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COLAC information & attractions
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Introduction:

Colac is situated between Geelong and Camperdown on a huge rich volcanic plain. The area is mainly used for agricultural and pastoral purposes, and is surrounded by many large lakes and volcanic craters.

Colac's busy commercial centre is primarily based around Murray Street. It features a few buildings of historical significance including the post office (built in 1876), shire hall (1879) and the former Regent Theatre (1925).

Fronting Murray Street within the heart of Colac is Memorial Square. This block of parkland has been dedicated to those who served in the First World War and features a striking stone memorial, fountain, rotunda, playground, BBQ facilities and expanses of lawn.

Colac fronts the southern shores of Lake Colac - the largest natural freshwater lake in Victoria. This lake is popular with swimmers and boating enthusiasts, and includes a number of foreshore walking trails, jetties and boat ramps. There is a bird reserve in the wetlands off The Esplanade which attracts a diverse range of bird life to the lake. Located on the lake foreshore is the Tachyglossus mosaic which was developed by local artists and the community and represents local indigenous flora and fauna and symbols of the region.

The Colac Botanic Gardens are perched on an elevated 12 hectare allotment above the lake and were established in 1910. The gardens contain many historical trees, shady picnic areas, a playground and cafe. From the gardens, scenic views across Lake Colac can be enjoyed.

A short drive north-west of Colac, via the villages of Cororooke and Coragulac, is the Red Rock Scenic Reserve. A couple of lookouts provide views over the Red Rock extinct volcano and Lake Corangamite which is Victoria's largest inland lake. There are also good views south-east across farming land towards Lake Colac.

Access to the Great Ocean Road, the Great Otway National Park and Cape Otway from Colac is via the road south to Lavers Hill.

 
Attractions:

Lake Colac
A photographic tour of the lake with information on its history, native flora and fauna

Art & culture:

Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre
The district's home of performing and visual arts showcases live shows, music, dance, films and exhibitions

Parks, gardens & trails:

Great Otway National Park
Spanning over 100,000 hectares along the coast between Anglesea and Princetown and inland towards Colac, this park features the steep timbered ridges of the Otway Ranges, fern gullies, waterfalls, and a coastline dominated by tall cliffs, coves and sandy beaches
Old Beechy Rail Trail
A trail which is noted for its rich scenery through forests, farmland and rolling hills, it begins in Colac and heads south to Beech Forest, including some very steep sections

* All the above links are external and open up in a new window

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