Coalseam Conservation Park, WA: Best lookouts, walks & camping

Near Mingenew in Western Australia, Coalseam Conservation Park highlights millions of years of geology. Visitors can tackle the Plateau Loop Trail and go camping at the Miners Campground.

What is Coalseam Conservation Park famous for?

Coalseam Conservation Park in Western Australia is primarily famous for its fossils and flowers. This small park, north of Mingenew in the Wheatbelt region, is an underrated spot for walking and camping.

The geological history of Coalseam Conservation Park is probably what makes it most unusual. It is home to the first mined coal deposit in Western Australia. There are still several exposed bands of coal in the cliff faces, along with clay, sandstone and siltstone. These stripes across the rock reveal 250 million years of geology.

Coalseam Conservation Park: Irwin Lookout and Riverbend Picnic Area

The Coalseam Conservation Park is largely left as a wilderness area, but there are a few facilities for visitors. The Irwin Lookout is arguably the highlight if you’re pressed for time. This looks out over the Irwin River Valley.

Elsewhere, you can head to the Riverbend Picnic Area, which has good views of the cliffs. Look carefully, and you can see marine creatures that have been preserved in the cliffs for millions of years. It’s evidence that this land was once covered by sea.

Coalseam Conservation Park: Walks and camping

The best walk in Coalseam Conservation Park is the Plateau Loop Trail. This begins at the Miners campground, and stretches for 3.2km. The valley views from the ridge are the centrepiece of this walk, but come in spring, and you’ll also see a carpet of wildflowers.

It’s possible to go camping in Coalseam Conservation Park, with the Miners campground the main area to pitch a tent. Sites are not advance-bookable, and there can be heavy demand in wildflower season.