Colac offers several distinct focal points for a stay: Lake Colac and its lakeside leisure activities, the Colac Botanic Gardens, and the Old Beechy Rail Trail. The options range from activities on the water to a botanically and historically significant garden and a longer walking or cycling route. Which of these aspects of Colac interests you most can help guide your plans.
Lake Colac and the Botanic Gardens
At 2,778 hectares, Lake Colac is the largest natural freshwater lake in Victoria. Its circumference is 33 kilometres. The lake is a popular place for fishing, water sports and other recreational activities along the shore. The figures for its area and circumference convey the size of the lake; when planning your stay, it is also important to consider which facilities are located along the shore.
At the eastern end of the shore, below the Botanic Gardens, there are car parks, barbecue facilities, picnic tables, a playground and public toilets. These facilities are grouped together in this part of Lake Colac. When spending time at the lake, you can distinguish water-based activities such as water sports and fishing from a break at the picnic and barbecue areas.
The Colac Botanic Gardens cover about 16 hectares and sit elevated above the southern shore of Lake Colac. They are of historic, aesthetic and scientific significance in Victoria, particularly in the field of botany. The lake and gardens thus offer different perspectives on Colac’s landscape: the lake is a large natural body of water with recreational uses, while the gardens add a distinct botanical and historical focal point.
The Old Beechy Rail Trail
The Old Beechy Rail Trail is a 50-kilometre walking and cycling route between Colac and Ferguson. It is suitable for walking and cycling, including mountain biking, and access is free. As access information can change, check before setting out. The trail’s length sets it apart from individual activities along the lakeshore and makes it a separate factor in planning your trip.
The trail largely follows the original route of the narrow-gauge railway known as “The Beechy”, which operated from 1902 to 1962. This railway connection gives today’s walking and cycling trail a historical dimension: the route links the former narrow-gauge railway with its present-day use for walking and cycling. Those interested in railway history will find a different way to experience Colac here than by visiting the gardens or the lake.
Remembrance, a play area and events
Colac Memorial Square is dedicated to those who served in the First World War and features a striking stone memorial. It also has a custom-designed play area for several age groups. Remembrance and play are two distinct aspects of the same square: the memorial makes its dedication visible, while the play area provides another amenity.
COPACC is a large event and business centre in Colac. It offers spaces for occasions including conferences, workshops, community consultations, gala dinners and trade fairs. This adds a venue for events—both business-related and special occasions—to Colac’s nature- and history-focused attractions.
Plan around opening hours
The Colac History Centre is open to visitors on Thursdays and Fridays from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, and on Sundays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. As opening hours can change, check them before travelling. This lets you fit a visit to the History Centre into your day’s plans, rather than scheduling it without regard to the stated hours.
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