About Colac

Colac is a fascinating country town that brings together the forestry operations of the Otway’s and the Western District rich farming and dairy industries and is home to about 12,000 people.

Being only 76 kilometres south west from the centre of Geelong and only just over 50 kms inland drive from the Great Ocean Road town of Lorne, Colac is an easy and rewarding day trip with plenty to see and do. Colac is located on the Geelong – Warnambool railway line and Princess Highway which circles Australia runs through town.

Situated inland and at the gateway of the Otway’s the town centre sits on the southern shore of beautiful Lake Colac, which sadly is currently dry due to the terrible drought conditions sweeping southern Australia.

The Main Street Murray 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 cafe’s, restaurants and traditional pubs. Any food lover shouldn’t leave town without sampling some of the magnificent dairy products and fresh meat and produced grown in the area. The area is also becoming a popular wine making area and they don’t make a bad drop. 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 quiet 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 a 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 its 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 every one 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 quiet 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.