Colac

Day Trips

Begin your journey with a tranquil stroll along the shores of Lake Colac as the early light shimmers on the water. Keep an eye out for black swans gliding gracefully across the surface and the melodic calls of native birds in the canopy. The crisp morning air and panoramic lake views set a peaceful tone for the rest of your explorations.

Venture into Colac town to explore the historic Botanic Gardens, where heritage trees and vibrant flowerbeds frame winding pathways. Drop by local shops on Murray Street for handcrafted gifts and freshly baked pastries. Pause at the ornamental pond to watch turtles sunbathe on logs and listen to the gentle rustle of leaves.

Find a lakeside picnic spot to watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink. Sip a regional Pinot Noir as water ripples reflect the fading light. Later, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a nearby pub serving farm-to-table dishes and live acoustic music.

Drive through winding country roads to the edge of Otway National Park at first light. Follow a forest trail beneath towering mountain ash trees, listening for lyrebirds mimicking calls in the undergrowth. Mist drifts between ferns and moss-covered trunks, creating an enchanting, otherworldly atmosphere.

Challenge yourself on the Otway Fly Treetop Walk, ascending to 25 meters above the rainforest floor for panoramic canopy views. Birdsong fills the air as you traverse suspension bridges among ancient treetops. Pause at the observation platform to spy glimpses of wallabies grazing below.

Settle in at a rustic eco-lodge or campsite on the forest edge and enjoy a hearty meal by lantern light. Share stories around a crackling fire pit as nocturnal wildlife begins its chorus. Drift to sleep enveloped in the gentle hum of the forest night.

Discover Colac’s past on a self-guided walk through its heritage precinct, admiring century-old architecture. Peek inside the Colac Courthouse and view historic photographs at the local museum. Savor a coffee in a refurbished building that once housed a bustling general store.

Hire a bike and ride a section of the 23-kilometre Old Beechy Rail Trail through farmland and native bush. Stop at Irrewillipe Creek for a picnic lunch under towering gums. Listen to the gentle murmur of water and bird calls as you rest by the creekside.

Dine at a historic pub that’s hosted travellers for over a century, enjoying classic pub fare with a modern twist. Try a local craft beer on tap while soaking in vintage signage and retro décor. End the night with a leisurely stroll past illuminated heritage buildings.

Depart early for the iconic Great Ocean Road, hugging the rugged coastline as the sun rises. Stop at the Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet to climb the spiral staircase and enjoy sweeping ocean vistas. Fresh sea breezes and crashing waves invigorate your senses.

Continue to the Twelve Apostles viewing platform, marveling at the limestone stacks rising from turbulent waters. Descend the Gibson Steps for a beachfront perspective and feel the salty spray on your face. Refuel with fish and chips at a cliff-top café overlooking Loch Ard Gorge.

Return inland as dusk falls, stopping at a seaside town for dinner with panoramic ocean views. Sample freshly caught seafood while waves gently lap the shore. Head back to Colac under a starry sky, reflecting on the day’s dramatic coastal scenery.

Drive out to a working sheep farm on the Colac Farm Gate Trail and join a demonstration of sheep shearing. Feel the soft fleece as it’s carefully removed and learn about wool processing from a fifth-generation farmer. Sip on hot tea in the shearing sheds as the morning chill lingers.

Visit a nearby wildlife sanctuary to hand-feed kangaroos and observe koalas dozing in the eucalypts. Wander along boardwalks that meander through wetlands alive with waterbirds. Capture photos of emus grazing and brightly coloured parrots flitting overhead.

Return to the farm for a classic Aussie barbecue under a vaulted open-air shelter. Share stories around long communal tables, sampling locally raised lamb and seasonal salads. As night deepens, gather around the fire pit to toast marshmallows and stargaze.

Start with a hearty breakfast at a Colac bakery known for its sourdough and artisan pastries. Let the aroma of freshly roasted coffee and warm bread set the tone for the day. Chat with bakers about their craft and pick up loaves to enjoy later.

Embark on a self-driven tour of local dairies and cheesemakers, sampling award-winning cheddars and creamy bries. Drop in at a boutique distillery for a guided tasting of handcrafted gin and vodka. Between stops, nibble on seasonal fruit at roadside stalls and meet passionate producers.

Join an intimate cooking class at a farmhouse kitchen, learning to transform local ingredients into a gourmet meal. Sip regional wines as you chop, sauté, and craft your dinner under the chef’s guidance. Conclude with a farm-to-table feast at candlelit tables surrounded by rustic laneway views.

Stock up on supplies at Colac’s outdoor outfitter before heading to Lake Elizabeth. Pitch your tent next to tranquil waters fringed by tall eucalypts. Breathe in the earthy scent of damp soil and native undergrowth.

Spend the afternoon kayaking across the glassy lake, skirting around lily pads and listening to frogs croaking in hidden coves. Pause on a sandy bank for a picnic lunch, watching dragonflies dart above the water. Explore short walking tracks that lead through wildflower meadows.

Light a campfire as the sky deepens to indigo and roast dinner in a cast-iron pot over glowing embers. Share jokes and stories while embers flicker and the Milky Way emerges overhead. Drift off to sleep lulled by the distant hoot of owls and rustling gum leaves.

Cruise along bucolic country lanes toward the Crossley Valley wine region, windows down to catch the fresh vineyard air. Stop at a hilltop lookout for panoramic views of rolling vines and distant ranges. Arrive at your first cellar door as vines glisten with morning dew.

Sample cool-climate wines including sparkling pinot noir and crisp chardonnay at Boutique Ridge Winery. Mingle with the winemaker over a shared cheese platter made from local dairies. Continue to a second estate for a guided vineyard tour and artisan olive oil tasting.

Park at a ridge overlooking the valley to enjoy a gourmet picnic dinner as the sun dips below the hills. Let the sky’s changing colours enhance the flavours of regional bread, cheeses, and charcuterie. Return to Colac by twilight, nourished by good food and scenic splendour.

Browse the Colac Regional Art Gallery’s striking exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works. Engage with interactive installations and local artists’ statements. Pause in the gallery café to reflect on emerging talent.

Join a hands-on workshop at the Red Rock Amphitheatre arts precinct, experimenting with clay or printmaking under an artist’s guidance. Wander through open studios to watch painters, potters, and textile artists at work. Pick up a unique handmade souvenir from the onsite gallery shop.

Attend a live performance at the Red Rock Regional Theatre, whether it’s a community play, live music, or dance showcase. Take in the intimate atmosphere as performers bring local stories to life on stage. Cap off the night at a nearby wine bar, discussing your favorite acts over expertly mixed cocktails.

Rise early for a lakeside yoga session on the Colac Foreshore, guided by the soft lapping of water. Feel your breath synchronize with nature as the sun warms the horizon. Conclude with a meditative paddleboard glide across the serene lake surface.

Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment at a Colac wellness centre, choosing from massages, facials, or thermal baths. Relax in eucalyptus-scented steam rooms and soak in heated plunge pools. Enjoy herbal tea and fresh fruit in the relaxation lounge afterward.

Celebrate your final night with a fine dining experience at a Colac restaurant renowned for its seasonal degustation menu. Savor each dish paired with local wines while reflecting on your ten-day adventure. End the evening with a leisurely lakeside walk under twinkling stars, cherishing the memories you’ve made.