Water activities
The township takes its name from the 1460 hectare tree lined lake where you may catch Yellowbelly, Redfin, Estuary Perch or Short-finned eel.
The lake foreshore is 27 kilometres with numerous sites to camp or set up for a day, making it a popular destination for swimming, boating and fishing.
Sporting
A visit to the sports complex is highly recommended.
This area adjacent to the lake, houses:
- a quality 9 hole golf course with turf greens
- 8 plexipave tennis courts for hire
- bowling greens
- squash courts
- solar heated swimming pool
- football oval
- cricket nets
- netball courts and
- play equipment
Visit historical sites
Visit the historical sites and buildings of Lake Bolac. There are many old buildings still in use, many built from locally quarried bluestone such as Scot’s Uniting Church, Lake Bolac Hotel, Lake Bolac Supermarket and Lake Bolac Post Office.
Of particular interest is Josiah Park’s blacksmith shop which has recently undergone renovations and opened as a Men’s Shed. Built in 1872 Josiah Park operated a blacksmith and wheelwright shop on these premises until 1951. An original model of a screw woolpress built in at these premises is on display at the Lake Bolac Information & Business Centre, Glenelg Hwy, Lake Bolac.
Visit the site of the Lake Bolac Flax Mill which was constructed to supply flax products for the WWII effort. The flax was grown and processed locally and provided work for locals and 60 land army girls.
A free self guided brochure is available or can be collected from the Information Centre. A guided tour may be arranged for bus groups by contacting the Lake Bolac Historical Society.
Visit Narrapumelap Homestead
Located at nearby Wickliffe is the historic Narrapumelap Homestead. Built in 1873 it is considered one of rural Victoria’s finest examples of French Gothic Revival. Open to the public Melbourne Cup and Easter Weekends and at other times by appointment. www.narrapumelap.com.au
Lions Park heritage walk
Centrally located at the Glenelg Highway & Ararat-Mortlake Rd crossroads is the Information Centre and Lions Park. This precinct houses public toilets, BBQ, shelters, tables and chairs.
A visit to the Heritage Walk, the winner of the 2010 Victorian Community History Awards Best Walk/Tour, is highly recommended. It is a 120 metre concreted path with plaques telling the story of Lake Bolac & District: Geology, Early Settlers, Depression, Land Army Girls, Flora & Fauna, and Extreme Weather Conditions.
Children will delight in this walk as they look for coins or count the eel stencils embedded in the path. A children’s quiz can be collected from the Information Centre.
Located in the Information Centre is a display of Historical Photos and items. The displays are provided by the Lake Bolac & District Historical Society. Admission to Centre & displays is free.