Vibrant performing and visual arts scene flourishing

THERE is a thriving arts and cultural scene in Colac and beyond, with a busy programme of drama, dance, comedy, physical theatre and family theatre offered at Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre (COPACC).

COPACC, also home to Colac Cinemas, offers a wide range of musical styles in its subscription seasons, community arts programmes and exhibitions.

Just north of Colac is the new Red Rock Regional Theatre & Gallery which is thriving thanks to the support of the dozens of practising visual and performance artists who live in the Shire and beyond.

Colac is also home to a vibrant amateur dramatics and dance scene, with the Colac Players staging two productions annually, and Red Door Dance and Theatre Productions presenting two musicals each year starring a cast of up to 100 performers, all under the age of 25.

There are small private galleries dotted around the Shire and a growing live music scene at cafés, restaurants and wineries.

Regional produce is bound to whet your appetite

There’s a growing food and wine scene in Colac Otway Shire with regional wineries, breweries and gourmet producers of artisan food forging a fine reputation for themselves.

Increasingly cafés and restaurants are championing local produce – everything from organic asparagus, potatoes, olives, beef, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries, to shitake mushrooms and truffles.

In summer there are a number of pick-your-own farms where you can pick well and lesser known berries until your tummy is content.

Farm gate sales are also on the rise – giving customers that paddock-to-plate satisfaction of eating the freshest produce.

There’s world-class seafood, caught in the Southern Ocean and landed at Apollo Bay harbour which is sensationally good.

The region is famous for its export standard dairy produce and there are a variety of gourmet cheeses, yoghurts and ice creams which have scooped prizes at national competitions.