Dining in Colac? Try Bella Hope Coffee. They offer great coffee and treats in a relaxing and friendly environment!

Address: 47 Gellbrand Street, Colac Victoria
Phone: 0480 270 595

Mango Thai Restaurant

At Mango Thai Restaurant – Colac we offer meals of excellent quality and invite you to try our delicious food.

The key to our success is simple: providing quality consistent food that taste great every single time. We pride ourselves on serving our customers delicious genuine dishes like: Thai

Eat delicious food. Grab a drink. But most of all, relax!

Address: 23/25 Murray St, Colac Victoria
Phone: (03) 5232 1013

Fusion Restaurant

Modern Australian Cuisine, specialising in local & homegrown produce.

We stopped here for breakfast on our way back to Melbourne airport, and we were not disappointed! The menu was extensive and varied. It was difficult choosing what to have. The service was excellent. It was very reasonably priced. The portion size was huge. I had the halloumi and avocado which was delicious.
I cannot recommend this more highly.

TripAdvisor

Lovely lunch with friends, was quite a delightful surprise. The food was amazing and so delicious. Well prepared and prompt service. Highly recommend, and the chef came to the table to share insights about the meal.

TripAdvisor

Address: 58 Murray Street, Colac Victoria
Phone: (03) 5232 2789

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Seeking attractions in Colac? Brunt’s Truck Museum is one of Australia’s most significant private truck collections. The Museum has over 40 restored trucks on display including International trucks & Brockway trucks.

Address: 42A Clark Street, Colac Victoria
Phone: 0419 351 185

Colac Botanic Gardens

A not-to-be-missed attraction in Colac is the Botanic Gardens. The Colac 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. Attractions in Colac don’t get much better than these gardens, so be sure to allow yourself enough time.

History of the Colac Botanic Gardens

Colac Botanic Gardens are of historical, aesthetic & scientific (botanical) significance to Victoria.  Two of Australia’s most influential and revered directors of botanic gardens had a hand in their design.

The Gardens were established in 1865, and in 1868 Daniel Bunce, Director of the Geelong Botanic Gardens, was appointed to lay out the gardens in a “proper & scientific manner”.  In 1910, outstanding botanist and landscape designer, William Guilfoyle was engaged to redesign the gardens.  Guilfoyle’s design retained the carriageway and highlighted the lake embankment as well as the vistas of the lake and hills through the trees. A copy of his design is on display in the Botanic Cafe.

The National Trust classified the gardens in 1990.

Where: Fyans Street, Colac Victoria

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Looking for accommodation in Colac? Would you like your accommodation to be in a perfect location, in the heart of the shopping strip, restaurants, cafes, the RSL and entertainment precinct, and only a short walk to Memorial Square?

The Colac Central Hotel Motel offers all of the above.

If you are looking for a place to rest your head, grab a cold beer or a great meal then the Colac Central Hotel Motel is the place to visit.

Our motel rooms are comfortable, clean and spacious rooms with private bathrooms, at affordable rates. ell equipped for your convenience. Rooms are equipped with:

• Queen beds and ensuite bathrooms,
• Reverse-cycle air conditioner
• Digital flat-screen television
• Free WIFI is available
• Tea & coffee making facilities
• Toaster, microwave and hairdryer
• Small dining table and chairs and lounge seating
• Large fluffy towels, 100% linen sheets, and electric blanket
• Rooms are serviced daily.

Our hotel is a traditional pub with cold beers, a good selection of wines, spirits and liqueurs. Pool tables, dart board and a jukebox to entertain.

CC’s Bistro serves great pub food catering for all tastes and dietary requirements. Check out our current menu.

To top it all off we have a great function room that can cater for any party, family gathering, business meeting or training seminar. State-of-the-art equipment including Bluetooth smart tv, and sound system.

Address: 10 Murray Street, Colac Victoria
Phone: (03) 5231 5777

Colac Mid-City Motel

Our centrally located Motel offers quality motel accommodation at a great price. Offering a range of room types from spa to family rooms we can cater for all your accommodation requirements.

Our staff are committed to being helpful and welcoming throughout your stay. We provide a friendly level of service that you would expect from a locally-owned motel.

If you are planning a group event we also offer a 40-seat conference room for your convenience. We even have a beautiful gardens for our guests to enjoy, creating a relaxing atmosphere for all who visit us.

At Colac Mid City Motor Inn, we offer 30 high-quality rooms. We are a friendly, welcoming Motel with a commitment to providing a relaxing, country atmosphere for all of our guests to enjoy.

We have a great selection of rooms that are perfect for any occasion. Spa Room, Double Rooms, Twin-share Rooms, Single Rooms and Family Rooms (sleeps 4 guests). We also have Economy Rooms for workers.

Ground Level Rooms have sliding glass doors opening onto a private garden area, with a private undercover seating area.

Address: 289 Murray Street, Colac Victoria
Phone:  (03) 52313333

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Colac in Victoria is situated between Geelong and Camperdown on a huge rich volcanic plain. The area is mainly used for agricultural and pastoral purposes, and is surrounded by many large lakes and volcanic craters.

