Colac

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Colac

Colac

4.9
4.0/5
3 reviews
Starting from Melbourne to visit the Great Ocean Road, if you do not want to go back the same way, you can choose to return along the A1 highway inland, and the A1 highway from Warrnambool to Geelong will pass through Clark. There are few tourists in this town. To the north of the town is the large Lake Colac (Lake Colac). The locals are accustomed to walking, jogging and cycling by the lake.Colac · 140m from downtown
Twelve Apostles
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Victoria

Twelve Apostles

7.5
4.6/5
666 reviews
Twelve Apostles stand in Australia inthe Great Ocean Road-adjacent Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria), and are the product of the Southern Ocean's waves and strong winds eroding limestone cliffs over tens of millions of years. Seawater carved caves into the cliff face, the caves widened into arches, and when the arches collapsed, they formed isolated stacks that broke away from the coast, some reaching approx. 45 m in height. These stacks were named Twelve Apostles in the 1950s—although only nine remained at the time. The name comes from Jesus' twelve apostles in the Bible, but there were never actually twelve stacks. The waves erode the limestone at approx. 2 cm per year. Stacks collapsed under wave erosion in 2005 and 2009, and this geological process is ongoing. Wooden boardwalk viewing platforms run along the cliff, allowing visitors to walk out and overlook the stacks and the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. At sunset, the setting sun turns the stacks golden, making it one of the classic scenes along theGreat Ocean Road.Princetown · 55.3km from Colac
Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria)
No. 3 of Spring Outings in Australia

Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria)

7.5
4.0/5
95 reviews
Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria) is at the heart of the Shipwreck Coast. The park is named after Captain Alexander Campbell, who was active in this area in the 19th century. Steep limestone cliffs stretch along the coastline, where waves and wind have continuously eroded the soft rock layers for millions of years, leaving behind dense and spectacular coastal landforms such as sea stacks, arches, gorges, and sea caves. Twelve Apostles is the park's iconic landmark—a group of limestone stacks rising from the sea, displaying layered colors of golden yellow and gray-white under the sunrise and sunset. Not far away, Loch Ard Gorge is named after the 1878 shipwreck of the "Loch Ard," with towering gorge walls enclosing a hidden beach. To the west,London Archwas originally a double-arched stone bridge connected to the land, but later became an arch standing independently in the sea after the inner arch collapsed. Gibson Steps allow you to descend from the top of the cliff to the beach to admire the scale of the rock stacks from up close. The Grotto is a sea cave at the western end of the park; after the cave roof collapsed, it formed a natural skylight, with sunlight spilling into the water inside the cave.Princetown · 55km from Colac
Carlton Gardens
No. 4 of Spring Outings in Australia

Carlton Gardens

8.3
4.1/5
75 reviews
Carlton Gardens covers an area of approx. 26 hectares and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, together with the Royal Exhibition Building located within the gardens. The garden maintains a Victorian-style landscape, with open lawns and avenues lined with plane trees complementing each other. Multiple tree-lined paths connect historical buildings with leisure areas. The garden features 3 fountains, among which the one designed by sculptor Joseph Hochgertel for the 1880 exhibition is particularly striking, and 2 decorative small lakes are located in the southern part. The garden is planted with various trees, including English oaks, elms, London plane trees, and Moreton Bay figs, offering different scenery throughout the seasons. The Melbourne Museum on the north side forms a sharp contrast with the classical garden through its modern architectural language, and the same area also features a children's playground inspired by the Victorian maze. The garden is perfect for a stroll; people can walk along the tree-lined paths or rest on the lawns to experience urban garden life in Melbourne.Australia · Carlton
Phillip Island
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Phillip Island

7.5
4.7/5
502 reviews
Phillip Island, also known as Penguin Island, is located at the entrance of Western Port Bay in southern Victoria, Australia. It is a true wildlife paradise where you can see koalas, kangaroos, penguins, seals, and many other wild animals. △ The Penguin Parade is one of the most popular attractions on Phillip Island. Here, you can hear the "huffing" sounds of the penguins up close and watch the little penguins waddle from the sea back to their burrows on land. △ Panny's Chocolate Factory is a fun and delicious attraction on Phillip Island, perfect for a family visit. You can watch the chocolate-making process and purchase them as souvenirs. △ Phillip Island Wildlife Park is home to many native species, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, and various birds. Visitors can observe these animals up close, feed kangaroos, and take photos with koalas.Australia · Ventnor
National Gallery of Victoria
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Melbourne

