5 ways to experience the coast without getting wet

Swap your surfboard for a tote bag. Victor Harbor’s adventures await on land.

Victor Harbor has always been a coastal favourite. You can smell the salt, hear the gulls and catch glimpses of the sea just about everywhere you go — the town hums with the rhythm of the ocean.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to dip a toe in the water to feel its magic. The coast is as much about the views, the stories and the experiences as it is about the water itself.

Whether you long to refresh yourself in nature, dream of a view to accompany your morning coffee, or just forgot your bathers, there are plenty of ways to heed the call of the ocean without getting wet.

From clifftop strolls to historic trams and scenic bike paths, Victor Harbor’s off-water experiences are every bit as magical as its waves.

Here are five ways to explore the coast that’ll keep your feet dry but your heart full.

And, if you’re travelling soon, don’t forget to make the most of your Coast is Calling voucher by booking one of the many eligible stays or experiences available.

1. Take the high road: wander the cliffs of the Wild South Coast Way

If you want to feel the wind in your hair, grab your walking shoes and head for the coast.

The Wild South Coast Way is part of the iconic Heysen Trail, offering panoramic ocean views, windswept headlands and the kind of raw beauty that makes you stop in awe.

High above the crashing surf, the Wild South Coast Way delivers drama at every step. The 11km section from Kings Beach to Waitpinga is particularly special — and often dotted with sea eagles, kangaroos or the occasional Southern Right Whale just offshore.

Grab a thermos and some local snacks – drop into RAW Bulk Wholefoods or stop by the farmers markets on Saturday morning – and take your time. This is the kind of walk where you’ll stop often, not because you’re tired, but because the view demands it.

2. Hop aboard a coastal icon: the Horse Drawn Tram

Victor Harbor’s most iconic experience doesn’t need a wetsuit — just a sense of nostalgia.

Step aboard the Horse Drawn Tram and clip-clop your way across the causeway to Granite Island behind a gentle Clydesdale.

Operating since the 1890s, this heritage tram is one of only a handful left in the world — and the ultimate slow-travel experience, still operating every day. You’ll trundle above the clear, shallow waters, the sea breeze on your face and memories in the making.

Once on the island, take a selfie at the iconic Umbrella Rock, spot some seals sunning themselves in the spray, or climb to the highest point and enjoy the view back across the township.

On your way home, take a spiritual journey along the causeway, officially named Kaldowinyeri Yarluki meaning ‘Dreaming Track’ in the local Ngarrindjeri language. Home to the Australia’s longest permanent Indigenous artwork, the causeway is etched with 11 characters from local Dreaming stories – all the way from Kaiki (Granite Island) to Pultung (Victor Harbor). If you want to learn more, book a guided experience with Kool Tours where you can learn the history and stories from expert guides.

It’s a short trip with a big payoff: fresh air, sweeping views and a connection to history that still feels alive today.

3. Cycle the Encounter Bikeway — and stop often

Want to cover more ground? The Encounter Bikeway is your ticket to freedom. Stretching 30 kilometres from Victor Harbor to Goolwa, it’s a coastal ribbon that links beaches, towns and viewpoints all in one easy ride.

Hire a bike (or an e-bike) from Spinway Bike Hire or Venture Victor and set out at your own pace.

It’s family-friendly, beautifully signposted, and dotted with perfect stop-offs like Qahwa Café (bonus points if you pause for a game of beach volleyball).

If you’re feeling adventurous, make a whole day of it — or keep it easy with a short spin and a long lunch.

You’ll find the coast feels different on two wheels — breezier, lighter and endlessly refreshing.

4. Take in the views without taking a plunge

You don’t need to dive into the ocean to connect with it. Some of the best experiences happen from a lookout — where sea meets sky and everything feels big and wide open.

Head up to the Bluff, which rises dramatically at the edge of town, offering panoramic views across Encounter Bay. It’s an easy walk from the carpark, and on a good day you might spot dolphins twisting in the waves or even the spout of a whale in the distance.

Or, ask a local where they go to soak up the view, then pack a picnic and follow the roads that wind into the hills. The ridgelines that cradle Victor Harbor are dotted with hidden lookouts, each offering a fresh perspective of the town and the sea — the kind of spots you only find by making connections and asking the right questions.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not give the Off The Bluff Abseiling Experience with Surf and Sun a go.

And when you’re ready to refuel, stop for a coffee and a bite to eat at Whalers Seaside Dining with spectacular views across Encounter Bay.

5. Book a dry-footed experience — and make your Coast is Calling voucher count

Victor Harbor has a long list of experiences – including many eligible for Coast is Calling vouchers – that don’t require a wetsuit.

• Experience the ocean from a Big Duck Boat Tour (yes, technically on water — but you stay dry!)
• Book a Ngarrindjeri cultural tour with Kool Tours, and hear Elder Mark Koolmatrie share the Dreaming stories of Country
• Take a Discover Victor Harbor walking tour with Professor Smith and see Victor Harbor through new eyes
• Step into a world of indulgence and simple pleasures with a Sweetology Candy Experience at All Sweets and Treats
• Stay in a luxury cliffside cottage with ocean views and a firepit at Kings Beach Retreat — or stay in town within walking distances of the local cafes at Pan Co.

Whether you’re cycling the cliffs, riding a tram or grazing your way through town, you’ll find that the coast has its own rhythm — and it doesn’t always include waves.