Colac is blessed with fertile volcanic soil

The fertile volcanic soil has helped produce an agricultural, pastoral and dairying district. The area is noted for its onions, potatoes, cattle, pigs, sheep and milk products. Colac is located on the southern shore of Lake Colac, one of more than 50 lakes in the district. It’s an ideal place for bushwalks, pleasant walks through the impressive Botanic Gardens and along the shore of the lake. It is also an ideal destination for those wishing to explore the beauty of the Otway Ranges and their forests.

Colac Town Centre

Colac’s busy commercial centre is primarily based around Murray Street. It features a few buildings of historical significance including:

• The post office (built in 1876),
• The Shire Hall (1879), and
• The former Regent Theatre (1925).

Fronting Murray Street within the heart of Colac is Memorial Square. This block of parkland has been dedicated to those who served in the First World War. It features a striking stone memorial, fountain, rotunda, playground, BBQ facilities and expanses of lawn.

Beautiful Lake Colac

Colac fronts the southern shores of Lake Colac – the largest natural freshwater lake in Victoria. This lake is popular with swimmers and boating enthusiasts. It includes a number of foreshore walking trails, jetties and boat ramps. There is a bird reserve in the wetlands off The Esplanade which attracts a diverse range of bird life to the lake. Located on the lake foreshore is the Tachyglossus mosaic which was developed by local artists and the community. It represents local indigenous flora and fauna and symbols of the region.

The Colac Botanic Gardens are perched on an elevated 12 hectare allotment above the lake and were established in 1910. The gardens contain many historical trees, shady picnic areas, a playground and cafe. From the gardens, scenic views across Lake Colac can be enjoyed.

Attractions beyond Colac

A short drive north-west of Colac, via the villages of Cororooke and Coragulac, is the Red Rock Scenic Reserve. A couple of lookouts provide views over the Red Rock extinct volcano and Lake Corangamite – Victoria’s largest inland lake. There are also good views south-east across farming land towards Lake Colac.

Access to the Great Ocean Road, the Great Otway National Park and Cape Otway from Colac is via the road south to Lavers Hill.

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Looking for accommodation in Bright? Check out Westwood Lodge Apartments.

Westwood Lodge Apartments offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, whilst maintaining the highest standard of quality and comfort. 

When location is paramount, you will not be disappointed staying with us in our beautiful garden setting, alongside the peaceful Bakers Gully creek.

Just a short 150 metre stroll and you will find yourself amongst the diverse array of shops, cafes & restaurants that Bright is renowned for. And with the famous Murray to Mountains Rail Trail at our back door, a new adventure is never far away.

Our goal here is simple – we want every guest to leave us completely satisfied, relaxed and eager to return. We invite you to unpack your bags and make Westwood Apartments “your home away from home”.

Address: 8 Wood St, Bright, VIC
Phone: 03 5755 1465

Goldfield Holiday Units

Another great place for accommodation in Bright is Goldfield Holiday Units.

You can be confident that your stay at Goldfield Holiday Units will ensure that you have an enjoyable and comfortable stay in Bright.

We have been rated by the RACV in the top 10 High Country establishments in Victoria. We are one of only a few holiday apartments with direct frontage onto the beautiful Ovens River.

Goldfield Holiday Units have recently undergone remodelling and redecorating.

One of only three holiday rentals in Bright boasting direct access to the beautiful Ovens River, Goldfield Holiday Units has undergone meticulous remodelling and redecorating.

We offer families the comfort of spacious two bedroom apartments and couples the decadence of a private, one-bedroom apartment with spa. Each of our units has:

• A fully equipped kitchen,
• Plush leather sofas,
• Quality beds and linens,
• Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning,
• TV/DVD,
• iPod/iPad dock and
• Free Wi-Fi.

It is important to us that you feel completely welcome and at home whilst you are in our care. For that reason we have incorporated a range of extra little luxuries for you to enjoy with our compliments. It is our way of saying thank you for choosing Goldfield Holiday Units.

In addition to our spotlessly clean self-contained units, we pride ourselves on offering guests an environment that invites outdoor living with an intimate community feel.

We encourage use of our undercover BBQ and alfresco dining on the lawn beneath the shade of a heritage Oak tree overlooking the beautiful Ovens River.

Address: 55 Gavan Street Bright VIC
Phone: 03 5750 1295

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Dining in Bright is fun at the Beechworth Bakery.

Centrally located in the main shopping street in Bright, the bakery offers a fantastic range of:

• Cakes
• Bread and rolls
• Pies and pasties
• and all your other favourite bakery foods.

all served with a huge smile!

The bakery is open for breakfast, lunch, snacks & early dinner.

Plenty of seating is available, both inside and out.

Address: 5 IRELAND STREET, BRIGHT VICTORIA
Phone: 1300 233 784

Dr Mauve Bar and Lounge

Dining in Bright and love Asian Fusion?

Dr Mauve is a casual Bar and Lounge located in the heart of Bright, providing an Asian fusion ‘share or not to share’ eating concept as the focus of our offering.

We aim to bring young and not so together in a classy shared space, with intimate nooks to hide away and open spaces to be on display.

With 5 taps and a craft fridge alongside a unique cocktail list, we’re certain you’ll find something to love.

