Austral Hotel — Restaurant in Colac

Honestly stunned. Not by the food — that was horrifying — but that someone actually stood in a kitchen, looked at this disaster, and said “yep, send it out.”

I ordered the chicken roulade with risotto. What arrived looked like it had been assembled during a power outage. A sad chicken breast wrapped around a full brick of cream cheese (I wish I were exaggerating), drenched in watery brown gravy — because nothing says “delicate roulade” like brown slop. The “risotto” was neon green and tasted like vomit. I’ve had better meals during food poisoning.

Meanwhile, two family members ordered the pork belly roast. They didn’t even take a bite — because it arrived covered in what was unmistakably pre-made sweet and sour sauce, straight from a home brand packet. We let them know it was inedible and the staff acted like we were the problem. No apology and the manager was extremely reluctant to refunded us.

Not a single person asked why three full meals were left untouched. No manager. No chef. Nothing. Just silence, and a deep sense that the kitchen might be legally blind.

Save your money. Seriously. Go eat a petrol station sandwich or chew on a boot. Chef should switch careers —...

DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY! A Disastrous Experience at The Austral in Colac

My recent visit to The Austral in Colac was an absolute nightmare. As a professional chef, I am appalled by the catastrophic level of incompetence displayed. Every steak served was not only overcooked but also seemed to have been prepared by someone who has no business being in a kitchen. The food was a bland, tasteless disgrace, and it was clear that no care or skill went into its preparation.

The chef’s lack of concern was evident, and it’s apparent that this establishment is run by someone who has long since lost any sense of professionalism or pride in their work. The entire meal felt like a cruel joke, with each course being a testament to how far standards have fallen.

To make matters worse, the prices were shockingly exorbitant for food that was not just mediocre but downright insulting. The Austral is the epitome of what can go wrong in a restaurant, and it’s a place that should seriously consider shutting its doors. If you value your dining experience, do yourself a favour and stay far away from this...

This place is a hidden gem of the “hospitality” industry. The staff (mainly the bar manager) really takes the extra time to be rude and obnoxious! We were greeted with the most welcoming response of “ Nup - Kitchens closed” We were really impressed as he followed that up with grunting at our request for drinks and looking genuinely offended at needing to demonstrate how the beer taps worked. To our surprise he was even less warm and welcoming for our second round to which we left soon after. It was such a delight visiting the austral that I won’t do it ever again so as not to prevent anyone else missing the chance! To the bar manager - if you hate your job so much - just quit and drive uber - do better or just don’t...