Home to about 12,000 people, Colac is a fascinating country town that brings together the forestry operations of the Otway’s and the Western District’s rich farming and dairy industries.
Being only 76 kilometres south west from the centre of Geelong and only just over 50 kilometres inland drive from the Great Ocean Road town of Lorne, Colac is an easy and rewarding day trip with plenty to see and do.
Situated inland and at the gateway of the Otway’s, the town centre sits on the southern shore of beautiful Lake Colac. The Colac Railway Station on the Geelong to Warrnambool railway line is only a few hundred metres from Colac’s CBD, while the Princes Highway that circles Australia runs through the centre of town. Also known as Murray Street, Colac’s main street is home to much of the towns shopping with a mix of big brand stores and still plenty of family run small businesses.
There are plenty of places for a bite to eat or drink with some great cafes, restaurants and traditional pubs. Any food lover shouldn’t leave town without sampling some of the magnificent dairy products and fresh meat and produce grown in the area. Colac and the Otways is also becoming a popular wine making district and they don’t make a bad drop either. Only a few years ago Colac was regarded as being a bit sleepy but now with its great food, atmosphere and rejuvenation the town has a real fresh look and is very surprising with quite a few trendy places popping up around town.
For over 50 years the Colac Kana Festival has been one of the best events in town. This community event features a colourful street parade and plenty of activities for all ages in the tranquil Memorial Square Park. There are stalls, food, games, rides and some great entertainment. The Kana Festival is usually held in March – check the Intown Events page for more information.
The Colac show in November is also an event which brings the rural folk in to town with their best animals, produce and the like. The show is a real taste of the country, with utes, horse riding, grand parades, tractors, rides and of course show bags. Being only an hour from Geelong or two from Melbourne, it gives people real easy access to a bit of wholesome country fun.
The Colac Turf Club is the place for socialising and enjoying a great country race meet. Several meets are held during the year where everyone gets dressed up and heads down to the track for some fun in the sun and maybe a flutter or two on a horse. There is nothing quite like a rural horse race, the whole town gets behind the day and has fun. It is so easy to get hooked on the fun and great atmosphere.
