Colac Botanic Gardens

The Colac Botanic Gardens, designed by Wiliam Guilfoyle (Melbourne Botanic gardens), occupy about 16 hectares in an elevated position along the southern banks of Lake Colac. A 1.1 kilometre carriageway circumnavigates the gardens, providing access to cars, runners, walkers and cyclists. Mature oak trees planted along the perimeter provide shade and weather protection to visitors. A series of walking paths weaves through the gardens, showcasing feature garden beds and trees, places to sit, open lawn areas and beautiful vistas across the lake. At the eastern end of the gardens, a children’s playground and barbecue area provides a fantastic place for family time. The former curator’s cottage (c.1924) at the western end of the gardens has been converted into the popular Botanic Café. On the centre northern fringe of the Gardens a viewing platform provides a place to rest and enjoy the view across the lake towards Warrion Hills, while a set of steps down the steep escarpment provides easy access to the Lake Colac foreshore. Public toilets are located on the lake foreshore. Gates enabling vehicle access to the gardens are open from 10:00am to 4:00pm daily. Dogs on leads are welcome in the Gardens. Doggy disposal bags are provided at the western and middle gates.