Colac: Your Gateway to the Great Otway National Park

Nestled between volcanic plains and the lush rise of the Otways, Colac is the ideal base for travellers seeking nature, flavour, and adventure in one unforgettable escape. This historic regional hub blends country charm with easy access to some of Victoria’s most spectacular landscapes—from ancient rainforests and hidden lakes to windswept beaches and iconic coastal landmarks.

Colac invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in the sensory richness of the Great Otway region. Think towering mountain ash trees swaying overhead, cool fern‑lined gullies whispering with birdsong, and the earthy scent of the forest after rain. It’s a place where every turn reveals something new, and every moment feels grounded in nature.

Why Visit Colac & the Otways

Colac places you at the heart of one of Australia’s most diverse natural playgrounds. Within minutes, you can be wandering through ancient rainforest, tasting award‑winning local produce, or standing before some of the world’s most dramatic coastal scenery.

Highlights include:

• Great Otway National Park – a wonderland of waterfalls, walking trails, glow‑worm forests, and pristine beaches.
• Otways Gourmet Food & Wine Trail – a delicious journey through farm gates, distilleries, cellar doors, and artisan producers.
• The Great Ocean Road – with easy access to Apollo Bay and the legendary 12 Apostles.
• Lake Elizabeth – a tranquil, almost mystical lake hidden deep in the forest, famous for its mirror‑still waters and ghostly tree trunks rising from the depths.

Things to Do

Explore Waterfalls & Rainforest Walks
The Otways are home to some of Victoria’s most enchanting waterfalls. Wander through lush fern glades to Triplet Falls, Beauchamp Falls, or Hopetoun Falls, where cascades tumble into moss‑covered valleys.

Discover Lake Elizabeth
Formed more than 50 years ago when a landslide dammed the valley, Lake Elizabeth is a serene, cinematic landscape. Its calm waters reflect the surrounding forest, punctuated by the haunting silhouettes of drowned tree trunks. Arrive at dawn or dusk for your best chance to spot a platypus gliding across the surface.

Follow the Otways Gourmet Food & Wine Trail
Taste your way through the region’s finest flavours—cool‑climate wines, small‑batch spirits, handcrafted cheeses, berry farms, and paddock‑to‑plate dining. Continue your journey all the way to Apollo Bay or pair it with a coastal drive to the 12 Apostles.

Relax by the Coast
From Colac, the beaches of the Great Ocean Road are within easy reach. Spend a day swimming, surfing, or simply soaking up the ocean views at Apollo Bay before returning to the tranquillity of the hinterland.

Step Back in Time
Explore Colac’s heritage streetscapes, historic gardens, and lakeside parks. Lake Colac offers walking trails, birdwatching, and sunset views that glow across the water.

How to Get There

Colac is conveniently located:

• 150 km (approx. 2 hours) from Melbourne via the Princes Highway
• 75 minutes from Geelong
• 45 minutes to Apollo Bay
• 90 minutes to the 12 Apostles

Its central position makes it the perfect base for exploring both the Otways hinterland and the Great Ocean Road.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring & Summer: Ideal for beach days, forest walks, and long evenings enjoying local food and wine.
• Autumn: Crisp air, colourful foliage, and perfect hiking conditions.
• Winter: Misty rainforests, roaring waterfalls, cosy cafés, and fewer crowds—an atmospheric time to explore the Otways.

Plan Your Otways Escape

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, craving gourmet indulgence, or seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, Colac offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Base yourself here and unlock the very best of the Great Otway National Park and the Great Ocean Road—two of Victoria’s most iconic destinations, right at your doorstep.