If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Perth in the summer head to Black Diamond Lake! Located about 2 hours from Perth CBD, Black Diamond Lake is a popular summer destination in Western Australia to escape the hot weather. You can either visit Black Diamond Lake as a day trip or extend your stay by camping or a weekend trip to the Ferguson Valley region. Read on in this guide for everything you need to know about taking a day trip to Black Diamond Lake in Collie.
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History of Black Diamond Lake
Black Diamond Lake was once a mine site but has now been abandoned and filled with water after being decommissioned in the 1950s. It is well-known by the locals for its incredibly vibrant azure blue colour that glistens in the sun and is frequently visited in the summer as a popular swimming spot.
The reason for Black Diamond’s vibrant blue colour is owed to the history of the lake formerly operating as an open-cut mine site, with the limestone base of the lake said to cause the water to look so blue. When the sun is fully out the lake is the bluest, and then turning into a duller green hue during cloudy weather conditions.
Guide to Day Trip to Black Diamond Lake
Where is Black Diamond Lake?
Address: Ferguson Rd, Allanson WA 6225
It is about a 2-hour drive southeast of Perth to reach Black Diamond Lake in Collie. While you can take public transport, via train and bus, to get to the Town of Collie the easiest and most convenient way is to drive to the Lake which is located outside of the town.
How to Get to Black Diamond Lake
Using Google Maps you’ll most likely take the turn-off from Coalfields Road into Ferguson Road and find the lake on your right. As general advice, it’s always recommended to download Google Maps offline when you’re visiting outside of Perth as the phone reception can be limited.
If you’re looking for a car rental across Perth, I recommend checking out Discover Cars, as they offer the best prices from all the big rental companies as well as a free cancellation policy.
Best Time to Visit
Black Diamond Lake is becoming more popular attracting more tourists, particularly during the summer months. However, despite the crowds, I still recommend visiting Black Diamond Lake during summer (December to February) to enjoy the water. If you’re looking to visit with fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons are a great time to visit such as between November to April.
Since this place is a popular local swimming spot, note that it can get busy around school during summer holidays and long weekends. If you’re going around the aforementioned busy periods you can expect large crowds and it might be hard to secure a shady area at the lake.
Tips for Visiting Black Diamond Lake
Visiting Times
If you’re heading to Black Diamond Lake on a day trip during the busy periods, make sure to visit early to secure a shady spot at the Lake. During peak times it can get crowded and you might find it hard to secure a shady spot amongst the trees. It’s also handy to bring an umbrella to set up your shade.
Lake Facilities
Before departing on your trip to Black Diamond Lake make sure to pack everything you need for the day ahead. This is because there aren’t any facilities available at the lake such as toilets or rubbish facilities. During the summer months, there are portaloos set up however otherwise there aren’t any other facilities available. For your day trip make sure to pack in advance with the essentials including plenty of water, snacks, towels, rugs, sunscreen and any water gear you might need.
Pack the Essentials
Remember to pack picnic rugs or camping chairs as the ground around the lake is quite hard and there is a lot of dirt. Since there aren’t any facilities available at Black Diamond Lake, you should bring everything with you, including plenty of food and water. To help you, here’s an overview of things to take to Black Diamond Lake on a day trip.
- Shade (umbrella etc.)
- Water gear e.g. floaties, kayaks, canoes
- Food and drinks
- Picnic rug or camping chairs
- Towels
- Insect Repellent
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Camping
While the lake is a day-use area only, there is strictly no camping allowed at Black Diamond Lake. Fines apply in this area and it’s common for rangers to check this spot during busy periods such as on public holidays. If you want to extend your stay by camping head to Stockton Lake, which is 8km east of Collie. At this spot, camping is allowed and barbeque, picnic and toilet facilities are provided.
Health Warnings
Although swimming is permitted at the lake, some signs warn people to swim at their own risk. This is because Black Diamond is an artificial lake that was created from a disused open-cut mine, and due to past mining activities the water has a low pH level. At certain times of the year and in certain conditions there is a risk of harmful organisms and contaminants.
If you want to be on the safe side, check with the Shire of Collie on their website where they update with regular checks of Black Diamond Lake. If you are concerned or if you have sensitive skin you should limit your exposure to the water.
Things to do at Black Diamond Lake
There are plenty of things to do around Black Diamond Lake in Collie and the Wellington National Park.
Grab a Bite to Eat
Black Diamond Lake is a great spot for a picnic by the water. If you want to eat at Black Diamond Lake the only option is to bring the food with you. However, you can always stop over in Collie before or after your visit to grab a bite to eat from a cafe or pub. Here are some of the top places to eat near Black Diamond Lake.
- The Ridge Restaurant – Offers a range of Australian cuisine that caters for all taste buds, including a child-friendly menu.
- The Boulevard Cafe – Grab some of the best coffee, cakes and sandwiches at Boulevard Cafe Collie.
- The Victoria Hotel – Lunch and dinner options are available with balcony views in Collie.
- Federal Hotel (The Feddy) – Enjoy hearty lunch and dinner options at the Federal Hotel.
- The Colliefields – The Coffee Shoppe kitchen serves 30 different varieties of tea and breakfast, lunch and dinner with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
- Wagon 537 (takeaway/coffee van) – This historic wagon offers breakfast and lunch and serves coffee from the Margaret River Roasting Co.
Time to Get Wet
It wouldn’t be a trip to Black Diamond Lake without taking a dip in the vibrant water. Before you leave for your day trip make sure to bring floaty toys, stand-up paddleboards, canoes or kayaks to fully enjoy this swimming spot.
