Some notable buildings around Colac

Derrinook

On the corner of Gellibrand and Manifold Streets, Derrinook was built of timber in 1900 as a private hospital in the Early Federation style, with many elaborate, tall chimneys capped with ceramic chimney pots. One of the first buildings in Colac to employ electric lighting, it was converted after the second World War into self-contained flats.

Thornbank

Moore Street, west Colac. Built in 1855–56 for Edward Bage, the District Surveyor who probably also designed the building, it is one of the oldest surviving houses in the area, now nestling inconspicuously in a ‘suburban’ streetscape. A single-storeyed building in the ‘Australian Colonial’ style, with English, Georgian and Gothic influences, its extensive verandahs have decorative fretwork and iron posts. Brick stables and groom’s quarters still exist, but the extensive gardens have been considerably reduced. A private residence, classified by the National Trust.

Timber cottages

27-29 Manifold Street. Built in 1864. Typical of many small dwellings built in the early days of settlement.

No. 1 Murray Street

Building erected in 1871 for Adam Rae's Western Stores. More recently it has housed a number of businesses including restaurants, presently a gift shop. This was originally the site of the 'Crook and Plaid' Inn, built in 1844, one of the first buildings in Colac.

This view shows the Queen Street facade.

Old Post Office

No. 4 Murray Street. Built in 1876, now operated as a Chinese restaurant, but because it is protected by the National Heritage Committee, no advertising is permitted.

The telephone exchange commenced here in 1904 with 25 subscribers.

26 Murray Street

Built in 1885, formerly a gentleman's club, then the National Bank.

Old Shire of Colac Hall

At 6 Murray Street, next door to the old Post Office building (above), this Italianate building was erected in 1879 after the first Hall was declared unsafe only 14 years after being built in 1865.

It is now occupied by Colac Adult Education and Aged Care Services.

Prince of Wales Hotel

8 Murray Street, just east of Barongarook Creek. First Licenced in 1875 and operated as a hotel until 1921. Presently the building houses tea rooms and bed and breakfast accommodation.

Balnagowan

Balnagowan was built on Lake Colac in 1892 for grazier Alexander Fraser Ross, a grand residence with elements of the Queen Anne/Elizabethan style. The interior retains much of its original splendour including solid walnut doors, Kauri pine parquetry floors, a stately entrance foyer with magnificent walnut staircase and fine leadlight windows.

By January 2009, Balnagowan was sadly falling into neglect and disrepair. Storms had removed one chimney and some of the roof. Vandals inflicted damage such as breaking a number of doors and windows and setting a fire in one of the upstairs rooms. The garden was totally overgrown with weeds. The owners planned to build a retirement village on the site, but all that occurred was bulldozing of what remained of the garden, installation of some plumbing work in the garden for the retirement village and the demolition of the 1970s extensions.

In January 2011 the property changed hands again, with its new owner promising to restore the house as a grand home. Only time will tell if this building will be saved.

Oddfellow's Restaurant

Corner of Dennis and Gellibrand Streets. Built in 1870 as the Lodge Hall for the Independent Order of Oddfellows. Later used as a community hall, then occupied by panel beaters before being restored in 1999 as Duff's Restaurant. The restaurant was sold in 2009 and the new owners gutted the previously restored interior, although the exterior remains intact.

Colac Railway Station

Built in 1877 as a 'temporary' structure when the line from Geelong was first built, still standing, and with its exterior restored to original 'chocolate-and-cream' colours.

Prebyterian Manse

Former Prebyterian Manse, on the corner of Corangamite and Pollack Streets.

The Elms

Built around 1880 for Dr T. Foster, first medical officer at Colac Community Hospital, now a B & B. A solid brick house with a slate roof and several red brick chimneys, it once sat in extensive grounds with outbuildings, tennis court, formal and kitchen gardens and a separate smoking and billiard room.

St Andrews Uniting Church

A striking church in built from bluestone brought from New Zealand as ballast for sailing ships on their way to the gold rush. Colac’s third Presbyterian church, it was designed by Peter Matthews and built in 1877. The building is of particular interest for its squat octagonal tower with slate spire, plate-traceried rose window, iron roof ridging and finials. Classified by the National Trust.

St John's Church of England

Built in 1891 by Mr Humphrey Hearn.

Of interest is a leadlight window honouring pioneers of the Irrewillipe area south of Colac.

Lislea House

Corner Bromfield and Corangamite Streets.

Built in 1892 as a surgery and residence for Dr Wynne, now Quinn’s Funeral Directors.

Glenora

Corner Bromfield and Corangamite Streets.

An Edwardian building, originally a surgery and residence for Dr Gibbs. Now solicitor’s offices.

Oakbank

Built in 1883 at a cost of £1000 as a ten-roomed parsonage for Colac Methodist Church, a gift to the church by pastoralist Alexander Dennis. Designed in Georgian Revival style by Colac Architect Alexander Hamilton, square, two-storeyed with minimal decoration. Passed into private hands in 1946, classified by the National Trust.