National Gallery of Victoria

7.2
4.8/5
261 reviews
The National Gallery of Victoria is a historic and highly acclaimed public art museum in Australia, located in the heart of Melbourne and a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. Comprising the International and Australian galleries, it showcases artworks from around the world and local creations. The gallery houses over 70,000 pieces, spanning paintings, sculptures, photography, fashion, and decorative arts. Visitors can admire masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt and Picasso, as well as the unique styles of Australian Indigenous art. The National Gallery of Victoria regularly hosts major international and thematic exhibitions, offering rich cultural experiences. Additionally, it features interactive art workshops and educational programs suitable for all ages. The gallery's café and shop also provide excellent spots for relaxation and shopping. Whether you're an art lover or a casual visitor, the National Gallery of Victoria promises an inspiring artistic journey.Australia · Southbank
Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay

5.4
4.7/5
135 reviews
Apollo Bay is located in the middle section of the Great Ocean Road, backed by the green hills of the Otway Ranges and facing a crescent-shaped golden bay. To the east, the coastal cliff road winds toward Lorne, while to the west, it leads to the Twelve Apostles and other prime views along the Great Ocean Road, making it a common stopover for self-drive trips. The town developed from a fishing village and remains a port for fishing boats on the Great Ocean Road. Seafood like rock lobster, abalone, and other catches can be served on the table shortly after being brought ashore, making the seafood bistros and fish and chips shops by the pier the town's signature. The main beach in front of the town has fine sand and a gentle slope, making it suitable for swimming and surfing. A short walk up the gentle slope to the north leads to Marriner's Lookout, where you can take in the entire bay and the town's rooftops. Every year, southern right whales migrate along this coast, and you have a chance to see their water spouts while standing on the shore or at a high vantage point. Not far south of the town, the Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary is very close to the shore. At low tide, tide pools are exposed among the reefs, where small creatures like starfish and crabs are clearly visible. Groups of Australian fur seals can often be seen sunbathing on the near-shore rocks year-round, and you can also take a kayak out for close-up snorkeling. Behind the town, in the Great Otway National Park, you'll find the Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, which is built over a gully of tree ferns, where you can often spot wild koalas in the eucalyptus forest. The Great Ocean Walk, which spans over 100 km, also starts here and leads all the way to the Twelve Apostles, allowing hiking enthusiasts to experience a section of the coastline nearby.Apollo Bay · 46.7km from Colac
Great Ocean Walk
Selected for Best Things to Do in Victoria

Great Ocean Walk

5.1
5.0/5
7 reviews
The Great Ocean Road is a hiking trail located in Victoria, Australia, known for its stunning coastline and diverse natural landscapes. As one of the world's most famous coastal walks, it offers opportunities to explore natural wonders and experience outdoor adventures. The trail is approximately 104 kilometers long and passes through rugged cliffs, hidden beaches and lush rainforests. Walkers can enjoy the iconic Twelve Apostles, these limestone columns eroded by waves stand on the coast, forming a breathtaking natural landscape. In addition, the trail also passes through landmarks such as Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge, providing abundant photography opportunities. The Great Ocean Road Trail is not only suitable for experienced hikers, but also offers a variety of options for casual tourists. The trail is designed in sections, and visitors can choose different routes according to their physical strength and time. There are camping sites and viewing platforms along the way, allowing visitors to fully rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery while enjoying the fun of hiking.Apollo Bay · 46.7km from Colac
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens
No. 2 of Spring Outings in Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens

