Colac Otway Region

The Colac Otway Region is a beautiful area located in the southwest region of Victoria, Australia. It encompasses a vast range of land, from the rocky coastline of the Great Ocean Road to the lush rainforests around the Otway Ranges. The area is rich in history, with a diverse range of stories and cultures that have helped shape the region into what it is today.

The Traditional Landowners

The Colac Otway Region has been home to numerous Indigenous groups for tens of thousands of years. The most prominent groups are the Gunditjmara, who live around the area of Portland, and the Gadubanud, who inhabited the Otways. These communities were intricately connected to their land and lived sustainably off its resources for thousands of years until European settlement.

The Arrival of European Settlers

The first European explorers arrived in the area in the early 1800s, seeking new land and resources. The Napoleonic Wars and subsequent economic struggles in Europe led to increased migration to Australia, and many people saw these new lands as an opportunity for a fresh start. Europeans began to settle in the Colac Otway Region, with the town of Colac being established in 1848, and Apollo Bay following shortly after in 1854. These settlements had an immediate impact on the Indigenous communities who had lived there for thousands of years, with land dispossession and cultural loss being the result.

The Gold Rush

Like many regions in Victoria in the 1800s, the Colac Otway Region saw a huge influx of people during the gold rush. Victoria's gold rush began in 1851 when gold was discovered near Ballarat, and the rush quickly spread to other areas of the state. Prospectors flocked to the region in search of gold, and it wasn't long until many towns and villages had sprung up to support their needs. One of the most significant gold rushes in the area was at Aireys Inlet, which resulted in the establishment of the town of Lorne.

The Otway Timber Industry

The Otway Ranges were a significant source of timber for the region, with the industry booming in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Timber cutters harvested the forests of eucalyptus and other hardwoods, which were then transported to sawmills for processing. The timber industry helped establish towns and communities in the region, such as Forrest, which was built around logging camps. The industry played a significant role in shaping the landscape, and many of the forests in the area still show traces of the logging era.

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most iconic coastal drives, stretching 243 kilometers from Torquay to Warrnambool. The road was built between 1919 and 1932 as a memorial to the World War I soldiers who fought in the conflict. The road was built by returned servicemen and stretches along dramatic cliffs and stunning beaches. It has played a significant role in tourism in the region, with millions of visitors coming each year to experience its beauty.

The Colac Otway Region Today

The Colac Otway Region is a thriving area today, with a diverse range of industries and communities. Agriculture, tourism, and forestry remain significant industries, with many small-scale and family-owned businesses thriving. The region has a rich arts and cultural scene, and events such as the Apollo Bay Music Festival and the Colac Otway Arts Trail draw visitors from around the world. The Indigenous communities of the region continue to assert their connection to their traditional lands, and there is a growing movement to promote reconciliation and healing.

History of in Colac Otway Region

The Colac Otway Region is a place that has been shaped by many cultures, industries, and events over the years. From its Indigenous communities to its famous coastline, the region is rich in history and has something to offer everyone. As the region continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to remember and honor its past as we move into the future.