What Can I Do, Colac, Geelong and The Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

What can't you do? That would be a shorter list. There are attractions, activities, events and features throughout the region to suit all ages and interest groups. From theme parks for children to adventure sports for adrenaline junkies. From gourmet food and wine experiences to bushwalking through campsites. From a simple dip in the ocean to a luxurious spa retreat. There really is something for everyone.

Things to See & Do

Touring Routes & Tour Operators

Near Colac

Auswalk Walking Holidays

Come and experience the real Australia on foot with Auswalk Walking Holidays. Do not watch it pass you by from the windows of a vehicle, get out there and be a part of it! Auswalk Walking Holidays offer guided groups of like-minded people day hikes in fabulous national parks. There are two guides looking after each group, so you will have a choice of easier or harder walks each day. At night stay in comfortable accommodations and enjoy good food and wine. They also have self-guided walks through superb National Parks from one accommodation to the next. Walk with your own group of two or more people and start any day of the year. They can support you along the way with luggage transfers, marked maps and detailed walk notes. Auswalk Walking Holidays can customise a trip for you, your club, group of friends or family. Victorian destinations include the Grampians as it is the best place they know of to see native animals in the wild. There's a rich indigenous history as well as challenging hiking to magnificent rocky peaks. Another great destination is Great Alpine Walk, traverse Victoria's high country, staying overnight in secluded alpine villages. Great Ocean Walk is a long time favourite, this iconic track hugs the southern ocean in parts and ventures inland into the mighty forests of the Otway Ranges. You will see kangaroos while on the track. Great South West Walk is a perfect choice for those who enjoy walking long distances on easy terrain. Highlights include the Glenelg River Gorge and the Three Capes section. Other destinations around the country include the Flinders Ranges, Snowy Mountains and many other beautiful national parks around Australia. Please enquire with Auswalk Walking Holidays for more information.

Torquay

The Surf Coast Walk

Whether you're a nature lover or a fun lover, whether you take an hour, a day or a week, the Surf Coast Walk puts a stunning and unique coastal environment within easy reach. - Offering natural beauty and easy access - A world-class walking destination for all to enjoy - On the edge of the stunning Great Ocean Road - Do a section or do it all; at your own pace - More than a walk, over half the track is suitable for bikes Relish the rich ochre of the Bells Beach cliffs, the deep blue of Bass Strait and the leafy green of eucalypt forects. Discover traditional Wathaurung country, fascinating surf culture and abundant wildlife as the walk connects you with the coastal town comforts of Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.

Geelong

More Than A Tour

More than Tour offer their local knowledge will give you the very best opportunity of seeing a range of beautiful native animals in their natural environment. Shorts walks to the scenic attractions, lookouts, beaches and rain forests will be on well-defined tracks and board walks and requires a moderate level of fitness. Their guides will accompany you on all walks and your safety is their priority. Being a boutique tour company they will confirm your pick up point, departure and return times prior to departure. More Than A Tour also offers a Door to Door Service. More Than A Tour can tailor make tours to satisfy your groups desires, including: •Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island two day tours •Great Ocean Road and Grampians two day tours •Tailor made tours also available.

Apollo Bay

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk, on Victoria's spectacular west coast, stretches 104km from the idyllic resort town of Apollo Bay, to within sight of the magnificent 12 Apostles. Weave through beautiful National Parks, walk deserted beaches and gaze over pristine marine sanctuaries. Step on and off the trail with convenience; enjoy comfortable accommodation and excellent local meals or pitch your tent at wildly picturesque spots along the way. You can walk at your own pace and within your own timeframe along the Great Ocean Walk. Short walks of up to 3 hours long are available and take in old shipwrecks, historic lighthouses and lookouts. Or, take a full-day walk and experience breathtaking ocean views, stunning waterfalls, lush forest, and more natural wonders. The full walk from Apollo Bay to Glenample, within sight of the 12 Apostles, is an 8 day, 7 night walk. There are hike in campsites along the way, or for a more luxurious approach stay in quality accommodation properties nearby and have licensed tour operators shuttle you and your belongings back and forth each day.

Food & Wine

Colac

Oddfellows Restaurant

Oddfellows Restaurant delivers contemporary dining, luxe country charm and exceptional hospitality in the majestic Colac IOOF Grand Hall of 1870. The team at Oddfellows Restaurant successfully explores a modern fusion of Australian cuisine. A focus on utilising the best of local produce allows a constant evolution of premium ingredients to grace the menu to allow you to enjoy the best of the region. A considered wine list compiled showcases many of the best local, regional, national and international vineyards, and is coupled with a boutique beer range. A true diamond in the rough, Oddfellows offers a dining experience unique to the area, dynamic enough to rival its big city cousins.

