Built beside the huge Lake Colac and on the doorstep of the Great Otway National Park. Colac has a rich farming and forestry history and is the perfect central location to explore the Otways.
Less than 2 hours drive from Melbourne, Colac is built alongside the majestic Lake Colac and Botanic Gardens. Lake Colac is the largest natural freshwater lake in Victoria. Teaming with bird life and surrounded by walking and bike paths, viewing platforms – even a beach.
The Colac Botanic Gardens, designed by Wiliam Guilfoyle (Melbourne Botanic Gardens), occupy about 16 hectares in an elevated position along the southern banks of Lake Colac.
Colac serves as a hub for the region, packed with high-quality shopping ranging from quaint country gift shops to antique dealers and specialty stores. Colac has a fantastic array of cafes and restaurants and it’s a great place to source produce from the foodies of the Otway Harvest Trail.
The Old Beechy Rail Trail is also a highlight, a 50km walking/cycling trail, located between Colac and Ferguson. The trail follows much of the original path of the narrow gauge railway “The Beechy” which ran from 1902 until 1962.
Colac is a friendly township and is the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the Otways and the Volcanic Plains.
The Colac Botanic Gardens offer a secluded and magical spot for families and flora enthusiasts. Detour from the highway to be delighted.
The largest natural freshwater lake in Victoria. Teaming with bird life and surrounded by walking and bike paths, viewing platforms – even a beach.
Colac is a place where creativity meets regional life. Find Galleries, theatres and makers markets where local artists are showcased.
Discovery a wide range of independent shops and boutiques. Fashion, art & design, books and gifts can be discovered in Murray Street shops.
From lakeside dining to bakeries, cafes and restaurants, Colac offers a fusion of traditional fare and multicultural flavours, sourced from the rich rural surrounds.
Red Rock Lookout is just a few minutes drive from Colac. Overlooking Lake Corangamite, this is your panoramic introduction to the Volcanic Lakes and Plains, the world’s 3rd largest Volcanic landscape
If you’re spending the weekend in this bustling regional centre you’ll discover quaint gift shops, antique dealers, art galleries, beautiful botanical gardens and lakeside beaches and bike paths.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
