Best Spots for Whale Sightings in Victor Harbor
There are many reasons why watching in Victor Harbor is popular. During whale season there are several ways to see the whales passing by or basking in our turquoise waters.
To spot whales from the land, here are the best whale-watching vantage points:
- Head to the top of the cliffs at The Bluff
- Stop past Nakurami Kondoli, the whale lookout at Encounter Bay
- Check out Basham Beach at Middleton
- Head to Frenchman’s Lookout at Port Elliot
You can also stop by the South Australia Whale Centre or jump on their Facebook Page to check the most recent sightings in the area. Check out their interactive exhibits and activities while you’re visiting.
If you haven’t had any luck spotting whales from the shore, don’t worry. The best whale sightings in Victor Harbor happen from the sea! Hop on board The Big Duck Boat Tours and go on The Southern Ocean Adventure, departing at the end of the causeway on Granite Island. The tour takes you to inaccessible islands and areas of coastline where you can admire the spectacular views and spot seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales in the wild. Keen bird watchers can also spot sea birds fishing the surrounding waters. The tour operators will also give you valuable insights into these wonderful marine creatures.
Whale Season in Victor Harbor
Typically, whale season in Victor Harbor runs from late May to October when the whales migrate to the warmer, sheltered waters of Encounter Bay to socialise, court, and raise their calves before heading back down south to Antarctica. This creates the perfect excuse for a winter getaway to the region.
Visit the SA Whale Centre for a whale watching map or download the map or full brochure.
Shop Coastal Habitat for comfort, style, and service
Preloved Vintage Americana and 80s/90s nostalgia.
A self-guided trail exploring public art pieces in Victor Harbor.
A month-long festival of fun and thought provoking events, celebrating the annual migration of whales to the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Victor Harbor Art Show: Australia’s largest outdoor art exhibition
Phosphorescence: A dazzling light sculpture in the heart of Victor Harbor
A mural for the building that reflects the character of Victor Harbor
Discover ‘Connection’ – A captivating public artwork in Railway Terrace
Crafted from layered Corten steel with stainless steel accents, the sculptures play with depth, contrast, and abstraction.
Kondoli the whale has always been important for the Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri people.
Experience the Spirit of Ngurunderi at Granite Island’s the Causeway
Victor Harbor is more than just a picturesque holiday destination on the Fleurieu Peninsula; it’s an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Every sip of Moo gin is infused with the warmth and charm of the countryside. Gather round the fire, enjoy some local nibbles, and let handcrafted spirits transport you to the heart of country comfort.
Sparking curiosity of the maritime world through exciting and engaging educational programs
Discover Victor Harbor on foot with an interactive and informative tour.
Bike and Paddleboard hire right on the Causeway.
Explore one of South Australia’s most stunning multi-day hilkes
Fresh locally caught seafood in Victor Harbor.
Picturesque Golf course minutes from Victor Harbor.
Cut Hill Distillery is committed to exploring our Australian whisky roots, tapping into the history books, and evolving the traditions of old.
A marketplace of makers, designers, doers and dreamers
Expert local knowledge at your fingertips.
Picturesque falls hidden in Hindmarsh Valley.
Amazing views of the Victor Harbor coastline from Granite Island.
Victor Harbor has a rich and diverse history, with stories told through many of our built heritage places.
Digital art installation on Victa Cinema
Beach Volleyball in Victor Harbor.
Convenient Bike Hire taking you places you want to go.
Fine Art in Victor Harbor
At Victor Harbor Golf Club your round begins with one of Australia’s most exhilarating tee shots.
SA Whale Centre, the one stop shop for whale discovery.
Private Boat Charters around the Encounter Bay area.
The iconic ‘Adare’ provides a unique mix of traditional camp and tent style accommodation, cabins and caravan sites
See The Bluff from a different angle.
Granite Island is one of the most recognised ecological attractions in Victor Harbor.
Kool Tours is an authentic tribal experience through Southern SA.
Amazing views of the Victor Harbor coastline from Granite Island.
Picturesque falls hidden in Hindmarsh Valley.
An on-road and shared trail that links the coastal city of Victor Harbor and the river port town of Goolwa, via the coastal towns of Port Elliot and Middleton.
Providing Bus tours and hire options for the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Modern swimming and fitness centre on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Spot whales from the shore on this self-guided walk along the coast.
Bicycle and E-Bike hire in Victor Harbor
Encounter breathtaking coastal views, fertile farmland and the rich cultural history in the vibrant heart of the Fleurieu; Victor Harbor.
Granite Island is one of the most recognised ecological attractions in Victor Harbor.
Discover the spectacular views of Encounter Bay or book a tour of the spectacular local area.
The Stables is a behind-the-scenes experience offering people an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of the renowned Victor Harbor Horse Tram.
Relive the whaling, shipping and railway days of early Victor Harbor. Visit the Victor Harbor branch of the National Trust SA’s museum and see how the early settlers lived and how the visitors holidayed.
Explore inaccessible areas of coastline and islands around Victor Harbor.
Ride the historic Horse Drawn Tram across The Causeway to Granite Island. The Tramway commenced operation in 1894 and is one of two remaining in the world that operate a daily service.
A unique opportunity to get up close with Alpaca’s and enjoy this Australian farm lifestyle.
Walk or cycle every inch of the rugged coastline of Victor Harbor and or venture further afield and explore the surrounding area.
Sample the best food and wine South Australia has to offer with fresh local produce and award-winning wines.
Watch the gentle Southern Right Whales and Humpbacks as they glide through our glimmering waters on their annual migration.
Disconnect from the world on secluded beaches, traverse bushland trails or try your luck spotting our rich local flora and fauna.
Live like a local at the farmers’ market with in-season local farm-fresh produce and delicious artisan foods.
Nestled in the space of Charlie and Jack, enter the portal to happiness
Embark on a transformative journey to enhance your resilience and mental strength.
The spa offers a diverse range of treatments, from rejuvenating facials, indulgent massages, floatation therapy and Japanese Scalp Spa.
Offering waxing, tinting, manicures, pedicures, massage, facials, spray tans, back treatments and scrubs.
Showcasing a range of products created by Artisans, Makers and Creators from across the Fleurieu and Hills.
Take a step back in time and experience Victor Harbor’s rich First Nations culture and 200-year-old European history.
Pick up a paintbrush and unleash your creativity at an artist’s workshop, or wander the local galleries and marvel at the diversity of our local artists.
The Coral Street Art Space encourages the development of a creative cultural industry in Victor Harbor.
From mini-golf and bike riding to laid-back beaches that will keep the kids entertained for hours, discover South Australia’s favourite family holiday destination.
Quality Hand Carved Wooden toys
Be entertained in true seaside fashion by the Girdler Family with their range of family amusements; located at the end of the causeway, Victor Harbor.
Hands on family friendly animal experience.
Challenge yourself and your friends with chopping good fun while axe throwing.
All the sweets and treats one could dream of.
Ride the Heritage Railway along the picturesque coast.
Absolute beachfront holiday park in Victor Harbor.
Stay at the Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park in the picturesque seaside town of Victor Harbor, South Australia, and make your next holiday a memory to last forever.
