In & Around Colac

Twelve Apostles & Port Campbell

The world-famous limestone stacks of the Shipwreck Coast. About an hour's drive west via Apollo Bay or through the Otways — pair with Loch Ard Gorge, the Gibson Steps, and the Bay of Islands.

Distance/drive time: ~85 km / ~70 min drive

Best time to visit: Year-round; sunset is magnificent

Otway Fly Tree Top Walk

A 600-metre steel walkway 25 metres up in the rainforest canopy — kids love the optional 47-metre cantilever and the zipline tour. About 45 minutes south of Colac.

Distance/drive time: ~50 km / ~50 min drive

Best time to visit: Year-round; lush and atmospheric after rain

Lorne & Apollo Bay

Two of the Great Ocean Road's headline beach towns — Lorne for the surf and the Erskine Falls walk, Apollo Bay for the harbour, the Great Ocean Walk, and the Apollo Bay Music Festival in March.

Distance/drive time: ~75 km / ~75 min drive (Lorne) and ~80 km / ~80 min drive (Apollo Bay)

Best time to visit: Year-round; busiest summer holidays

Lake Elizabeth
(Great Otway National Park)

An eerily beautiful drowned forest with a chance of spotting a platypus at dawn and dusk. Quiet, atmospheric — and a stunning short walk.

Distance/drive time: ~45 km / ~50 min drive

Best time to visit: Year-round; early morning is best for platypus

Red Rock & Lake Corangamite

Local volcanic-crater lookout with sweeping views over Lake Corangamite — Australia's largest natural permanent saltwater lake. A short, easy drive from town.

Distance/drive time: ~30 km / ~30 min drive

Best time to visit: Year-round; beautiful at sunset

Otway Estate Winery & Brewery

A boutique winery and brewery in the rolling country east of Colac — wines, beers, and a relaxed lunch under the gum trees. A great half-day from the Lodge.

Distance/drive time: ~25 km / ~25 min drive

Best time to visit: Year-round; check seasonal hours

Lake Colac

The largest natural freshwater lake in Victoria. Boating facilities & fishing, walking tracks, walking distance away from the property.

Distance/drive time: Walking distance

Best time to visit: Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May)

Botanical Gardens

Cover approximately 16 hectares in a raised location along the southern shores of Lake Colac.

Distance/drive time: ~2 km / ~5 min walk

Best time to visit: Spring (September–November) or autumn (March–May)

Bird Sanctuary 

Encompasses 5.5 hectares of wetland area and is situated at the lake end of Church Street in Colac.

Distance/drive time: ~1 km / ~3 min drive

Best time to visit: Summer (December to February)

Meredith Park

Covers 6 hectares of the Lake Colac shoreline, situated 12 kilometres north of Colac, with free camping, picnic spots and fireplaces.

Distance/drive time: ~12 km / ~15 min drive

Best time to visit: Autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November)