The Reflections mural on Wellington Dam covers 8,000 square metres of the dam wall, 34 metres high and 367 metres wide.
It is one of the largest dam murals in the world. Australian artist Guido Van Helten completed it in February 2021, and it has drawn visitors to Collie and Wellington National Park ever since.
Title: Reflections
Artist: Guido Van Helten
Completed: February 2021
Coverage: Approximately 8,000 square metres
Dam wall: 34 metres high, 367 metres wide
Location: Wellington Dam, Wellington National Park, Collie WA
Entry: Free. Wellington National Park entry is free
Distance: About 30 minutes from Collie. About 2 hours from Perth
What the mural shows
Van Helten worked from historic photographs and local stories. The figures on the dam wall include Collie coal miners, families picnicking at the river, Aboriginal children, and people who shaped the community around Wellington Dam.
The work is a visual history of the town and its relationship with the water.
The mural is part of the $1.5 million Collie Mural Trail, a regional public art initiative that placed large works across the Collie area. The Wellington Dam piece is the flagship.
How to see the mural
The mural is visible from designated viewing areas near the dam wall. Do not approach the dam infrastructure, climb barriers, or enter restricted zones. Water Corporation manages the dam, and all safety signage applies.
Morning light from the east works best for photography. Late afternoon gives warm light and fewer crowds than midday. A wide angle lens captures more of the full wall, but stepping back from the precinct sets it against the surrounding jarrah forest.
The kiosk near the dam wall is usually open and worth a stop. Toilets, picnic tables, and parking are all at the precinct. Day visitors do not need to book.
The Collie Mural Trail
The Collie Mural Trail extends from Wellington Dam into Collie town, where more large works are painted on buildings across the area.
A half day itinerary that includes Wellington Dam and a slow drive back through Collie covers the main pieces. The Collie River Valley website has a current map of the trail stops.
What else is on this road
Lennard Drive runs one way along the Collie River below the dam wall, passing river swimming spots including Long Pool, Big Rock, Little Rock, and Honeymoon Pool. The drive takes around 20 minutes end to end and is one of the best short drives in Southwest WA. A separate guide covers each swimming spot on the road.
Wellington Dam Living Legacy Forest is a protected conservation forest a short drive from the dam wall. It is a memorial tree forest, not part of the mural or dam precinct.
Tours are free and bookable at livinglegacywellingtondam.org.au. If you want a quieter, longer stop in the jarrah forest before or after the mural, it is worth adding to the day.
“My husband and I have a tree here. Visited recently and the sunlight filtering through was beautiful. There’s a kiosk nearby and bush camps if you want to make a weekend of it.”
— Melody Jones
A practical day from Perth
Depart Perth by 8am. Arrive at Wellington Dam around 10am, before the midday heat. View the mural from the precinct, stop at the kiosk, and take photographs.
Drive Lennard Drive to Honeymoon Pool for a swim or picnic. Return through Collie for a drive past the town murals. Back in Perth by evening.
If staying overnight, Honeymoon Pool campground (book ahead) or Collie accommodation works for a two day trip.
Also on the Wellington Dam road
Wellington Dam Living Legacy Forest is a protected conservation forest near the dam. Tours are free. No obligation.
[ Book a tour — livinglegacywellingtondam.org.au ]
Or call 0427 096 944
Common questions
What is the Wellington Dam mural called?
The mural is titled Reflections and was created by Australian artist Guido Van Helten. It was completed in February 2021.
How big is the Reflections mural on Wellington Dam?
The mural covers approximately 8,000 square metres of the dam wall. The wall itself is 34 metres high and 367 metres wide. It is promoted as the largest dam mural in the world.
Is it free to see the Wellington Dam mural?
Yes. Entry to Wellington National Park is free. Day visitors can access the viewing area, picnic precinct, and kiosk at no charge, and without booking.
How far is Wellington Dam from Perth?
Wellington Dam is approximately 200 kilometres south of Perth, about a two hour drive via the Forrest Highway. It is about 30 minutes west of Collie.
What else can I do at Wellington Dam?
The dam precinct has a kiosk, picnic tables, toilets, and viewing areas for the mural. Lennard Drive below the dam leads to river swimming spots at Honeymoon Pool, Long Pool, Big Rock, Little Rock, and Rapids. Wellington Dam Living Legacy Forest nearby offers free tours of a protected memorial tree forest in the jarrah zone.
Sources and references
These are the sources behind the numbers used above: the mural’s dimensions and completion date, and the Collie Mural Trail funding.
- RAC Horizons, The Story Behind Collie’s Giant Wellington Dam Mural: 8,000 square metres, completed February 2021, 34m by 367m wall (rac.com.au)
- Water Corporation, Visit Wellington Dam: mural size, free entry, distance from Perth and Collie (watercorporation.com.au)
- WA Government media statement, Collie Mural Trail: $1.5 million State Government investment (wa.gov.au)
