Colac Botanic Gardens

Colac Botanic Gardens is a 15-hectare property on the southern shore of Lake Colac featuring interconnected pathways, mature oak trees, and distinct garden areas. The collection contains over 1,000 plant specimens arranged throughout the grounds, with views of the water visible from many spots.

The gardens were founded in 1868 by Daniel Bunce and redesigned in 1910 by William Guilfoyle, the landscape architect behind Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens. This redesign shaped the current layout and organization of the property.

The gardens reflect the 19th-century passion for collecting and displaying plants from around the world. Today visitors stroll through the pathways to experience both the lake views and the variety of trees and shrubs organized throughout the space.

The gardens feature well-maintained pathways that make navigation straightforward and comfortable for most visitors. Barbecue areas, a children's play area, and a café housed in a former cottage provide convenient facilities for meals and breaks during your visit.

Seven trees scattered throughout the grounds appear on the National Trust of Victoria's Significant Trees Register, including rare Tecate Cypress specimens. These protected specimens offer visitors an unexpected discovery during their walk through the property.