South Australians have historically chosen Victor Harbor as their summer holiday retreat.
Located on the eastern side of the Fleurieu Peninsula, just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide, Victor Harbor provides a range of activities to entertain the whole family. Visitors can enjoy the beach, observe local marine life, including whales, take leisurely walks along the coast, watch a movie in a classic cinema, try traditional candy rock, and much more.
Visiting Victor also allows for the opportunity to experience some of the country’s unique modes of transportation. They may be slow, but there’s no rush – you’re on vacation!
Here are ten recommended things to do in Victor Harbor.
Visit Granite Island
Granite Island is located off the coast of Victor Harbour. It is known for its rugged landscape and orange-tinged lichen-covered granite boulders. The island features a collection of public sculptures that are spread throughout. Visitors can take a three-kilometre walk called the Kaiki Walk to see the artwork. At the end of the walk, there is a viewing platform with stunning views of the ocean. One popular attraction on the island is the historic Screw Pile Jetty, a favourite spot for local anglers.
Ride a horse-drawn tram
Multiple transportation options exist to reach Granite Island, but one unique way is to take a horse-drawn tram with Victor Harbor Tramway. This tram ride across the historic 630-metre wooden causeway is exclusive to this location in Australia. Clydesdales, magnificent horses, are used in pairs to pull the tram. While one horse pulls the tram, visitors can meet the other horse resting in the stable next to the tram platform.
Swim with the fastest marine creatures
At Oceanic Victor, you can swim with the southern bluefin tuna, Australia’s fastest sea creature. This in-sea aquarium is located near Granite Island. The tuna is known as the ‘Ferrari of the sea‘, and you can dive in and meet them as they swim in search of food. If you’re not a swimmer, you can still feed the fish from the pontoon. There are also other exciting sea creatures in the shallow tanks near the café and an underwater viewing area. It’s important to note that Oceanic Victor is currently closed, but we hope it will reopen soon.
Study the behaviour and characteristics of whales
To get to the South Australian Whale Centre, follow the tram tracks after returning to the mainland. The centre is in a heritage railway shed with a roof covered in soot and exposed beams. You can see the old railway tracks through a glass floor. At the centre, you will learn about whale ecology and gain a comprehensive understanding of the large mammals that migrate through these waters in winter. Additionally, there are intriguing artefacts from different Sea Shepherd campaigns on display.
Go whale watching
If you visit Victor between late May and the end of October, you can go whale watching. The Bluff is a great place to watch for whales from shore. But for a better view, join Big Duck Boat Tours on their Southern Ocean Adventure. On this tour, you might see bottlenose dolphins, seals, seabirds, and, hopefully, whales.
Experience a ride on a heritage steam train
Experience the stunning turquoise coastline on the famous ‘Cockle Train’ operated by the Steam Ranger Heritage Railway. The railway, established in 1854, was South Australia’s first and Australia’s first line with iron rails. It connected Victor Harbor, Port Elliot, and the mouth of the Murray River at Goolwa. Initially, horse-drawn trains transported goods between the ports and Murray, and locals would hitch a ride to Goolwa to collect cockles for fishing. Steam trains were introduced 30 years later, and the line now operates as a tourist service two or three times a week.
Visitors can disembark at Goolwa to explore handmade arts and crafts on the station platform, try local ales or whiskeys at the Steam Exchange Brewery, or have a seaside lunch at the Goolwa Wharf precinct.
Visit the historic city centre
The city centre of Victor Harbor has a charming old-world feel. Visitors can enjoy a movie at the Victa Cinema, restored to its former heritage glory, or browse the handmade wooden toys at the Encounter Centre toyshop, a charitable business supporting local people with disabilities. For a nostalgic experience, All Sweets and Treats in Main Street offers a variety of traditional sweets such as cobbers, musk sticks, and boiled lollies.
Visit the mouth of the Murray Rive
The drive from Goolwa to Hindmarsh Island is short. This is where the Murray River meets the sea after travelling 2,500 kilometres from the Snowy Mountains. The river flows into the Southern Ocean. Step foot on the enchanting island, named after the esteemed Sir John Hindmarsh, the very first Governor of South Australia. You can see the western part of the Coorong National Park across the water, but you’ll have to take the longer route (via Lake Alexandrina) to explore it.
Take a ride on the Encounter Bikeway
The Encounter Bikeway is a 30-kilometre bike path that stretches along the coastline between Victor Harbor and Goolwa. It is popular among cyclists and pedestrians, providing access to tranquil inlets, pretty coves, uncrowded beaches, playgrounds, and other coastal facilities. If interested, you can rent a bike from Spinway and start your adventure.
