Flood information for the Colac-Otway City Council, encompassing local flood guides and a Municipal Flood Emergency Plan.
Colac-Otway Shire is located in South-Western Victoria, approximately 150 kilometres from Melbourne. The Shire encompasses a total land area of approximately 3,500 square kilometres, of which a large proportion is Crown Land (43%) including the Great Otway National Park.
Parts of Colac-Otway Shire can experience both riverine and flash flooding. The Barham River, flowing down from the Otway Ranges, cuts through the western side of Apollo Bay and, during prolonged rainfall, the river swells, forming a natural floodplain.
Flooding at Apollo Bay and the surrounding area can result in the closure of the Great Ocean Road because of the risks of landslides, which can isolate the town for days after a flood.
Households and business should refer to their Local Flood Guide.