The History Centre, COPACC Building, Gellibrand Street Colac

Youve got Buckleys ... In the Early 1800's the British government decided to establish a settlement on the shores of Port Phillip Bay in order to protect British interests and a lucrative sealing industry in Bass Strait.

Cape Otway Lightstation is of national significance as the 8th navigation beacon in Australia. The light has continuously operated since 1848, marking the important landfall for British emigrant ships since rounding the Cape of Good Hope.

First visited in 1840 by the Henty brothers, founders of Portland and Mount Gambier, they established a small whaling station on the site of the present golfcourse. Apollo Bay is now a popular surf and swimming resort.

The Colac to Crowes line was built to serve the local timber and farming community.

Warncoort is near Birregurra. Travelling along the Princes Highway (A1) between Winchelsea and Colac, take the C152 turn-off to Birregurra (this T-intersection is almost adjacent to where the Warrnambool - Geelong rail line actually crosses the highway - this is the only level crossing between Winchelsea and Colac. Turn right into the Warncoort Cemetery Road (only 200m from the turn- off). The Cemetery is on the right hand side only 400m along this gravel road.

The name Colac probably derives from the local aboriginal tribe that lived in the area called the Coladjin Aborigines.

Contact the Historical Groups Detailed Below for Further Information about any Names or Locations.

The Guide to Australia is an encyclopaedic collection of essential information about Australia. It contains information as diverse as the Australian constitution, current weather and lamington recipes.

South West Victorian Pioneers and Local History from the Glenelg & Wannon Region.