Things To Do
in Colac
Colac is a regional service town in Victoria, Australia, sitting on the shores of Lake Colac and surrounded by productive agricultural plains and the forested Otway Ranges. It’s a practical base for exploring both inland volcanic plains and nearby Great Ocean Road coastlines, with a friendly small-town atmosphere. The town has a mix of historic buildings, a well-regarded botanic garden and a lively local events calendar that reflects its farming and timber heritage.
Colac is an easy stop for road-trippers and nature lovers who want access to lakeside recreation, rainforest walks and local produce.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey with a tranquil stroll along the shores of Lake Colac as the early light shimmers on the water. Keep an eye out for black swans gliding gracefully across the surface and the melodic calls of native birds in the canopy. The crisp morning air and panoramic lake views set a peaceful tone for the rest of your explorations.
Venture into Colac town to explore the historic Botanic Gardens, where heritage trees and vibrant flowerbeds frame winding pathways. Drop by local shops on Murray Street for handcrafted gifts and freshly baked pastries. Pause at the ornamental pond to watch turtles sunbathe on logs and listen to the gentle rustle of leaves.
Find a lakeside picnic spot to watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink. Sip a regional Pinot Noir as water ripples reflect the fading light. Later, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a nearby pub serving farm-to-table dishes and live acoustic music.
Drive through winding country roads to the edge of Otway National Park at first light. Follow a forest trail beneath towering mountain ash trees, listening for lyrebirds mimicking calls in the undergrowth. Mist drifts between ferns and moss-covered trunks, creating an enchanting, otherworldly atmosphere.
Challenge yourself on the Otway Fly Treetop Walk, ascending to 25 meters above the rainforest floor for panoramic canopy views. Birdsong fills the air as you traverse suspension bridges among ancient treetops. Pause at the observation platform to spy glimpses of wallabies grazing below.
Settle in at a rustic eco-lodge or campsite on the forest edge and enjoy a hearty meal by lantern light. Share stories around a crackling fire pit as nocturnal wildlife begins its chorus. Drift to sleep enveloped in the gentle hum of the forest night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Café coffee (flat white) | $3.50-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $7-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / motel (per night) | $90-160 |
| ⛽Petrol (per litre) | $1.40-1.90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to both lakeside and rainforest/coastal landscapes
- Friendly small-town atmosphere with strong local food producers
- Good base for exploring the Otways and Great Ocean Road without the heavy crowds of coastal towns
- Limited nightlife and late-night services
- Public transport options are limited compared with major cities; a car is preferable
- Some amenities and specialist services require travel to larger regional centres
Places to Visit in Colac
Visit one of these nice places.
Long lakeside views, reflections at dawn and sunset, boardwalks and birdlife make the foreshore ideal for landscape and wildlife shots.
Well-maintained gardens, specimen trees and seasonal blooms provide intimate nature and portrait backdrops close to town.
Lush rainforest trails, giant tree ferns and moss-covered trunks create dramatic, moody photos, especially after mist or rain.
Coastal headlands and beaches a short drive from Colac offer expansive ocean vistas and dramatic cliffs during golden hour.
Scenic farmland, grazing livestock at dawn and patchwork fields capture the agricultural character of the region.
Food in Colac
Colac Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Aussie meat pie from a local bakery is a must-try; find excellent versions at town bakeries and lunchtime pie shops.
Must-Try!
Fresh cheeses, panna cotta and dairy-based desserts are common — look for products from nearby farms and farmers’ markets.
Roast or pub-style lamb dishes showcasing local lamb are a regional specialty, served in many restaurants and hotels.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A periodic farmers’ market where local growers and producers sell seasonal vegetables, cheeses, baked goods and preserves — ideal for tasting regional produce.
Occasional weekend food stalls and pop-up cafés by the lake or around Memorial Square offering coffee, pastries and ready-to-eat local treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are typically informal and friendly — a simple greeting and small talk go a long way.
Be mindful and respectful of Indigenous land; follow signage, stay on trails in protected areas and consider acknowledging traditional owners when visiting cultural sites.
Rural driving etiquette values courtesy — use indicators, give way appropriately and be cautious of farm vehicles and livestock on roads.
Appointments and tours usually start on time; social meet-ups are relaxed but it’s polite to be reasonably punctual.
Safety
Tipping in Colac
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Australia; round up the bill or leave 5–10% for exceptional service in restaurants, while pubs, cafés and casual places rarely expect tips.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted; smaller vendors at markets may prefer cash, so carry some AUD for markets and remote purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days are common (often 20–30°C); lakeside activities and coastal trips are ideal. Be sun-safe, carry water and be aware that late-summer can be dry and carry elevated bushfire risk in surrounding forests.
Crisp mornings and mild days make it a pleasant time for walking and photography; autumn colours in gardens and some paddocks are attractive and crowds are lower.
Cool, wetter months with temperatures often between 5–15°C; expect rain and mist in the Otways, cozy pub meals and fewer tourists, but pack warm layers and waterproof gear.
Wildflowers, lambing season on farms and fresher weather; ideal for outdoor hikes, birdwatching and visiting farmers’ markets as producers bring seasonal goods.
Colac at Night
Hiking in Colac
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, accessible loop through ancient rainforest with boardwalks, ferns and towering myrtle beeches — great for photography and a cool, mossy atmosphere.
Scenic waterfalls in the Otways with walking tracks through fern gullies and temperate rainforest; falls are most impressive after rain.
An elevated walkway and treetop platform offering panoramic views of the forest canopy and an opportunity to learn about rainforest ecology.
Relaxed lakeside trails suitable for families and casual walkers, with birdwatching opportunities and picnic spots.
Airports
How to reach Colac by plane.
Approximately 70–90 km east of Colac, Avalon handles some domestic flights and is accessible by car; arrange shuttle or hire car for onward travel.
Major international and domestic airport about 150–180 km northeast of Colac (rough driving time ~2–2.5 hours); best option for international connections.
Smaller regional airport west of Colac (roughly 70–90 km) offering limited services; convenient for access to western coastal parts of the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Traditional custodians of the region have longstanding cultural ties to the land; local Indigenous communities contribute to cultural life and heritage interpretation.
A large proportion of residents are descendants of early European settlers involved historically in farming, timber and related industries.
The surrounding shires are home to dairy, sheep and cropping farmers, forming a significant part of the local economy and community identity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
AFL is hugely popular in regional Victoria with local clubs and community matches drawing support during winter months.
Summer cricket is a local favourite, with weekend matches and club competitions common across towns and villages.
Rural properties support horse riding and equestrian events; recreational riding and local shows occur seasonally.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Colac.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many cafés provide vegetarian brunch options (salads, omelettes, egg dishes, vegetarian burgers); but some rural pubs may have limited vegetarian mains, so check menus or call ahead.
Vegan options are available at progressive cafés (plant milks, vegan baked goods, salads), but choices can be limited in traditional pubs — ask staff for modifications.
Gluten-free breads and desserts are offered at several cafés and specialty bakeries; when dining at pubs, request GF options and confirm cross-contamination practices if you have severe intolerance.