6.5
4.6/5
468 reviews
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens is located on the beautiful south bank of the Yarra River, where thousands of exotic plants from Australia and around the world thrive. The gardens also feature diverse architecture and engaging activities. 1. The Children's Garden helps kids explore the natural world Inside the Children's Garden, there are many interactive facilities where kids can play to their heart's content and get up close with nature. The garden offers everything to help children explore the natural world: crawl-through plant tunnels, climbable rocks, and bamboo groves perfect for playing hide-and-seek. The Children's Garden is temporarily closed for maintenance every winter. Opening hours during other seasons are Wednesday–Sunday from 10:00 AM until sunset, with daily operation during Victoria school holidays. 2.ObservatoryExplore the brilliant starry sky Next to the Children's GardenObservatoryThe bright yellow exterior walls and silver semi-dome make it easily recognizable. Built between 1861–1863, it has maintained close ties with the Astronomical Society of Victoria. The interior is only open to tour groups, and general visitors cannot enter. Planetarium visits are typically scheduled for the evening. 3. Herbarium plant specimen collection To the right of the Children's Garden is the Herbarium, a white circular building. It houses over 1.2 million plant specimens, mostly from Victoria, Australia, with more than half being at least a century old. The facility also includes a small library dedicated to botanical literature. Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted inside. 4. Tropical Greenhouse Step into the tropical greenhouse and discover exotic plants from around the world.Australia · Melbourne
State Library Victoria
No. 13 of Best Things to Do in Melbourne

State Library Victoria

6.4
4.5/5
289 reviews
State Library Victoria is located in the center of Melbourne, founded on the same day as the University of Melbourne in 1854, and opened to the public in 1856. It is one of the oldest public libraries in Australia. The library was designed by architect Joseph Reed and established through the efforts of then-Lieutenant Governor La Trobe and Judge Redmond Barry, among others. It was positioned from its inception as a cultural institution integrating books, art, and science. The core highlight is the La Trobe Reading Room, completed in 1913. The height and diameter of the octagonal hall both exceed 30m, the central dome skylight allows natural light to pour in, and the surrounding multi-level galleries taper inward. Overlooking the entire hall from the upper galleries is one of the most popular photo angles in Melbourne; the galleries also house a permanent exhibition themed around rare books called "The World of the Book". The collection exceeds 5 million items, ranging from books and manuscripts to maps, photographs, and newspapers. Diaries of Melbourne's founding pioneers, Captain Cook's maritime documents, and the original armor and letters of bushranger Ned Kelly are all housed here, and the armor is still on display in the library's Redmond Barry Reading Room. The lawn in front of the library is scattered with giant chessboards and statues, serving as a resting place for nearby office workers and students; inside, readers can be seen studying at their desks all year round. If you are short on time, heading straight to the La Trobe Reading Room after entering and then climbing to the top-level gallery is a classic route to experience the charm of this library.Australia · Melbourne

Experiences you can't miss in Colac

Featured Day tours in Colac

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[September Promotion] Melbourne Great Ocean Road Trail + Twelve Apostles Day Trip
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4.8/5
· 955 reviews· 9.3k booked
Duration: 6.8 hrs
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12 apostles 90 minutes/no backlight] Melbourne Great Ocean Walk + Twelve Apostles 1-day tour
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· 1.5k reviews· 18.9k booked
Duration: 7.1 hrs
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Hotel transfer 289/optional red hat] Melbourne Great Ocean Walk + Twelve Apostles 1-day tour
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5.0/5
· 54 reviews· 765 booked
Duration: 6 hrs
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[Go West Tours]Great Ocean Road DayTour fromMelbourne|EnglishGuide|Max24|16Languages Audio
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Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea
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Great Ocean Road 12 APOSTLES Tour REVERSE–SML GRP- Hotel Pick UP
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Free things to do in Colac

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What travellers say about Colac

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JaymeLee28 January 2025
4.0
Amazing viewing point! make sure you check out the beach and also the viewing deck. facilities are well taken care of and large parking lot

Twelve Apostles

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彤記TUNGKee22 February 2023
5.0
When traveling the Great Ocean Road by car, you must come to Port Campbell~ It takes about four hours to drive from Melbourne city center If you play along the road, you can come here I kept seeing many traces left over from history. Every limestone is special What an eye-opener Another question is This town has a lot of delicious food A restaurant that is very popular among locals is the pizza restaurant Super fragrant and special One of the flavors is my first time eating it. It’s pumpkin-based pizza. Everyone can try it wherever you go. Give you an unexpected surprise #melbourne

Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria)

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Mandadadada30 May 2023
5.0
Lovely place to walk past on the way to the Melbourne museum. This time of the year, there’s autumn leaves covering the walkways. There is even a small pond with some ducks in the corner. And right in front of the royal exhibition hall, there is a fountain where sometimes you will catch couples taking their wedding photos here.