Booked with a group of friends. Very welcoming upon arrival, the food was fantastic and the cocktails were amazing. Service was prompt even though it was busy. Thank you Dr Mauve for a wonderful evening. I will be back each time I come to Bright.

Trip Advisor

Address: 100 Gavan St, Bright, Victoria
Phone: (03) 5755 1525

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One of the interesting attractions in Bright is the Historical Museum.

The museum covers railway history, gold mining history and also covers the social history of the area.

Bright was the centre of the Ovens River, Morses Creek and Buckland River gold fields. Alluvial, Dredging and Deep Lead mining were all carried out in this area.

A large number of Chinese miners worked in the above gold fields and the museum has a reconstructed Chinese Joss House and has a collection of artefacts from Chinese Miners.

The railways opened up the valley but roads and cars made the railway redundant. The old railway line is now a very popular Rail Trail.

Bright has been a popular tourist destination since the early part of the Twentieth century and displays of all these developments are part of the museum.

Address: 2 Railway Avenue, Bright VIC : +61 03 57551949
Phone: (03) 5755 1949

Tour of Duty

Take a tour in an ex-Australian Army Land Rover 6 x 6 all-terrain vehicle. This means you get to go to places you cannot normally access, and see sights you may otherwise miss!

It is the ultimate the way to see beautiful Bright and its surrounding wilderness. Whether you are looking for a sightseeing tour or you’re up for an off-road adventure to top them all, Tour of Duty Bright is your answer!

Touring the mountains, local producers and wineries has never been so much fun. Travel in the security of harnessed seats, heated front and rear cab, and parallel seating to soak up the views which is safe and fun for the whole family.

Get to hear about the history of the area as you travel and soak up the amazing sites.

Phone: 0499 228 663

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Bright in Victoria is an attractive holiday township situated on the scenic Great Alpine Road. It is between Porepunkah and Harrietville in the beautiful Ovens Valley.

The town is a popular tourist centre due to its close proximity to the mountain and ski resorts. Mount Buffalo, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek are all close by. Other natural attractions such as the Alpine National Park and Mount Buffalo National Park are also in close proximity.

The commercial centre of Bright extends from the Great Alpine Road to the war memorial tower located at the roundabout in front of the Alpine Hotel, and then south along the wide boulevard of Ireland Street. The towering mountains of the Victorian Alps provide a scenic backdrop in all directions from the town centre.

Bright’s attractive parks

A number of attractive parks and reserves are located within Bright. Howitt Park stretches along the Ovens River from Star Road to Morses Creek. Centenary Park continues along the Ovens River from the Morses Creek junction and out to Mountbatten Road. Both parks feature attractive picnic spots and grassy areas which extended right down to the river. There is a water slide and designated swimming area at the junction of the Ovens River and Morses Creek.

To fully appreciate Bright, several lookouts located within the surrounding mountains provide good views over the town and adjacent forests. The most accessible lookout is Huggins Lookout, accessed via Bakers Gully Road, around 5 kilometres from the town centre. Clear Spot Lookout, 12 kilometres out of town, provides limited views over the surrounding forests. The best views over the town itself are from the southerly oriented Apex Lookout, accessed via the Mount Porepunkah Road. There is a steep walking track up to the lookout from the main road. However you can drive up to the lookout via a narrow dirt driveway, but a 4 wheel drive is recommended.

Autumn in Bright

Bright is attractive during autumn when the blazing colours of its large variety of deciduous trees creates a spectacular display. This display is celebrated annually by the Bright Autumn Festival. Good spots to appreciate Bright’s vibrant autumn colours include along Delany Avenue. Here the burning red leaves of oak intermingle with the dark green of cedar trees. Cobden Street, near Ireland Street, is also very colourful in Autumn, as are Howitt Park and Centenary Park.

6 kilometres south of Bright is the historic village of Wandiligong with its National Trust classified streetscape.

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Dining in Porepunkah can be a great experience.

Just 6km from Bright on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, the Rail Trail cafe is a licensed cafe serving all day breakfast, toasted sandwiches & scrumptious home-made cakes & scones.

We use free-range eggs & superb fair-trade organic coffee. Other tasty options include local favourites such as the Big Beef’n’Bacon BBQ Cheeseburger, Breakfast Burrito or Chicken Quesadilla!

Plus Bike Racks, High Chairs & lots of smiles!

Address: 2 Service St, Porepunkah Victoria
Phone: 0428 359 884

The Punka Pub

Dining in Porepunkah doesn’t get much better than the Punka Pub!

The menu at this iconic pub offers the very best Pub favourites and includes a range of seasonal dishes utilising fresh ingredients from the region and beyond. From our famous Parma to our Punka burger and some seasonal favourites we hope to tantalize every taste bud.

The wine list showcases offerings from local growers from our 3740 postcode and our beer menu provides an exciting new platform for a variety of craft beers and old favourites: local where possible, and Victorian predominantly, with a splash of interest from some innovative brewers in our neighbouring states thrown in for good measure.

Address: 13 Nicholson Street, Porepunkah Victoria
Phone: (03) 5756 2111

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