Wellington Dam
Address: Wellington Dam Road, (25 kilometres east of), Collie, Western Australia, 6225
Located in Wellington National Park, and a 30-minute drive from Collie. Wellington Dam is a huge mural painted by the internationally renowned artist Guido Van Helten. If you have the time it’s worth exploring the walk trails around the dam and through the surrounding Jarrah forest for its picturesque views of the Dam. You’ll want to make a stop off at the Water Corporation’s Dam Lookout for the best view over the dam wall into Collie River Gorge.
If you’re into fishing, the dam is a popular recreational fishing spot to catch Marron, Rainbow Trout and Redfin perch in season. Just make sure to have a recreational fishing license which you can get from a Department of Primary Industries office or online.
Where to Stay at Black Diamond Lake & Collie
Lying only 2 hours from Perth, Black Diamond Lake can be easily done as a day trip to Collie. However, if you want to fully enjoy the spot and check out other things to do in Collie, there are a range of places to stay in Collie to explore Western Australia’s South West to the fullest.
Accommodation tends to get booked out quickly, especially during peak periods such as the school holidays. To avoid disappointment, book early. I use booking.com as most of the properties offer free cancellation. See what’s available for your dates here.
Camping and Caravan
Although you can’t camp at Black Diamond Lake, there are a variety of camping spots in the area to stay. This includes spots in the national park which are designated as camping areas or at a tourist park. Depending on your budget here are some of the top camping spots around Black Diamond Lake.
Prices are likely to change depending on the season so make sure to make your booking through the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
Budget – Gelcoat Rapids ($11pp/per night)
- Found alongside the Colle River, Gelcoat Rapids is known as a quieter campground to stay at.
- This campground is equipped with picnic benches, a toilet block and two fire pits to share with other campers.
Budget – Honeymoon Pool ($15 per night):
- Honeymoon Pool is known as a popular swimming spot and campground found along the Collie River. Equipped with free gas, flushing toilets, picnic tables and a fire pit campsite.
- You’ll be treated to plenty of resources for your overnight camping stay. Note that this campground is only designed for tents and each site has an allocated parking space.
Budget – Potters Gorge ($15 pp/per night):
- Found on the shore of the Wellington Dam, Potters Gorge is best suited for tents, caravans and campervans. This site is equipped with picnic tables, a BBQ area, fire pits and flushing toilets.
- If you have a boat, you can also go water skiing at the small section of the Wellington Dam at Potters Gorge.
Budget – Collie River Valley Tourist Park ($35 per night)
- Located in the town of Collie, this Tourisk Park is equipped with plenty of facilities, including a BBQ area, a camp kitchen and showers. There are also powered tent and caravan sites and a few cabins to stay in.
Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts
If you’re looking to enjoy the modern comforts during your stay in Collie here are a range of hotels and bed and breakfast options for different budgets.
Mid–Range – Banksia Motel
Perfect for a two-person stay, Banksia Motel offers a seasonal outdoor pool, a continental breakfast and free WiFi to enjoy. This 4-star property also boasts air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms to deliver optimal comfort during your stay.
Perfect for Couples – Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast
Perfect for a two-person stay, Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast offers a continental breakfast every morning and garden views to enjoy. Each room also has its private balcony or patio to take in the natural scenery and is equipped with the modern comforts of a private bathroom, free WiFi and a TV.
Best for Families – Collie Ridge Resort
Located a 10-minute walk from the town centre of Collie, this property offers a range of accommodations to suit your budget including self-contained suites, studio suites, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments and King suites. The property also has its restaurant conveniently located at the entrance of the property where you can enjoy the alfresco dining area on a warm summer’s night.
Mid–Range – Black Diamond Lodge
Located in Collie, Black Diamond Lodge boasts a 3-star rating with air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi. Depending on your budget there is both hotel-styled and hostel accommodation to cater for couples, families and groups.
Black Diamond Lake is a great place to visit as a day trip or a weekend getaway from Perth, Western Australia. If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend your day with your kids, friends or family, this swimming spot is perfect for soaking up the sun and relaxing in the water.
Travel Planning Resources ✈️
Attractions & Tours 🌟 Klook and GetYourGuide are my preferred platforms for local tours and activities in Australia. They make it easy to compare tours, book experiences and the best deals. You can also download their mobile app where you can easily access your bookings on the go.
Power Adaptors 🔌: Australia standard Type I sockets with a standard voltage of 230. I always recommend buying a universal adaptor so you can use it in any country (great for future travels) and it offers extra ports for USB cables to charge your devices.
Accommodation 🛌: I book all my accommodation in Korea through Booking.com. They have a wide selection of accommodations worldwide, with flexible booking options and great deals. They also have a Genius Loyalty program where you can get discounts and benefits on selected stays.
Easy Car Rental 🚗 Get hassle-free car rentals on DiscoverCars with a wide selection, competitive prices, and great customer service. Often it’s cheaper than booking direct and you can compare a large range of suppliers to check if you’re getting the best price.
Stay Connected 📶 wherever you go by easily and affordably purchasing an eSim for all your travels. Thanks to Airalo, you’ll get instant access to data and you don’t need to physically swap a plastic SIM card every time you’re travelling to a new country.
Travel Insurance 🛡️ I use World Nomads for overseas travel insurance. Travel with peace of mind knowing you’ll be covered for unexpected events and plan a worry-free journey.
Camera Gear 📸: If you’re curious about the camera gear I’ve used for my photos find out what’s in my camera bag here.
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