The township takes it’s name from the 1460 hectacre tree lined lake where you may catch yellowbelly, redfin, 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.

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. 

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.

view historical & photo displays

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.

Great views of the Southern Grampians can be seen from Menzies Lane south of Glenthompson along the Caramut Rd.

Five kilometres from Glenthompson heading towards Dunkeld, is Gampians Pure Sheep Dairy where boutique sheep milk yoghurt and cheeses can be purchased.  Sheep are milked daily at 8-9am and 5-6pm.  Visitors welcome.

Mortlake is nestled at the very foot of Mount Shadwell and is the self-proclaimed Olivine capital of Australia, It is also known for its bluestone buildings, with several fine examples dating back to the 1850s visible from the Hamilton Highway.

The mineral is one of the most common minerals on Earth and can be made into jewellery, gem quality green stones are also known  peridot. All enquiries regarding fossicking for peridot at Mt.Shadwell should be directed to  Mt.Shadwell Quarry.

Worth visiting is the Mortlake Botanical Gardens which houses Tea Tree Lake and Mortlake Caravan Park.
To further explore the areas fascinating connection with the past, a trip to the Koonendah Private Museum is highly recommended. The museum was originally The Sisters Presbyterian Church, but in the late 1980's was purchased and moved.  The Museum now resides in a private collection in a pleasant garden setting, and is host to a wide variety of antique furniture, musical instruments and even military memorabilia. Visits can be organised by contacting (03) 5592 6240.
This property has a large country garden with spacious sweeping lawns, mature trees and wide perennial borders. Of special note is an oak tree that was planted by John Masefield, Great Britain's Poet Laureate from 1930 to1967. Small numbers of interesting plants from the garden are generally available for sale. The garden is opened by appointment, and costs  $5.00. For bookings and more information (03) 5599 2040.