Most of the trail follows local footpaths within the town site; however, about 1 km of the full loop is on gravel along Nangip Creek and the Collie-Darkan Rail Trail.
The original Darkan Heritage Trail was developed in 1988 as an Australian Bicentennial Project. In 2024, the trail was rerouted, and new interpretive signage was developed to tell the town's story.
The area was earliest occupied by the Noongar Wilman people, and early farmers moved into the district in the 1850s—1860s.
The trail consists of 16 signs highlighting the area's heritage. It includes a walk along Nangip Creek and part of the Collie-Darkan Rail Trail. It shows the town's development from a small agricultural settlement to a rail town in the early 1900s before becoming a major wool production area. The district has a reputation as the 'Blue Wool' area of WA.
Comprehensive information on the Golden Outback region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.

Be trail ready
Bring your own water, hat and walking shoes.
Time / Duration
1 hour
Length
3 km loop. Shorter walk is 1.5 km loop.
Trail Access
Darkan is situated on the Coalfields Highway, 204 kilometres from Perth. It can be reached by road along Albany Highway, via Williams or Arthur River, and is a comfortable 2 ½ hour drive from Perth. It is 60km from Collie, 74km from Narrogin and 115km from Bunbury
Trail Start
Information Bay, Coalfields Road, Darkan. 2.5 hours southeast of Perth.
Information Bay, Coalfields Road, Darkan. 2.5 hours southeast of Perth.
When to go
The trail is at its best in early spring (August-September); however, it has something to offer all year round. If visiting in Summer (December-February) remember to wear a hat and bring water.
Most of the trail follows local footpaths within the town site; however, about 1 km of the full loop is on gravel along Nangip Creek and the Collie-Darkan Rail Trail.
Hazards & Warnings
Weather can be extremely hot in the summer months (December - February) and during the middle of the day, take water, hat and sunscreen.
Safety
Sections of the trail are dual-use. Please be courteous to other users and always give way to those on horseback (Collie-Darkan Rail Trail section).
Biodiversity
Along the Nangip Creek section of the trail, look for different plants and animals. These include the Rufous Whistler, Singing Honeyeater, Western Minnow, and Koonacs.
Facilities
Most of the facilities are located within the Railway Reserve. These include a shaded BBQ area, children's playgrounds with trampolines, a pump track, and more.
Dogs are permitted but must be on-leash at all times.
Trails are free and offer countless benefits to our community, from fostering fun and fitness to encouraging social connection, exploration, and personal challenges. These exceptional trail experiences are made possible through the support and collaboration of these great organisations and initiatives:
Darkan Heritage Trail - Trail Head
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - Darkan Hotel
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - Beginnings of a Rail Town
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - Darkan Railway Station
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - Betty Brown Museum
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - Mural
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - Nangip Creek Panel 1
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - Nangip Creek
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - Nangip Creek Walk
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - Nangip Creek Walk 4
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - A Sporting Community Panel
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - A Sporting Community 2
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - BBQ Shelter
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Darkan Heritage Trail - Anzac Walk
Credit:
Sharon Bell
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Multiple day
224km
