Colac suburb profile
Colac is a charming regional town located in Victoria's Western District, approximately 150km southwest of Melbourne. Known for its picturesque setting near Lake Colac, the town offers a blend of natural beauty and rural charm. Colac serves as a hub for the surrounding agricultural region, with a strong community spirit and a range of amenities. The town features historic architecture, local shops, and cafes, providing a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors. With its proximity to the Great Otway National Park and the Great Ocean Road, Colac is an ideal base for exploring the natural wonders of the region.
Colac property market performance
Current median dwelling price$488,500Past 3 months
Property growth-6.7%Past 12 months
Colac’s property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, particularly in the housing sector. House values have increased by 8.7%, with the current median house price at $515,000. In contrast, the unit market has remained stagnant, with no change in median unit value. Over the last 12 months, 57 houses and 6 units have been sold, indicating a stronger demand for houses.
Houses in Colac are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 35 days on the market, while units take longer, with a median of 57 days. This suggests a more competitive market for houses compared to units.
The rental market in Colac has seen significant changes, with house rents increasing by 11.6% over the last 12 months, reaching an average of $480. Unit rents have also risen, albeit more modestly, by 2.8%, with an average rent of $370, reflecting a steady demand for rental properties.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $515K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 8.7% | -22.1% |
Sold Past 3 months | 57 | 6 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 35 | 57 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $480 | $370 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 11.6% | 2.8% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Colac demographics
Colac, located in Victoria's Western District, is a charming regional town known for its rich agricultural heritage and close-knit community. With a population of 9,243, Colac offers a peaceful lifestyle amidst picturesque landscapes, including the nearby Otway Ranges and Lake Colac. The median age of 44 suggests a mature community, with many families and long-term residents enjoying the town's relaxed pace and strong sense of community.
Housing in Colac is characterized by a significant proportion of home ownership, with 39.8% of properties owned outright and 28.8% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a stable community with deep roots in the area. The rental market, comprising 31.3% of properties, provides options for those seeking flexibility, including newcomers and those transitioning to home ownership.
Family life is central to Colac, with couple families with children making up 33.5% of households, while 43.6% are couple families without children. One-parent families account for 20.3%, highlighting the suburb's diverse family structures. The town's amenities, including schools, parks, and community centers, cater to families and contribute to Colac's reputation as a welcoming and supportive environment for residents of all ages.
Colac infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Colac is experiencing steady investment in community infrastructure, with Colac Otway Shire continuing to upgrade local facilities, parks and civic spaces, which supports the town’s appeal for families and retirees.[2][6] The town’s location on the shore of Lake Colac and proximity to the Otways and coastal attractions underpins demand from lifestyle buyers, with local tourism and associated services providing a stable employment base that can help sustain property values over time.[2][4]
Council planning emphasises balanced residential growth around established services and transport links, reinforcing Colac’s role as a regional hub and potentially supporting long-term capital growth.[2][6] Existing rail and road connections to Geelong and Melbourne remain key drawcards for commuters and regional workers, and there are currently no widely publicised major new transport or school projects that would significantly alter property dynamics in the short term.[2][6] Overall, there are no single transformative developments at present, but incremental improvements to amenities and strategic planning are gradually enhancing livability and market stability in Colac.
Colac rental market trends
The rental market in Colac has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 11.6% over the past year to $480 per week, while unit rents have seen a smaller rise of 2.8% to $370 per week. As a regional hub with a strong community and access to natural attractions, Colac offers appealing rental opportunities for both investors and residents seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Suburbs near Colac
Some popular suburbs near Colac include:
How does Colac compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Colac’s median house price is 28.0% lower than Elliminyt’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Colac have grown 7.2% higher than in Winchelsea.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Colac are selling 52.1% faster than in Elliminyt.

