Colac

Colac is a city located in the Western District of Victoria, Australia, approximately 150 kilometres (93 miles) south-west of the state capital, Melbourne. It serves as the administrative centre for the Colac Otway Shire. The city is situated on the shores of Lake Colac, a significant inland lake that is a prominent feature of the local landscape.

Historically, the Colac region was inhabited by the Gadubanud people, an Indigenous Australian group. European settlement began in the mid-19th century, with the town developing around pastoral and agricultural industries. The arrival of the railway in the late 19th century further spurred its growth and connected it to larger economic centres. Colac's economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly dairy farming, sheep grazing, and the cultivation of crops like potatoes and canola. More recently, tourism has become an increasingly important sector, drawing visitors to the Great Ocean Road and the surrounding natural attractions.

Key landmarks in and around Colac include the Botanic Gardens, established in 1870, and the Otway National Park, which is easily accessible from the city. The city itself features a central business district with retail and service facilities, as well as residential areas. Colac is a regional hub for education, healthcare, and sporting facilities, catering to both its local population and surrounding rural communities. The annual Colac Show is a notable event in the local calendar, celebrating agricultural heritage and community life.