2 Days in Colac and Surrounds
Expect lakeside mornings and long lunches, boutique browsing and a swing at the driving range, botanic gardens built for wandering and a lookout view that takes in volcanic lakes, plains and the Otways beyond. Whether you're after a relaxed weekend escape or a base for exploring further afield, Colac and its surrounds have more on offer than the highway lets on.
DAY 1: Arrive in Colac
Whether arrive via the Princes Highway, or from the coast (around an hours drive), Colac has a sense of arrival – this thriving regional town serves communities in the Otways and beyond, and promises to reward the explorers who take the time to discover it.
Start the Day With a Healthy Breakfast
While fast food chains line up along the highway, there is also a groundswell of dedicated foodies, producing diverse and definitely local dining experiences. Coffee should be yur first stop and you don’t have to look far. Stop in to Bella Hope on Memorial Square where they serve their brews to perfection – and meet even the most ridiculous coffee requirements. Healthy snacks and not so healthy – Pair your Matcha with a decadent toastie or a cake in a can!
-
Bella Hope
1/47 Gellibrand St, Colac
Hit the Shops
Now that you are refueled hit the shops. The boutiques here are all beautifully curated – if the goods don’t have you dropping cash, then the genuine friendly service just might. Explore Salis Homewares or Soul Interiors for gifts, homewares and clothing.
Or for something a bit more eclectic spend some time trawling through the treasures at Murray Street Market – a vast vintage and collectible store where you are bound to find a keepsake to re-love.
-
Murray Street Market
249-251 Murray Street, Colac
Lunch and Colac Unearthed
Settle in for a relaxed lunch at Dar Teta where authentic mediterranean cuisine is served with love. Think handmade breads, pickles, dips and felafel. Mender down Murray Street to Colac Unearthed, where a great range of local produce form the surrounding area can be purchased. From iconic Bulla Ice Cream cups (made in Colac) to artisan preserves and handmade woollens, this place isn’t just a shop, it’s also a teahouse and visitor information centre – with dedicated local voluteers ready to share tips on where to go, what to see and where to eat!
-
Colac Unearthed
53 Queen Street, Colac
A Relaxed Afternoon
An afternoon walk through the Colac Botanic Gardens is a must. You don’t need to be into flowers to appreciate this William Guilefoyle (of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens) designed garden, perched beside Lake Colac. There is a fantastic playground area at one end and a cute cafe overlooking the lake at the opposite end. The Lake View Cafe is perfect for a sweet afternoon treat or a light lunch.
Fun fact: you can drive through the botanic gardens during the day, so this is a perfect place to visit for people of all abilities. There’s even a wheelchair swing in the playground.
-
Colac Botanic Gardens
Fyans Street, Colac
Evening Fun
For authentic and as-good-as-you’ll-find-in-Melbourne Thai Cuisine, Mango Thai is the win. This place is busy because it is so popular so book in to make sure you get to enjy the funky venue and you’re not heading back to your accommodation with take-away (although that’s a pretty good option too).
Still looking for more to do? Head over to Colac Tenpin Bowling for a game (and with some luck you knock down the elusive Golden Pin for a prize!), or for a calmer evening, see what’s showing at the cinemas.
-
Colac Tenpin Bowli
86-88 Murray Street, Colac
Stay at Lake Colac Holiday Park
Stay at Lake Colac Holiday Park in the Lakeside Studio Cabins. Perfect for solo travellers or couples, this brand new beautifully fitted our studios offer a very pleasant stay – with a view toward the lake that will reward you with both a sunset and sunrise. Semi self-contained this spot is perfect for a one-nighter or a longer stay.
-
Lake Colac Holiday Park
51 Fyans Street, Colac
DAY 2: Explore Colac
Early Morning
Early morning – enjoy Lake Colac – there’s a coffee van just a few steps from your accommodation, and if you’re a paddleboarder or kayaker, the lake is perfect for a gentle paddle.
Head to Jo’s Pantry on Murray Street for a hearty breakfast and caffeine hit or (and) a smoothie. Soak up the sunshine at an outdoor table and watch the early morning activity buzzing through town.
-
Lake Colac
Fyans Street, Colac
Get Active
After breakfast take a 15 minute drive out to Red Rock Lookout. This place is culturally significant for the Gulidjan people of the Eastern Maar nation, and the lookout provides an amazing 360 degree view across the Volcanic Lakes and Plains and to the Otways.
Head back into town and to the Colac Golf Club. Golfer or not, the driving range here provides a great way to try out your swing or vent some frustration. Fill up a bucket an fire away – if you’re luck a member or the club pro might even give you some tips.
-
Red Rock Lookout
Red Rock, Alvie
Lunch at Otway Estate
The golf club is enroute to your lunch destination at Otway Estate. A 15 minute drive into the edge of the Otways takes you to the home of Prickly Moses – also makes of wines and spirits The pretty setting and lovely warm venue are perfect for a long Sunday lunch of gourmet local produce, or a wood-fired pizza – pair it with a responsible tasting of of your favourite tipple before heading home to tell your friends about your adventures in Colac.
-
Otway Estate – Brewery, Distillery, and Cidery
10 Hoveys Road, Barongarook West