Colac

The Colac Botanic Café

Welcome to the iconic Botanic Café on the Lake opened since 1997. Whether it's a relaxed drink or coffee with friends on the deck, or a delicious lunch - the Botanic Café on the Lake is the perfect venue. Whatever time of the year the café creates the right atmosphere with its sunny deck in summer or the cosy setting inside in winter. Come and find out why the Colac Botanic Cafe has become famous as the place to go for quality food. Serving great red star coffee as well as refreshing wine and beers which are sure to satisfy every taste. In addition facilities for functions for 10-200 people can be provided for. They are open seven days a week from 10.00am and evenings by appointment. Offering a unique dining experience in a relaxed and friendly environment surrounded by the picturesque botanic gardens. All menus are created seasonally to take advantage of locally produced foods. The Botanic Cafe caters for vegetarians and those with food intolerances. There are numerous options to choose from and most meals are available Gluten Free on request.

Colac

Yeowarra Hill

From the beginning Yeowarra Hill have endeavoured to produce quality wines by taking advantage of the verdant ground and fertile soil that gives the area a rich agricultural history. There wines are produced from fruit grown solely in their vineyard, pruned to achieve excellent quality fruit in low yields. The hand-picked crop is made in small quantities in an attempt to reflect the elegant complexities and varietal character of the cool climate of the region. The quality fruit is further enhanced by the expertise of winemaker Lee Evans, Kurabana Estate. The dedication to excellence in the vineyard and meticulous care and attention produced immediate results with their first vintage (2006) Chardonnay being awarded a medal at the 2007 Geelong Wine Show. With the 2007 Chardonnay backing up with a medal in the following year. The James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 'highly recommended' the chardonnay saying it had great quality style and character, worthy of a place in any cellar.

Geelong

Geelong Wine Region

Whether it is the distinctive maritime flavours of The Bellarine, the ancient richness of the Moorabool Valley Wine Region or the rugged, exposed coastline of the Surf Coast, the Geelong Wine Region is united by boutique, family owned winegrowers producing premium quality hand crafted wines. With each sub region and winery displaying their own unique characteristics, visitors are invited to explore the diversity of the Geelong Wine Region's stunning scenery, touring routes and restaurants whilst sampling some of Victoria's finest cellar door experiences. Geelong's family owned boutique operators maximise their wine's potential by hand pruning, hand picking and hand crafting their wines allowing regional characters to develop. Areas within the region have varying microclimates influencing the depth of colour, bouquet and flavour of the wines. The Bellarine has a maritime climate with bay breeezes and spectacular views, whilst the hills and valleys of the Moorabool Valley – Anakie areas have a warm, continental style climate. The renowned Surf Coast is famous for its long summer days and cooling ocean breezes. James Halliday in his Wine Atlas of Australia and New Zealand wrote: "If there is a unifying feature in all of the Geelong wines, it is their strength and depth of colour, bouquet and flavour." Not only does the Geelong wine region produce some of Australia's best wines, but the wineries are surrounded by some of Victoria's best scenery and touring opportunities. The Geelong Wine Region. Fine wines – from our hands to yours. For a map of the winery region visit: http://www.winegeelong.com.au/wine_region/map

Near Gellibrand

Otway Estate Winery and Brewery

Otway Estate Winery and Brewery occupies a forest clearing in the northern foothills of the lovely Otway range. Initially a winery, the mainstay of the business is now the hand-crafted Prickly Moses beer and Forbidden Fruit Cider manufactured on-site. Any beer connoisseur knows you need good water to make good beer. Their beers are produced using pure Otway rainwater, so not only are they good beers, they are sensational beers. Offering an excellent conference and function facility, Otway Estate Winery and Brewery is open for functions, special events, conferences, weddings and group bookings only. They also offer boutique spa cottage accommodation for visitors to the region. The previously operated cellar door and cafe-restaurant is no longer open. They still run an annual Oktoberfest event, offering authentic food, music and of course great beer. Otway Estate Winery and Brewery offers luxury adult accommodation set amongst the bush with views over the vines. Luxurious spa baths and complete privacy, the cottages really do offer a unique getaway and enable guests to experience the peace and tranquillity of the bush.

Beech Forest

The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café

The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café takes a simple approach to life & food. They keep in touch with local organic farmers and when produce is at its finest their chefs create beautiful, rustic food enticing the natural flavours to sing. The breakfast, lunch and take-away menus change with the season and the produce available from local organic and biodynamic farmers. The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café make sensational chutneys, jams and gourmet goodies to help you prolong the taste of the Otways after you've reached home.

