Colac East

VIC 3250 • Victoria

168
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
3.63 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAffordableEstablishedFamily-Friendly
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About Colac East

Colac East is a small residential locality on the eastern edge of Colac, a regional centre in Victoria's Barwon South West region, approximately 150 kilometres south-west of Melbourne. Situated within the Colac Otway Shire Council area, the locality covers around 3.6 square kilometres and had a population of 168 residents at the 2021 Census, spread across approximately 66 dwellings. The median household income sits below the national average, reflecting the broader regional economy of south-west Victoria, with residents benefiting from the affordable housing and relaxed pace of rural living.

Colac East sits adjacent to the township of Colac, giving residents easy access to Lake Colac, the town's main shopping strip, schools, and healthcare services including the Colac Area Health centre. The broader Colac region is known for its proximity to the Great Ocean Road, the Otway Ranges, and a network of rural wineries and breweries. Public transport services connect Colac to Geelong and Melbourne via the Warrnambool rail line, making Colac East a practical base for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within reach of the coast and regional amenities.

Colac East falls under postcode 3250 and is governed by the Colac Otway Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
3250
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.31°, 143.58°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
3.63 km²
Population Density
46 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3250

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3250, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$44,207
Median 2023–24
$53,256
20.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$60,243

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3250; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Colac Railway Station
2.5 km
30 min

Bus Services

  • Local Colac bus services — Colac Town Centre 5-10 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
150 km
By Train
Approx 2 hr 30 min via Warrnambool Line from Colac Station
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 45 min

🛣️ Located on the Princes Highway; Geelong approx 1 hour drive

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car, though Colac town centre is a short drive away

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
168
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Colac Otway Local Government Area, which contains Colac East. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
250.7 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
89.5 / 100k
Non-FV assault
259.6 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
308.9 / 100k

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colac East known for? +

Colac East is a quiet residential locality on the eastern edge of Colac, a regional town known for its setting on the shores of Lake Colac and its proximity to the Otway Ranges. The broader Colac area is a gateway to the Great Ocean Road and Victoria's south-west coast.

How far is Colac East from Melbourne CBD? +

Colac East is approximately 150 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, a drive of around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic via the Princes Highway.

Does Colac East have public transport? +

Colac East is within a short drive of Colac Railway Station, which is served by the Warrnambool Line connecting to Geelong and Melbourne (Southern Cross Station). Local bus services also connect to Colac town centre.

What is the population of Colac East? +

According to the 2021 Census, Colac East has a population of approximately 168 residents across around 66 dwellings, making it a small suburban locality on the edge of the Colac township.

Is Colac East a good place to live? +

Colac East suits those seeking affordable housing with access to the amenities of Colac town, including schools, shopping, and healthcare. Its proximity to Lake Colac, the Otway Ranges, and the Great Ocean Road makes it appealing for outdoor enthusiasts and those who value a relaxed regional lifestyle.

What is the postcode for Colac East? +

The postcode for Colac East is 3250, shared with the Colac town centre and surrounding localities in the Colac Otway Shire.

Is Colac East a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Colac East is part of the Colac Otway LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.