bike skills. Typically flowing, open trails on firm terrain with gentle gradients. Surface may be uneven, loose or muddy at times. Riders may encounter small rollable obstacles and technical trail features.

  • Length 61.5km
  • Est. time Multiple day
  • One-way

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The Collie Darkan Rail Trail retraces the Collie to Narrogin railway, starting east of Collie, through the town of Darkan and beyond to Dardadine.

Being an old railway line, the Collie to Darkan trail is a relatively flat walk, cycle or horseride. The trail features a series of renovated rail bridges over creeks and rivers, farmlands, forests, an abundance of spring wildflowers, as well as the preserved railway stations of Bowelling and Darkan.  

There are two overnight stopover points - Bowelling Station (with a watertank and bench seating but no ablutions) and the Darkan Townsite where you will find camping or cabin style accommodation available in the Shire run caravan park or there are a number of private accommodation providers in town. Other siding sites along the route may be used if required. Supplies are available only in Collie and Darkan. It’s important to carry sufficient food and water for two to three days and arrange pickup at either trailhead. Interpretative signage along the trail provides information about the railway's history.

The western trailhead at Buckingham is a 18 kilometre drive from Collie, at the corner of Shotts River Road and the Coalfields Highway. The eastern end is located at Dardadine Siding.

Coalfields Road to Buckingham 1km

Buckingham to Bowelling 18km

Bowelling to Darkan 28.5km

Darkan to Dardadine 15km

 

This trail is part of the following destinations:

Visit Collie

Experience adventure exploring the network of diverse trails, pristine lakes, waterways and river pools. Reconnect with nature in the magnificent national park or relax and soak up Collie’s rich cultural...

Collie Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9735 1988

Shire of West Arthur

(08) 9736 2400

Collie Visitor Centre

(08) 9734 2051

Other Links

Downloads

Be trail ready

Contact the Collie Visitor Centre for services that offer transfers to and from the trailheads. 

Shire of West Arthur (Darkan) can be contacted for information https://www.westarthur.wa.gov.au/

Time / Duration

2 days ride, longer if you walk

Length

61.5 km one way

Fees

No fees apply

Trail Access

2WD. Approximately 200km (2 hours, 10 minutes) from Perth.

Trail Start

Buckingham - on the Coalfields Highway, 18km east of Collie (219kms southeast of Perth)

Get directions

Trail End

Dardadine interpretive sign

Get directions

When to go

April to November

What’s the weather like?

Bush Walk

Class 2

Easy trail with modified or hardened surface, and gentle hills or occasional steps. Clear directional signage. No bushwalking experience required. May be suitable for assisted wheelchair users (if ramps are provided at steps).

Mountain Bike

Easy

Recommended for beginner riders with basic mountain bike skills. Typically flowing, open trails on firm terrain with gentle gradients. Surface may be uneven, loose or muddy at times. Riders may encounter small rollable obstacles and technical trail features.

Additional information

Being an old railway line, the Rail Trail is a relatively flat walk, cycle or horse ride. 

Please consider and plan for the long distances. 

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

Baiting occurs on a regular basis within areas of State Forest. Part of the Rail Trail passes through this area. 1080 Baits are poisonous and will kill cats and dogs. Do not take your pets into areas baited with 1080. 

Biodiversity

The Western Shield wildlife recovery program is working to reduce feral animal populations to protect our unique native wildlife.

Baiting occurs on a regular basis within areas of State Forest. Part of the Rail Trail passes through this area. 1080 Baits are poisonous and will kill cats and dogs. Do not take your pets into areas baited with 1080. Check the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions website for locations.

Facilities

Overnight camping is permitted at Bowelling Station or if necessary, other sidings. Rainwater is seasonally available at Bowelling but not guaranteed, and must be treated before use. 

  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Sheltered Area
  • All accessible toilet facilities
  • Visitor Information Centre
More tips for being Trail Ready

Important weather note for this trail.

Due to this trail spanning multiple regions, we recommend use of your own weather app for localised information, or visiting bom.gov.au for accurate updates.

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Overnight Hike Wildflower Wanderer

Earn the Overnight Hike , and Wildflower Wanderer badges when you complete this trail.

10 trail goers have rated this trail as 4.5 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Wendy Mewett

Reviewed 12 Oct 2025, 12:35pm

I have just completed my three day hike from Dardadine to Buckingham October 2025. I found the trail easy to follow, well marked and maintained. The wildflowers at this time of year were spectacular. I did not see another person on the trail for the three days. I camped at Darkan CP one night and Bowelling Siding the next. Day two was a long hike but doable as it was so flat. I loved the views of the changing countryside.
I would recommend this trail to other fit hikers.
Duncan Sullivan

Reviewed 9 Oct 2025, 7:03am

We rode it in late September, plenty of wildflowers including orchids, Lechenaultia, and an encounter with an echidna. Well maintained and easy to follow although we didn't bother with the western end final 1km link to Coalfields Road. A variety of scenery, the Darkan end is more interesting.
David Miller

Reviewed 16 Jun 2024, 10:51am

I really enjoyed this trail and if you were a novice bike rider it is great intro to cycling and being out in the bush. It’s well-marked and has enough interest. It really needs a toilet at Bowelling and if you wanted best bang for buck riding west from Darkan to the large cutting and back would be a good ride.
Alison Melvin

Reviewed 30 Aug 2022, 8:13pm

A combination of historical significances, regional farming, natural reserves with a large array of flora and fauna. A flat rail formation for all to enjoy.
Rob Alman

Reviewed 1 Mar 2021, 10:33pm

With all but the start (Collie End) well signposted it was a pleasant ride...
Be sure to take plenty of water and snacks and let someone know when you plan to return as mobile coverage is minimal.
Robin Lonsdale

Reviewed 13 Oct 2020, 8:34pm

Well marked and easy horse trail. Stay with your horse at the caravan park, enjoy a lovely morning tea at Rarebits on Burrowes and a great dinner at the Darkan pub - you can even tie your horse up at the back of the pub while you eat (with prior permission).
Alison Kidman

Reviewed 7 Sep 2020, 6:34pm

A bit of a hidden gem. Very nice flat, well compacted trail ideal for an easy walk or cycle with children. Trail markers needed at the fork a few hundred metres from the start at the western end (go left) and at the intersection of the old and new highways (cross to the southern side).
Anita Britza

Reviewed 10 Aug 2020, 9:43pm

Fabulous scenic riding with spots to sit for lunch
Anita Britza

Reviewed 10 Aug 2020, 7:51pm

Amazing place to stay with horses at the caravan park/old pony club grounds and you ride straight out to the track. Brilliant dinner at the pub when you finish
Beryl Eatts

Reviewed 12 Feb 2017, 6:50am

Great riding trail

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