Family Activities

Colac

Colac Botanic Gardens

On the Lake Colac foreshore, the Botanic Gardens were redesigned by William Guilfoyle in 1910. The slope facing the lake was terraced to provide viewing for events such as rowing regattas, while the original caretakers cottage now houses a café and gallery. This is only one of two drive-through botanic gardens in Victoria.

Near Colac

Volcanic Plains Tour

The land North of Colac has an explosive past, the area once brimming with volcanic acitivity. Early settlers in the area used the volcanic stones cleared from the fields to build the dry stone walls that are a charming feature of the region. Through Beeac and Alvie, follow the road signs to the Red Rock viewing platform to see the vast volcanic plains, dormant craters and crater lakes of the Kanawinka Wold listed Geopark. Head back to Colac to explore the botanic gardens or heritage trail.

Colac

Red Rock

The Red Rock lookout, 12 km from Colac, is one of Australia’s youngest volcanoes. Forty separate eruption points have been found, and many of the craters are now full of water. The area is the third largest volcanic plain in the world and estimated to be 8,000 years old. The volcanic complex consists of overlapping maars, scoria cones and small lava flows. From the lookout, the magnificent 30 degree views include the topography of the volcanic plain and the 25,000 hectare Lake Corangamite.

Cape Otway

Cape Otway Lightstation

Climb to the top of mainland Australia's oldest lighthouse, Cape Otway Lightstation, 90 metres above the wild Southern Ocean, and see why many tragic shipwrecks occurred on this isolated and rugged coastline. Immerse yourself in history with one of Australia's most important and recognisable lighthouses at your doorstep. Spectacular scenery, lighthouse tours, wildlife (koalas, wallabies and whales), rainforests, waterfalls and awesome sunsets will be highlights of your stay. Cape Otway is an excellent location to base yourself, being central to Great Ocean Road and Great Otway National Park activities and walks. Groups of up to 16 people can be accommodated in the heritage Head Lighthouse Keeper's cottage with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, open fires and fully self contained kitchen and laundry facilities. Two night minimum stays. The cottage is a wonderful retreat for families, walking groups or as a unique venue for get-togethers with friends. The Manager's House is a fully self-contained, newly renovated property providing all the comforts of home, comfortably accommodating up to 15 guests. A great location for a house party, or place to relax after walking in the Otways, the Manager's House is filled with natural light. Both properties have bed and breakfast options for smaller groups or couples. The Lightstation also has a delightful café on site which is open daily. Relax over a great coffee and homemade scones, soaking up the views. The café is located in the original Assistant Lighthouse Keeper's cottage, right in front of the lighthouse. Discover the coast on a 4WD Lightkeeper's Shipwreck Discovery Tour, which runs daily and with special offers for accommodation guests. Walk in the footsteps of lightkeepers and pioneers along the Great Ocean Walk with experienced and knowledgeable local guides. Opera in the Otways - Saturday November 17, 2012 - see website for details.

Near Beech Forest

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures - One Location two adventures. Located in Victoria's magnificent Otways providing visitors with a unique opportunity to view the forest from a bird's eye view through its two unique eco-adventure experiences, the famous Tree Top walk and Zip Line tour. The Tree Top Walk - the longest and tallest elevated walk of its kind in the world. At 600 metres long and 30 metres above ground level. A 45 metre high lookout is ascended via a spiral stairway through the under story to emerge amongst the crowns of the giants of the forest, whilst the springboard cantilever bounces precariously high over picturesque Young's Creek. The walk is a 1.9 kilometres round walk starting from the visitor centre and takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour to complete. The walk is full of quality interpretive panels educating our visitor on the forest and surrounds on display. For the thrill seeker Zip lining is the perfect adrenaline fuelled activity where you can Zip across the treetops in this unique forest experience, gaining a bird's-eye view of Otways beautiful forests. The Zip Line tour involves traversing from one platform to another connected by tree platforms called 'cloud stations', and attached so steel cable suspended up to 30 metres above the forest floor. This exciting adventure lasts 3 hours and is unlike any other experience, we recommend pre booking the Zip Line Tour via the Otway Fly Tree Top Adventures website. The visitor centre is home to a licensed cafe which seats up to 100 people. The car-park also provides for Campervans, Caravans and Coaches. Group bookings can be made and need to be booked in advance, guided tours and catering are available for these bookings.

