Colac: Lake, Gardens and Railway History

Colac: Lake, Gardens and History

Colac offers several distinct travel themes: Lake Colac, the Colac Botanic Gardens and the history of the narrow-gauge railway “The Beechy.” Memorial sites and visitor facilities round out the selection. For planning, the main distinction of interest is between landscape experiences, activities on the lakefront, and a longer walking and cycling route. This lets you tailor your stay to your interests and decide which side of Colac you would like to get to know better.

Lake Colac and Botanic Gardens

Lake Colac covers 2,778 hectares, has a circumference of 33 kilometres and is the largest natural freshwater lake in Victoria. It is a popular place for fishing, water sports and other recreational activities along the shore. Parking, barbecue facilities, picnic tables, a playground and public toilets are located at the eastern end of the shore below the Botanic Gardens. These facilities are grouped there rather than being spread around the entire lakeshore.

The Colac Botanic Gardens are elevated above the southern shore of the lake and cover approximately 16 hectares. They are historically, aesthetically and scientifically significant in Victoria, particularly from a botanical perspective. The lake and gardens therefore offer different points of interest for your trip: Lake Colac is associated with lakeside recreation, while the gardens are notable for their significance as a botanical site. If you are interested in water activities and garden culture, Colac offers both as distinct themes.

On the Old Beechy Rail Trail

The Old Beechy Rail Trail runs for more than 50 kilometres between Colac and Ferguson. Access is free; the trail is suitable for walking and cycling, including mountain biking. It largely follows the original route of the narrow-gauge railway “The Beechy,” which operated from 1902 to 1962. The trail thus combines a modern walking and cycling route with the history of the railway line. For travellers who enjoy pairing an active outing with a historical connection, this combination is a reason in its own right to include the trail in their plans. Check the latest access information before your trip.

Memorial Sites and Visitor Facilities

Colac Memorial Square is dedicated to those who served in the First World War and features a distinctive stone memorial. The square also has a purpose-designed play area for several age groups. The space therefore combines a clear commemorative purpose with a play facility—two different reasons to consider it when exploring Colac.

The Colac History Centre is open to visitors on Thursdays and Fridays from 1:30 to 4:30 pm and on Sundays from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. If you are planning a visit, check the opening hours in advance. Another facet of the town is COPACC, a large centre for events and business functions in Colac. It offers space for conferences, meetings and workshops, as well as job interviews, mediations, community consultations, gala dinners, special occasions and trade fairs.

Colac and Finding a Hotel

These are two clearly different travel formats.

Discover more destinations: Wandin North, Piangil, Beaufort, Marnoo, Willung South, Halls Gap, Sandhurst, Dumbalk.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.