Former Western Australian open-cut mine transformed into recreational tourism destination

Lake Kepwari formerly an open-cut coalmine in Collie - a town in the south west region of Western Australia - has been transformed into a water-based tourism hub, featuring areas for boating, waterskiing, swimming, camping and picnicking.

Construction on the facilities has seen the development of a dual lane boat ramp, designated parking for boat trailers and sealed accessible pathways throughout the site.

The new $5.2 million campground and boating facilities at Collie's Lake Kepwari are anticipated to drive tourism and support the local economy. The Burra campground has 21 campsites suited to all types of campers, with a second campground to be constructed soon on the northern lakeshore to accommodate visitor demand.

The new facilities at Lake Kepwari are part of the larger $23.3 million investment in infrastructure for parks and forests in the Collie region.

Through this project, the Western Australian Government is making significant investment into the region, including a mega mural at Wellington Dam, and mountain bike, walk trails and drive trails through the Collie River Valley and Ferguson Valley.

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan noted "it's a pleasure to open the new facilities at Lake Kepwari, which I expect will become one of Western Australia's premier recreational tourism destinations.

"With the opening of Lake Kepwari's facilities, Collie has taken another step forward in becoming a new nature-based, water sports tourism hub.

"The project will drive more tourists to Collie, delivering a boost to the town's economy.

Western Australian Environment Minister Stephen Dawson added "with Lake Kepwari opening and the development of the Wellington National Park walk and mountain bike trails, the region is well on its way to becoming a nature-based recreation and tourism hub.

"Now more than ever Western Australians are looking to holiday in their own backyards, and I am very much looking forward to seeing people enjoy these beautiful new facilities this summer."

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray advised "I've been championing this project for a long time so I'm delighted to see it finally come to fruition thanks to the hard work of the State Government.

"Here in Collie, we've known for a long time about the appeal of spending time outdoors around the lakes and camping under the stars, and now the rest of the State is catching on.

"The Government's investment into the attractions around Collie is already resulting in increased visitation, and I'm excited to see Lake Kepwari become one of the many jewels in Collie's crown of outdoors destinations."

Image courtesy of dbca.wa.gov.au/