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Colac Showgrounds Camping – Great Ocean Road & Otways Base

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Colac Showgrounds Camping | Great Ocean Road & Otways Base

Positioned as the perfect strategic base for exploring Victoria’s iconic south-west, the Colac Showgrounds offers a straightforward, affordable, and highly convenient camping experience. This spacious venue is a favourite among caravanners and motorhome travellers, especially those with self-contained vehicles, looking for a no-fuss place to stay. Its prime advantage is its location: situated in the heart of Colac, it serves as a central hub from which to launch adventures into the lush rainforests of the Great Otway National Park, the stunning coastline of the Great Ocean Road, and the volcanic plains of the surrounding region. The showgrounds provide an authentic country feel, with ample space to find a comfortable spot without feeling crowded.The facilities at the Colac Showgrounds are geared towards practicality and value. It operates as a low-cost campground, with an honesty box system for payment, reflecting its friendly, community-oriented spirit. Travellers will find a good number of powered and unpowered sites spread across wide, grassy areas. The grounds are equipped with essential amenities, including a toilet and shower block, ensuring comfort after a long day of sightseeing. For those on an extended journey, the on-site dump point is a major convenience. The pet-friendly policy is a huge bonus, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the ride. It’s the ideal setup for travellers who appreciate simple, effective amenities and a central location over the bells and whistles of a commercial holiday park.

Staying at the showgrounds means you have all of Colac’s services right on your doorstep. A short walk or drive will take you to supermarkets, bakeries, pubs, and cafes, making it easy to restock supplies or enjoy a meal out. The beautiful Colac Botanic Gardens and the vast expanse of Lake Colac are just minutes away, offering lovely spots for a stroll or a picnic. From here, the scenic drive to coastal towns like Apollo Bay or the forest walks around Gellibrand is easily manageable for a day trip. For an economical and perfectly located basecamp to uncover the natural treasures of the Otways and beyond, the Colac Showgrounds is an intelligent and popular choice.

★★★★☆

Name: Colac Showgrounds
Address: 54 Chapel Street, Colac VIC 3250
GPS Coordinates: -38.3343563124742, 143.6046399447511
Website: colacshow.com.au/camping

Park Information & Features

  • Location: Colac, Victoria. A short distance from the town centre.
  • Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs. Some areas suitable for tents.
  • Road Access: Sealed road access.
  • Site Surface: Primarily grass, with some gravelled areas.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites available. Low cost, with payment via an honesty box.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally limited to a few nights. Check with the caretaker for extended stays.
  • Facilities: Toilet and shower block, on-site dump point.
  • Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is available.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, available for campers.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided on site.
  • Open Fires: Strictly forbidden.
  • Generator Use: Permitted during set hours, with consideration for other guests.
  • Number of Sites Available: Very large area with numerous sites.
  • Essentials to Bring: Colac has major supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi) for all supplies.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and managed responsibly.
  • Fishing: Popular in Lake Colac for redfin and trout.
  • Short Walks: Close to the Colac Botanic Gardens and the walking track around Lake Colac.

Local Amenities & Distances

  • Local Pubs:
    • Union Club Hotel – Approx. 1.5 km
    • Austral Hotel – Approx. 2 km
    • Skylight Hotel – Approx. 2.2 km
  • Places to Eat:
    • Future Cafe – Approx. 2 km
    • Fusion Restaurant – Approx. 2 km
    • Numerous bakeries and takeaway shops in the town centre – Approx. 2 km
  • Local Attractions:
    • Colac Botanic Gardens – Approx. 2.5 km
    • Lake Colac Foreshore – Approx. 2.5 km
    • Red Rock Lookout – Approx. 15 km
  • Nearest Caravan Parks:
    • Colac Lake Caravan Park – Approx. 3 km
    • Barongarook Gardens Caravan Park – Approx. 6 km
  • Next Free Camps:
    • Meredith Park (Lake Colangulac) – Approx. 25 km
    • Stevensons Falls, Otways – Approx. 40 km
  • Nearest Dump Points:
    • Located on-site at the showgrounds.
  • Nearest Petrol Station:
    • Multiple major service stations located throughout Colac – Approx. 1-2 km
  • Drinking Water Resupply:
    • Available on-site.
  • Nearest Public Toilets:
    • Available on-site for guests.
    • Memorial Square, Colac – Approx. 2 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Colac

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm and generally dry, with average maximum temperatures around 25°C, though can have hotter spells.
  • Autumn (Mar – May): Mild and pleasant with sunny days. A beautiful time to visit the Otways. Average maximums cool from 23°C to 15°C.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Cool and often wet, with average maximum temperatures around 12-14°C. The rainforests of the Otways are at their most lush.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Becomes progressively warmer and drier. A lovely time for walks, with average maximums rising from 16°C to 21°C.

 

 

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