Museums, History and Heritage

Colac

Colac Heritage Walk

The Colac Heritage Walk takes in the architecture and history of many buildings around town including churches and the railway station. Further information and maps are available at the local visitor information centre.

Markets & Shopping

Colac

Colac Shopping

As the largest regional centre in the Otways district, Colac has a lively retail scene. Shops range the spectrum from small boutique giftwares, antiques and collectables through to major national brands and department stores. Most of the shopping areas are on the main street in town, Murray Street (Princes Highway).

Near Colac

Pombo Mart

Antique, Gift Centre and Cafe located in the iconic, historic sheds on the Princes Highway between Camperdown and Colac have been renovated to provide 1,000 square metres of Antiques, Art, Collectibles, China, Memorabilia, Old Wares, Furniture, Records and much more representing 10 individual dealers. A delightful cafe provides refreshment for visitors taking a rest from aisles and aisles of rare treasures, antiques and collectibles. Enjoy hot soup, fresh cakes, slices, light lunches and quality coffee while taking a break from browsing or considering that special purchase. Pombo-Mart really has something for everybody, from young couples shopping for a special piece for a new home, for mums, dads, kids and plenty of nostalgia and antiques to impress the young at heart. Shops within shops; Sharlene Cottage offers a large range of home wares and gifts for all occasions reasonable prices.

Outdoor Activities

Near Forrest

Planet Mud Outdoor Adventures

Planet Mud Outdoor Adventures are proud to be Victoria's first Paintball, Globeriding and Segway® Adventure Centre offering you a range of exhilarating activities to enjoy. Whichever one you choose, Planet mud outdoor adventures provide a high quality outdoor experience with the friendliest highly trained staff and the promise of a quality and fun experience to remember. For a great Day out in the Otways, the location is set on 53 acres of beautiful bush and just 40 minutes from Lorne, 1hr from Geelong, 30 mins from Apollo Bay, 45 mins from Warrnambool and 15 mins from Colac. They have different scenario paintball games as well as their fabulously popular Tournament style field - grab some mates, bucks / hens show coming up, or a corporate event - they can arrange it all for you. The Segway Nature Trails give you an hours experience with a Segway Off-road X2. It's easy, it's fun and it's an exhilarating new experience when you ride an all-terrain Segway® X2 on our cross country Nature course. A hugely popular activity for everyone aged 10 or over. You get a sense of power and speed, yet you also feel a sense of safety and absolute control. It all feels natural, safe, and instinctive. Globeride in three metre inflatable transparent ball. Zorbing is classed as an extreme sport, but safety is our priority and focus so all you need to worry about is buckling up and enjoying the ride. Planet Mud Outdoor Adventure Vouchers make great gifts and can be purchased all year round and used towards any of the activities that we offer. Booking is essential for all activities so call now to book

Extravaganza Geelong

Geelong

Kid's Patch

Of course, no event is complete without something to entertain the kids... From veggie garden games to cake decorating and bee hive education, this is a great opportunity for your kids to learn more about food, its source and how we prepare it. Watch this space for more information!

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

Welcome to goTravlr, your passport to great deals in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road.

Whitecrest Winter Indulgence Package

A special romantic experience.

Golf Getaway on the Bellarine

$225 per person twin share.

Otway Fly - Friday Fly Day

Friday Fly Day - activate your winter!

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Package for two from $350.00.

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

From $411 for a three night stay.

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

A unique musical experience! Toe tapping entertainment, a cool drink and a good laugh. Rock your stay in Queenscliff with Blues Train tickets and award winning accommodation at BIG4 Beacon Resort.

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Relax at stunning Barwon Heads Friday and Saturday night in a cosy 4.5 star one bedroom spa suite.

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

$240 per couple per night

Colac

Stay Connected

What Can I Do

Things to See & Do

Food & Wine

Oddfellows Restaurant

The Colac Botanic Café

Yeowarra Hill

Geelong Wine Region

Otway Estate Winery and Brewery

The Ridge Organic Food Store & Café

Family Activities

Colac Botanic Gardens

Volcanic Plains Tour

Red Rock

Cape Otway Lightstation

Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

Museums, History and Heritage

Colac Heritage Walk

Markets & Shopping

Colac Shopping

Pombo Mart

Outdoor Activities

Planet Mud Outdoor Adventures

Extravaganza Geelong

Kid's Patch

Where Can I Stay?

What Can I Do?

Where Can I Eat & Drink?

What's On?

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

Whitecrest Winter Indulgence Package

Golf Getaway on the Bellarine

Otway Fly - Friday Fly Day

Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas Winter Warmer Getaway Package

Stay & Save at Cumberland Lorne Resort

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape