A new world-class walk trail has been opened in Wellington National Park, near Collie, as part of the McGowan Government's commitment to improve visitor facilities in the Collie-Preston area.
The new 20 kilometre Wiilman Bilya Trail stretches from Wellington Dam north to the Coalfields Highway, winding through magnificent blackbutt, open jarrah forest and past granite outcrops.
Bushwalkers can expect a full day walk in either direction, with the option to camp overnight at Nyingarn campsite or at Potters Gorge.
The name Wiilman Bilya pays tribute to the traditional Noongar group, Wiilman, with Bilya being the Noongar word for river. The Wiilman people have a strong cultural connection to this area.
The $320,000 walk trail was funded by the State Government through the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Royalties for Regions.
As noted by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The McGowan Government recognises the value of Western Australia's national parks and reserves, and is committed to making these accessible to visitors for generations to come.
"In addition to the Wiilman Bilya Trail, in the past year, we have supported the completion of several trail projects in the South-West, including a nine kilometre mountain bike trail in the nearby Arklow forest block near Collie; an 11.5 kilometre mountain bike trail and a 2.5 kilometre walk trail in Wooditjup National Park near Margaret River; and three 5.5 kilometre mountain bike trails in Lane Poole Reserve near Dwellingup.
"The proposed expansion of Wellington National Park is also expected to improve and expand tourism and recreation opportunities, with public consultation currently underway on this proposal."
As noted by Sport and Recreation Minister and Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
"We want to encourage Western Australians to get active and make the most of the great outdoors, and the provision of walk trails is an ideal way for people to immerse themselves in nature.
"During the past 10 years visitation to Wellington National Park has increased substantially, reaching more than 315,000 visits in the 2017-18 financial year.
"We are confident that the development of the Wiilman Bilya Trail will attract even more people to the park and help stimulate tourism growth in the Collie area."