Carlton Gardens

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谢颖华24 October 2025
5.0
It's actually not bad. There are a lot of people, and I really followed the online suggestions and bought ordinary seats. There is no need to buy too good seats. They will be close to each other anyway. Overall, this trip is worth experiencing.

Phillip Island

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Afroza ranu19 April 2025
5.0
The National Gallery of Victoria is an absolute must-visit when in Melbourne! As Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, NGV effortlessly blends history, culture, and creativity under one magnificent roof. From classical masterpieces to bold contemporary installations, every exhibit is thoughtfully curated to spark curiosity and inspiration. One of the highlights was the stunning Great Hall with its dazzling stained-glass ceiling—lying beneath.

National Gallery of Victoria

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Dr BP8 May 2023
5.0
A quaint, sleepy little town about mid-way along the Great Ocean Road. Stunning beach with absolutely awesome sunrises. Gets very busy with tourists from Melbourne (and elsewhere) in Summer, but in the quieter months you'll practically have the place to yourself

Apollo Bay

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M26***5125 March 2025
5.0
A highly recommended tourist route. The guide's patient and detailed explanation and the beautiful scenery along the way make people linger.

Great Ocean Walk

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蝴蝶飞了25 November 2024
5.0
The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is one of Australia's most famous botanical gardens. It is located on the banks of the Yarra River south of Melbourne's city center and covers an area of ​​about 38 hectares. The garden is famous for its beautiful natural scenery, diverse flora and tranquil environment. It is an ideal place for local residents and tourists to take a leisurely walk. Scenic features: 1. Diverse plant areas The garden has more than 8,500 species of plants, including native Australian plants and rare plants from all over the world. In particular, the Australian rainforest area and the cactus garden show completely different natural landscapes. 2. Lakes and wetlands The central lake (Ornamental Lake) is the core landscape of the garden. The lake reflects the surrounding trees and sky, providing visitors with a peaceful view. There are seats and paths by the lake, suitable for slow walking and relaxation. 3. Hiking and viewing trails There are many trails in the garden that shuttle through the trees. From the winding trails, you can enjoy the natural landscape from different angles, especially in spring and autumn, when the garden is most colorful. 4. Landscape Architecture and Sculptures There are some exquisite pavilions, stone bridges and sculptures in the garden. These buildings are harmoniously integrated with the natural environment, adding cultural and artistic atmosphere to the scenic area. 5. Bird watching and wildlife The garden is home to many kinds of birds, including black swans, parrots and ducks, making it a paradise for bird watchers. In addition, you can occasionally see traces of kangaroos or possums. 6. Seasonal landscape In spring, the garden is full of flowers, especially the rose garden area, which is fragrant; in autumn, maple trees and deciduous plants present brilliant colors of golden and crimson. Featured activities: • Moonlight Cinema During the summer, visitors can enjoy open-air movies on the lawn and experience the combination of nature and culture. • Guided tours and educational activities The botanical garden provides free or paid guided tours to help visitors better understand plants and their ecological significance. Summary The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is not only a place to appreciate natural beauty, but also a window to experience Australia's unique ecological environment. Whether it's a leisurely walk, a family gathering, or a photography project, this place can bring an unforgettable experience.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens

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lucialuo4 February 2025
5.0
Free to visit, no, it should be called free admission. The library, which was originally supposed to be a quiet space for reading, is now full of tourists taking photos and checking in! The library is large and beautiful, an old and beautiful building that is well worth a visit!

State Library Victoria

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Colac?

Don't miss these attractions in Colac: Colac, Twelve Apostles, and Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria). If you like Day tours, try [September Promotion] Melbourne Great Ocean Road Trail + Twelve Apostles Day Trip. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Melbourne: Around the Bay Food & Wine Taste Trail.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include [September Promotion] Melbourne Great Ocean Road Trail + Twelve Apostles Day Trip, 12 apostles 90 minutes/no backlight] Melbourne Great Ocean Walk + Twelve Apostles 1-day tour, and Hotel transfer 289/optional red hat] Melbourne Great Ocean Walk + Twelve Apostles 1-day tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 15 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Colac is around EUR 18.66 – EUR 110.49. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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