Colac Hotel Port Adelaide: History, Menu & Venue Guide

The Colac Hotel, a historic wharfside pub in Port Adelaide that once hosted union leaders and prime ministers, has reopened as COLAC—a contemporary food and music venue that describes itself as “more than a redevelopment; it’s a revival of history, a celebration of community, and a beacon of new beginnings” (COLAC Port Adelaide official site). This guide traces the pub’s 19th‑century origins, its decades as a Labor Party asset, the 2025 rebirth, and what visitors can expect from the menu, opening hours, and public reviews.

Last checked: 2026-09-17

Address: Santo Parade, Port Adelaide, South Australia 5015 · Contact: (08) 8447 1560 · Type: Hotel, restaurant, entertainment venue · Current condition: Revived, operating in 2025

Who Owns the Colac Hotel Port Adelaide Now?

The venue currently operates under the name COLAC Port Adelaide, managed by a private hospitality group; the official website lists a bookings phone number and contact form but does not publicly disclose individual owners (COLAC official site). Historically, the hotel was owned for decades by entities tied to the Australian Labor Party. A 2009 parliamentary speech described it as “a fine Labor institution” whose profits were directed to the Port Adelaide Federal Electorate Committee to support campaigns and sub‑branches (Hansard 28 April 2009).

How to verify the latest owner: The best source for current ownership is the official COLAC website or business registration records. Because the property was part of the larger Dock One residential development, ownership may rest with the developer or a hospitality operator leasing the space.

How Far Is the Colac Hotel from the Port Adelaide Center?

COLAC Port Adelaide is located at 1 Santo Parade, on the waterfront directly opposite the former No. 1 Dock. The Port Adelaide visitor centre and main retail strip along Commercial Road are approximately a 10‑minute walk (roughly 800 metres) to the east. Driving takes about 2–3 minutes, and public bus routes serve the nearby St. Vincent Street stop.

Nearest landmarks: The building sits within the Dock One precinct, adjacent to the Port Adelaide Lighthouse and the historic Birkenhead Bridge. The National Railway Museum is about a 15‑minute walk north.

What Is the History of the Hotel Colac in Port Adelaide?

19th‑century origins as a wharfies’ pub

The Colac Hotel opened between 1883 and 1885, though a pub directory notes it was trading before its official 1883 opening date. Situated on Ocean Steamer’s Road opposite No. 1 Dock, it quickly became a favoured watering hole for wharf labourers (Glam Adelaide; Gday Pubs). By 1906, sixty differently named hotels had operated on 38 sites in Port Adelaide, placing the Colac in an exceptionally dense pub ecosystem (PortAdelaide.org).

Industrial and political significance

During the Second World War, the hotel was a daily hub for waterside workers coming off shift. A memoir of a family who lived at the Colac between 1944 and 1946 describes the public bar filling from about 4 pm with lines of men resting a foot on the brass rail (Fleurieu Family History Group).

From the early 1970s until its closure in 2011, the hotel was owned by the Australian Labor Party. Both former Prime Minister Bob Hawke and local MP Mick Young regularly spoke to workers at the pub; Young himself owned it between 1988 and 1990 (Wikipedia – Port Adelaide). A 2009 parliamentary speech called the Colac “a fine Labor institution … the scene of many celebrations and some commiserations” (Hansard).

“The Colac Hotel … has been the scene of many celebrations and some commiserations for party members, unionists, and local residents.”

The bottom line: “The Colac Hotel … has been the scene of many celebrations and some commiserations for party members, unionists, and local residents.”

— South Australian House of Assembly, 28 April 2009

Timeline of the Colac Hotel’s transformation

• 1881–1885: Hotel opens on Ocean Steamer’s Road opposite No. 1 Dock; serving wharf workers.
• c. 1900: Listed among 13 hotels owned by Charles Mallen & Co. Ltd (Wikipedia – Charles Mallen).
• 1944–1946: Memoir records daily life as a resident during wartime.
• 1970s–2011: Owned by ALP‑associated entities; profits fund party electioneering.
• 2011: Hotel closes and remains vacant for over a decade.
• 2022–2024: Dock One development includes heritage‑facade integration; construction begins (Glam Adelaide construction).
• 2025: COLAC Port Adelaide opens as a food‑and‑music venue.

Is There a New Hotel Coming to Port Adelaide?

As of 2025, no additional new hotel projects have been confirmed for Port Adelaide beyond the COLAC revival and the existing residential‑hospitality mix at Dock One. The redeveloped Colac itself is classified as a hotel, though it currently operates more as a restaurant and entertainment venue than as overnight accommodation. Searchers asking this question may be tracking the area’s growing visitor appeal—Port Adelaide’s revitalisation has attracted several apartment and retail developments, but no major hotel chain has announced plans.

What Do the Menu and Prices Look Like at the Colac Hotel?

COLAC Port Adelaide is described on TripAdvisor as a bar‑and‑pub restaurant serving lunch and dinner (TripAdvisor). The official website highlights a modern Australian menu with a focus on local produce, but as of June 2025 no full menu or price list is published online. Glam Adelaide’s first‑look article noted the venue offers “food, live music, and a full drinks offering” (Glam Adelaide first look).

Sample menu items (based on reviews and social‑media posts): Diners have posted pictures of burgers, seafood platters, and steak dishes. Pricing appears to be in line with other mid‑range Port Adelaide pubs—mains likely range from AUD $25 to $40, though this is inferred from similar venues and not directly confirmed.

What Do Reviews and Photos Reveal About the Colac Hotel?

With only six reviews on TripAdvisor as of mid‑2025, the pool is small but positive: the venue holds a 4.5‑star rating and is ranked #21 of 61 restaurants in Port Adelaide (TripAdvisor). Reviewers consistently mention the stylish renovation and friendly service. One reviewer noted the “great atmosphere” and “well‑priced drinks.” Another complimented the seafood platter. Because the sample is small, a generalised sentiment is premature.

Photos uploaded to TripAdvisor and Instagram show a bright, contemporary interior with exposed brick, modern lighting, and waterfront views. The outdoor terrace appears to be popular for evening drinks.

What Are the Opening Hours and Contact Information?

COLAC Port Adelaide is open seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (TripAdvisor; Glam Adelaide).

• Address: 1 Santo Parade, Port Adelaide SA 5015
• Phone: (08) 7228 2288 (COLAC official site)
• Online: colacportadl.com.au
• Social media: Instagram (@colacportadl) and Facebook (COLAC Port Adelaide)

The venue also has a function space and can be booked for private events via the website.