Stockton Lake

Stockton Lake is a bush campground about 8 km east of Collie, roughly two and a half hours from Perth, set around a former open-cut coal mine now flooded with striking turquoise water against white limestone cliffs. For dog owners it is one of the few DBCA-managed camps where dogs are genuinely welcome, with swimming, boating and a 2.7 km cliff-top loop right at the site.

Dogs at the lake

Dogs are permitted across the campground but must be on a leash at all times, and there is no off-leash area anywhere in the reserve. Between other campers, powerboats, water skiers and the resident ducks, this is a stay for a dog comfortable managing the world from the lead. Note the lake water is mildly acidic from its mining history, so it is worth rinsing your dog off after a swim and keeping them from drinking it.

Camping runs across seven designated areas on the south and east sides of the lake, booked online through Park Stay WA up to 180 days ahead. There are no marked individual sites: you book an area and pick a spot within it on arrival. Fees are set by DBCA at $15 per adult per night ($10 concession, $5 for children 6 to 15, infants free). Facilities are basic, with flush toilets at Coal Seam Corner and pit toilets elsewhere. Campfires are typically allowed in the provided rings from April to November, subject to fire bans, and you must bring your own firewood because collecting it on site is prohibited.

Max: book online before you leave Collie, keep the lead on the whole stay, and carry firewood and drinking water in from town. The banks away from the boat ramp are steep and rocky, so keep the leash short near the cliffs.

Getting there and out with the dog

The campground sits on Piavanini Road off the Collie-Darkan Road. The Stockton Lake Cliff Trail Circuit loops the lake with views over the water and jarrah forest, though sections run close to the cliff edges and can close after rain, so keep the dog on lead and check conditions. Weekdays are quieter and give you the pick of the unmarked sites.

Collie's town centre is 15 minutes back up the road for supplies. If a tent is not your style, Wambenger Lodge and Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast are the dog-friendly base options in Collie. More options are on the Western Australia pet friendly stays guide and the Shotts destination page.